Fencing's Most Divisive Figure- Curtis McDowald

[@jessco8950]

I have no idea why KZbin recommended me a video on a controversial fencer but I am not disappointed.

[@garchompdude]

He was also barred from competing in the USFA for a year after the Pan-Am games for accusations of sexual assault. It’s important to note said coach that was outed for racism was from St. John’s. Which is where Curtis also went. Curtis was unfortunately also well known for having an explosive temper on the US circuit before the Ari Simmons bout. He was black carded in a pool at a NAC once after he escalated an argument with a ref to the point where security was called.

[@dontflyspirit6535]

show me a video of that poule bout

[@garchompdude]

@@dontflyspirit6535 no videos for pools. Happened in 2018 iirc and multiple people mentioned it in a reddit thread

[@スタター]

Really great video. As a black sabre fencer it really hurt having my first impression of him be his poor attitude paired with the racist comments that stemmed from it.

[@joeroe2622]

I've always liked the openness of the fencing community. I'm able to fence all types of different people at my club. Seeing those insane comments was a weird reality check that even this sports community is problematic in some parts.

[@leftysabreuse3257]

this comment has the sanest take, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I feel for Curtis' struggles as a fencer of color and simultaneously abhor how he treats and impacts others.

[@Johnny-Michael]

He can not handle his emotions and his team and country suffered as a consequence. It is despicable behavior.

[@inteist]

Thank you for calling out the victim mindset.

[@christopherbartlett8100]

Curtis is a loud, flashy, obnoxious , angry, spoiled, undisciplined, flamboyant, bullying, unsportsmanlike thief who, every time he is called out cries "didn't do nuthin". playing into almost every racial stereotype. But you're right. The real problem is white people. It's tragedy that he was allowed to get this far without someone holding him accountable, why wasn't it you?

[@donaldbadowski290]

You wonder why he doesn't get blackcarded for that brutal leg whipping of Knysh? Simple. He's developed a rep for being a hard to referee. Hot tempered, purposely doing illegal things, then arguing and arguing, slowing the bout down, making life miserable for the poor refs stuck with his bouts. So the refs start to ignore the things that any other fencer would get carded for. "Oh well, that's just McDowald. What ya gonna do?" Sandro Bazadze does the same thing. Constantly coming off the strip and getting in the refs' face to argue a call, and yelling all the time he does so. Yet refs let him get away with that, over and over. And the result? In a sport where we already have controversy over the refs making seemingly random decisions about who's attack it was, and none of us being able to see a difference in two attacks, Bazadze get the benefit of the doubt. You can't prove this, but I'd say the refs are giving him that call simply because they don't want to put up with the arguing from him if he doesn't get it. As for the racism. Of course there is racism in fencing, as there is everywhere. But in this video we've seen examples of him doing things over and over again and not getting carded, including that brutal act against Knysh. Do you think it possible that refs let these things go, simply because they don't want to hear his accusation of racism, and McDowald knows this? I do. And the proof is that he didn't even attempt to apologize. He just walked away.

[@MisterPeckingOrder]

I agree with that last sentiment. We cannot be naive and assume everyone acts in good faith, and I do believe many people weaponize whatever they can because they know they can get away with it, and I do believe that experiencing any form of suffering at the hands of another human being can stunt one’s empathy and make them more likely to weaponize everything they can whenever they can. It is awful because this sort of thing directly feeds our planets nasty cycle of hatred and violence.

[@D26L71G9]

You sound like a hoe crying.. shut up

[@cloudnein3483]

Keep in mind he has worse antics than Sebastian Patrice, Sandro Bazadze, Valerio Aspromonte & Bogdan Nikishyn, all while being less skilled & more egotistical, I am unsure of how many blacks cards any of those 4 fencers have received but McDowald is absolutely a disgrace to fencing, no excuse is enough to justify any of his actions, decisions or lack of self-control. All high level fencers have similar levels of drive & competitiveness but no one uses it as blatantly as an excuse as McDowald does. Racism is not an excuse to be a violent, dangerous fencer who throws literal tantrums & gets his national team disqualified from Pan-Ams due to him having ZERO respect for anyone, not even himself.

[@Rippedpaper]

what's wrong with Patrice?

[@cloudnein3483]

@@Rippedpaper Get's far too emotional & caught up in his own head during many bouts where it just divulges into pointless complaining & arguments with the ref & in some times physical confrontations with his opponent ( Namely whenever he faces Bazadze )

[@cloudnein3483]

@@Rippedpaper TLDR he shoots himself in the foot by letting his emotions control him & loses a lot of face & points from it

[@bellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA]

@@Rippedpaper stop seb patrice is my pookie🥺

[@D26L71G9]

Okay.. you don’t compete so stfu

[@simple11q]

Thats the problem with high competitive fencing, it can bring out the the worst emotional outbursts and attitudes when not warrented. In some people. High stakes high emotiones. Ive seen it enough where an initial nice fencer ends up being their own worst enemy. It ultimately leaves a bad taste and gives fencing a bad name. So systems need to be in place that penalize poor behaviours like these. Emotional maturity. Luckily the majority of fencers are nice.

[@Ali-e5h1b]

The black card event really makes it seem that he can't handle losing a fair game. Perhaps he has no problem winning an unfair game?

[@StephenVTran]

Non fencer here, great video.

[@lachlanswain1750]

Great video! More one's like this please, it's great to learn about the story behind a sometimes faceless fencer.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

He’s got the temper of a sabre fencer

[@inteist]

Why are you being an asshole? Don't be an asshole...

[@BetterExplanation]

Clearly you haven’t fenced foil competitive in a while. I’ll admit that epee fencers are usually a lot more relaxed.

[@brozomicki-sothe307]

@ foil fencers may be intense but sabre fencing take this one

[@yeeyee9974]

People didn’t dislike Curtis because of his color, it is because of his attitude. I can’t speak for all, but most people respect talented fencers in the fencing community regardless of their background, religion, skin color or gender.

[@hgriff14]

yeah im 6 seconds in and no shit people dont like this guy. and i don’t know anything about fencing. in any sport this guy is getting called out for his behavior.

[@KeiFresh]

The first two clips alone turned me away from him

[@KatonRyu]

If he always fences with an "I'm the victim" mindset, he's going to keep getting in trouble for doing stupid things. Yeah, he's probably run into racism in his fencing career, and that definitely shouldn't have happened, but that's no excuse to act the way he does. Everyone gets pissed on-strip sometimes. Everyone will have done _something_ they really shouldn't have in anger. But to become infamous for it like he has really says something about the frequency and level of his fits of anger, and he really needs to learn to control it before he gets permanently banned.

[@ZeAlfredo]

Racism as he discribes it is not "imma call you a name" its "im going cinstantly absue my power as a refer to give preferential treatment to your opponent unless your victory is absolutely undeniable"

[@chunder393]

i dont know anything about fencing which means this video is taking off outside of the fencing algorithm. keep up.

[@PaoloMitchem]

I think it’s safe to say Curtis is the first fencer to actively compete with CTE

[@AntonAdelson]

First talented thug fencer? Thug fencers are present just never reach anywhere

[@tigorriley27]

Wasn’t he also under investigation for sexual assault?

[@erdngtn9942]

Do my ears deceive me or is a Brit judging a person of color on their Character and not color their skin. Still not allowed to criticize black athletes here in US which is how he got so far.

[@D26L71G9]

Yeah so eat one.. with a side of hairy nuts

[@cosmobilling1749]

sorry but as someone who does both fencing (for 10 years now) and kendo, kiai is not at all like the screaming in fencing. very different, and for completely different purposes

[@rosariovella7415]

explain please :D

[@stefanlvkc7986]

@@rosariovella7415 Kiai is done to call your strike as it's being made and is a criteria. It's not after the fact and you literally say which area you are striking. It's how you differentiate between a hit you may have gotten by chance (i.e. cut and pray) and showing that what you did was a controlled, calculated, precise strike. When striking in kendo, you literally say what you're doing at the point of impact. Cut the head, you yell "men" for the face/head. Cut the forearm, you yell "kote" for the forearm. Cut the torso, you tell "do" for it (literally "trunk"). Thrust the throat you tell "tsuki" for thrusting. Pretty easy to get. I may be somewhat ignorant regarding fencing, but it seems like vocalizing is done after the fact and is either an appeal or an emotional outburst. Emotional outbursts in kendo result in the point being taken away, not given. Classic example was at a high-school national championship when one player did a small fist pump well after scoring and his point was taken. Celebratory acts are not allowed. The idea is to behave with dignity and treat your opponent with respect. Not saying in any way that fencers shouldn't vocalize or charge themselves up vocally, but the displays and theatrics after the match are unnecessary at best. In this very video, there is literally someone yelling after the opponent loses on a penalty call and swords were never crossed. Would never happen in kendo. No open celebration in kendo, period.

[@rosariovella7415]

great video. please more of these kind of athlete videos !

[@darkblade225]

As a non fencer I enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@24HourDesign]

This whole vid makes me anxious lol.

[@amelial.265]

He was my former coach in middle school. I have been saying this for years and stuff. He wasn't really unsportsmanlke nor egotistical but it really makes sense now.

[@AntonAdelson]

I guess he got out of the hood. So he got what he wanted. Better than a life of crime!

[@dongvermine]

He sounds a lot like Jon Jones on his vocal affectation

[@tkimmyfencing]

its disappointing that someone who's so talented and unique can have such a bad rep

[@benjithomas112]

He reminds me of my first Goliath sized opponent I had in a junior county tourney. While the diesepline was Foil the circumstances match where curtis got the black card where the same as when I barley beat him 15-14 after the hand shake and disconnect he takes his anger out on another piest which leads him to be black carded.

[@jamesbarbour327]

And with his his horrible reputation, and accusations of sexual harassment, how the HELL did this guy get on the World Cup Team, and why wasn 't the coach all over him for endangering the team's result???

[@AntonAdelson]

Maybe the coaches are not allowed to communicate to fencers during bouts?

[@iainmcclure416]

Two points 1. 15:31 This is the crux Losing on a card feels like you weren't outfenced. Picking fights with opponents and refs is a way of avoiding / delaying the key question: am I good enough? 2. Can anyone update me on the harassment allegations against McDowald?

[@someoneelse293]

Great tone bro...

[@giulianofrancopalazzi1104]

@Slicer Sabre what's the last clip about? He asks the ref for his opponent to straighten his blade but the ref then tells him to straighten his own?

[@AntonAdelson]

I've been fencing for 6 years and I've never seen anything like that. I'm guessing curtis complained that opponnents blade is too bent so the ref showed him that it's ok and also tested his own for good measure?

[@celestialtoystore]

I'll say it. The guy is vying for the accolade of being the most vigorous right arm in fencing.

[@christopherbartlett8100]

He is not a positive influence on the sport. He is a terrible role model for new fencers.He lowers the integrity of epee and has embarrassed our country. worst of all, he chokes at pivotal moments and LOSES. get rid of him, he just isnt that interesting. He is a microcosm and example of the consequences of the race conversation in this country.

[@ayushkadel1168]

Just say you hate black peopleand move on

[@kehlarcorsair1524]

I would have liked to have heard when he was what rating through this story.

[@imeaniguess.6963]

The only thing I don’t get is the act of fencing itself. Like what’s the point of both people simultaneously striking each other. It’s like there’s no real winner half of the time whereas Kendo, and other forms are pretty decisive.

[@SlicerSabre]

This is epee, arguably the most objective sword sport around. Near simultaneous strikes are inevitable in any sword sport even Kendo. Tell me how touches at 4:06, 4:11, 4:30, 4:38, 4:42 aren't decisive?

[@imeaniguess.6963]

@ I’m not saying they aren’t ALWAYS decisive, I’m just saying that it seems most of the time that you take at least collateral damage. If this were a real fight wouldn’t that be bad? I guess my question could be better aligned to be is this derived from a martial art/ more practical application, or was it solely created for sport?

[@SlicerSabre]

Firstly, whilst modern fencing is directly descended from "real" historical fencing, it has over the course of hundreds of years evolved into a sport. Nobody competing in high level fencing even considers the "what if they were sharp" question. Secondly, even in a "real fight" this "collateral damage" is very difficult to avoid even for a skilled fencer. If your only exposure to swordplay is via popular media then you might not understand that it is much easier to hit than it is to avoid being hit.

[@imeaniguess.6963]

@ Taking out the,”What if they were sharp”, kind of makes it boring. Lol I learned katana while training…I also use Kali sticks, Bo/jo staff, and stuff like that. I could pick up a broom or something and use it in case I needed to. These weapons are easy to not take collateral damage with, and that’s especially true with sticks. However, if you double the sword they work exactly the same, but I’ve seen ridiculous defense in Kendo that simply on an objectively higher level than this. I would guess the flimsiness of it is what makes more collateral damage. I’m actually really good at not being hit though, it really only depends on how your opponent is holding their weapon, and how you hold yours in response. I guess this answered my question though. I had already seen your video,”Olympic Fencing Is More Realistic Than You Think”, that answered the question as well too. Thanks.

[@gustaferikmoland704]

milennials making a mockery of this gentlemans sport

[@king0fheart4711]

Don't sensationalize Curtis. This fool needs to be put in etiquette school.

[@gregorystarr8254]

i send 6 month before using a foil and 4month before any match i beat all of ohio states and the other groups and win the championship but they refuse me the trophy after i paid 65 dollar to enter the matches i stop because of the prejudice in the state of ohio

[@sinclair4626]

I’m not into fencing nor have I ever looked up any fencing videos, but this was a very good video. But I don’t think this Curtis dude is misunderstood. He just seems like an annoying loud mouth. Incredibly selfish and childish.

[@Maitre_D_Armes]

À quelle heure, de tels héros...

[@albertbresca8904]

yeh good fencer but bad team mate

[@peterlewis8006]

quite a glorifying thumnail you have there

[@ayushkadel1168]

Stop being so soy. Just ignore it lol turn off the computer

[@Samuel-sg2iv]

Dude should be a mma fighter not a fencer, bro is misusing his anger.

[@dogestranding5047]

He’d be the type of MMA fighter to not let go of a submission after the opponent taps or to hit his opponent after the fight lol

[@aintjamama8053]

I first found out about Curtis from a Hodinkee ‘Talking Watches’ episode. Looks to be a chill person off the strip but quickly changes when he’s on it. Hindering his own individual accomplishments is one thing, but to bring the entire Team USA down with you is next-level selfishness. The bad boy of fencing.

[@cloudnein3483]

He's not even the "bad boy" he is just straight up the abuser

[@seantherevelator4896]

Hes qn excellent fencer. A natural. Just extremley undisicplined as far as sportsmanship goes. Some try to say h3s trying to make a more street version of fencing and that just sounds ignorant af. The guy just needs tp be twlked to....NOBODY should get their ENTIRE TEAM disqualified like that and expect to be let off the hook

[@tkimmyfencing]

bro 9:32 😭

[@Sage_6reen]

My God some of these comments are blatant dog whistles

[@Xnovality]

Y’all really hate the truth

[@noelabsol2834]

😭

[@jakewarren4923]

weird guy but i seriously fuck w the green glove

[@AlecFortescue]

This is why you gatekeep.

[@LoudPxckk]

man im new to all this but why do yall even like fencing? i think the bendy swords look so dumb and hema is way cooler, why dont we shift into popularizing the more realistic sword fighting style instead of people screaming and poking eachother with bendy sticks, hema is way cooler