USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — After four years, the wait is over.

USA Fencing and Absolute Fencing are thrilled to announce the return of the International Regional Circuit (IRC), marking the first time we’ve hosted one of these important tournaments since August 2019. 

The tournament will be held Dec. 30 and 31, 2023, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and will feature competitions in cadet, junior, and youth categories across all three weapons. Registration opens Sept. 8, with a regular-fee deadline of Dec. 1.

The IRC was born out of a pilot program launched by a working group of USA Fencing staff members, coaches and tournament officials. The group wanted to find a way to offer competition opportunities for young fencers living abroad who aspire to qualify for U.S.-based tournaments.

It was an instant hit. The December 2023 IRC serves as a qualifying opportunity for the 2024 March North American Cup (in the Y10, Y12, and Y14 events) as well as the 2024 July Challenge for Junior and Cadet competitors.

Note: Even though the initial genesis of the tournament was to provide a competitive opportunity for USA Fencing members living overseas, the tournament is open to all USA Fencing members, regardless of their place of residence.

Traveling to Hong Kong for vacation over the holidays? Why not compete in this tournament while you're there?

Registration Opens: 9 a.m. ET (1 p.m. UTC), Sept. 8

Regular Fee Deadline: Dec. 1

Late Entry Deadline: Dec. 29

Withdrawal Deadline: Dec. 8

Events Offered: Junior, Cadet, Y14, Y12 and Y10, Y12 and Y14

Location: Rotunda Hall 3, 6/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Dr., Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong

While there is no designated room block, the Camlux Hotel is recommended due to its close proximity to the venue — a two-minute walk. The hotel is located at 15 Wang Kwong Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon East, Hong Kong.

Participation in the IRC requires one of the following USA Fencing memberships:

• International Competitive License (Non-U.S. Athletes) - $115
• USA Fencing Competitive Membership (U.S. Citizens) - $99

The tournament is open to USA Fencing members with either of those membership types, regardless of where you live. That means USA Fencing members living either in the U.S. or abroad are eligible to compete!

The 2023 Hong Kong IRC will be the sole event of its kind for the 2023-2024 season. Athletes who place in the top 32 of the combined IRC list for Junior and Cadet categories will be eligible to compete in the July Challenge. Additionally, youth athletes competing in Y10, Y12 and/or Y14 categories at the IRC will meet the prerequisite for participation in the March Youth NAC. National points will be awarded to the top 40% of competitors at an SYC event.