USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — After much anticipation, USA Fencing and Absolute Fencing are thrilled to announce the continuation of the International Regional Circuit (IRC) with the summer 2024 installment set to take place in the vibrant city of Wuxi, China. 

This summer’s IRC installment is set for Aug. 3–4 at the Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition Center, where fencers in the Y10, Y12, Y14, Cadet and Junior age categories will compete for medals and important ranking points that will give them a jump start on next season. 

Ever since the IRC debuted, fencers living abroad have appreciated the chance to compete against the best closer to home while earning qualifying positions at U.S. fencing tournaments. (While they were designed for fencers living overseas, IRC tournaments are open to anyone with a USA Fencing membership — whether they live in the U.S. or another country. Traveling to China this summer? Why not sign up?)

Fencers with International Competitive Licenses: You’ll be able to register starting at the beginning of registration on May 17. That means if you are an international fencer and have an international competitive license, you can register for the IRC starting May 17 — and renew your ICL membership starting May 17 as well which will cover you through the 24-25 season (July 31, 2025).

Competitive Members (athletes who regularly compete/live in the United States): You will be able to renew your membership and register for the IRC starting on July 1. Don’t worry — our venue is extremely large, and events will not be capped. All will be welcome to attend and fence.

Cadet and Junior Events 

All athletes who place in the top 32 of the combined IRC list for Junior and Cadet are eligible to compete in these events at the 2025 July Challenge (part of Summer Nationals in Milwaukee).

Youth Events 

In addition, international youth athletes who fence in an IRC in Y10, Y12 and/or Y14 will meet the prerequisite for fencing in the March 2025 NAC.  

For U.S. athletes living abroad that fence in an IRC in Y10, Y12 and/or Y14, they will qualify for 2025 Summer Nationals for each respective event in which they place in the top 40%. 

Hotel Information: (all hotels are across or next to the Exhibition Center)

• 5 Star: World Hotel Grand Juna Wuxi  No. 111, Hefeng Rd. Binhu District, Wuxi, China

• 4 Star: Holiday Inn Taihu New City   77 Qingshu Rd. Binhu District, Wuxi, China

• 3 Star: Holiday Inn Express Taihu New City  77 Qinghu Rd. Binhu District, Wuxi, China

Discount hotel Rate including Breakfast can be reserved: irc@wuxiweiteng.com

Hotel Reservation via phone: +86 17315518691

Tournament Dates: Aug. 3 and 4, 2024

Registration Opens: Friday, May 17, 2024

Withdrawal Deadline: July 10, 2024

Regular Fee Deadline: July 17, 2024 Extended to July 26, 2024

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

Location: Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition Center - 88 Qingshu Rd. Binhu District, Wuxi

Additional information regarding equipment check will be posted in the coming months. If you have questions regarding rules and regulations, please take a look at the event page for the IRC on member.usafencing.org. If you still have further questions you can email Michael Aiken, National and International Events Manager, at m.aiken@usafencing.org.    

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!