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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
You accept racism in fencing because there is racism everywhere? If you concede there is racism in fencing, who's being racist against whom? I know practically nothing about fencing or the gentleman the video is about. Therefore, I am curious.
@@wataboxachun With someone like McDowald being such a great example... and acting like everything against him is racist... I'm sure racism will disappear soon
The biggest gaslight to not defending yourself or simply being yourself .. is fear of being called stereotypical. Don’t assimilate to make others comfortable. Shine bright.
@@donduchiee6923 Here effing here! So tired of culture and vivacious people being told to behave. Now we live in a world of grey McDonalds buildings. Anything loud or fun must be quashed.
@@Geminilion100 there is a difference between standing with pride and standing with arrogance and ego. being wild and aggressive in places where that is not needed nor wanted just disturbs the peace. you're not the main character, and you don't deserve everyone to be forced to deal with your chaos. the old adage of "there is a time and place for everything." so act the fool and everyone would treat you as such.
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???
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.
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"
@@ZeAlfredothat’s all? Universal factors such as seniority, nepotism, or even just having a likable attitude have caused far greater handicaps to opponents in competition than the discrimination resulting from the racism you allude to. You may have a personal issue with why he hasn’t had every door held open for him, but, unless there’s some great undiscovered injustice, the actual impact appears negligible.
@DFunct905 seniority as a factor is laughable at best, nepotism affects far fewer people. Racism is universally and admittedly by fencing organizations themselves a problem. The fact that we still have this issue with all of the advanced technology we have shows it to be true. His opponents routinely miss him but they get the point, he lands clean blows and still doesn't get the point. Other black male fencers have observed similar issues. It's not just him, the racism is obvious. One would need to be daft not to see it
@@ZeAlfredo It sounds like he and you are looking for any excuse to try and shame everyone else when the guy loses, and you think you have an easy card to pull by calling everyone racist. you're not helping your cause, because everyone can see that you are bullying well meaning people with false accusations and trying to make this egotistical lunatic look like a victim. For my part, I think he should be disqualified from ever performing again due to his unprofessional and childish temper tantrums, he's a stain on the sport and a bad look for the entire community. If he is your hero you may be the daft one m8
WHAT RACISM? Seriously? What he didn't get a call his way one time and because the ref is white he's sure it's racism? Did some Klansmen come up to NY and burn a cross outside his apartment building?
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.
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.
A fencing instructor at one of his clubs said he believes Lincoln made a mistake. That's blatantly racist. Some people are definitely racist, but Curtis should be more disciplined.
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.
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 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 )
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.
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.
Except the kiai in martial arts comes during the strike, not jumping around screaming for 30 seconds like a dork after the strike lands, these fencers are just acting out for extra attention.
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 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.
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?
I'm a non-fencer but great job with this video. I appreciate all combat-sport though. I guess the algorithm brought me here. I like how your breakdown highlights the way early experiences can contribute to framing future interactions. There is a delicate balance between stress and performance. Certain ideas or views come with their own emotional stress. It can fuel this sort of anxious, incredible toll on the nervous system (especially in this sport -just looking at the reflexes alone- amazing btw); or it can put us into spiral. But I can relate to his early environment and story. I'm grateful for my mentors that were around to help focus my mind inward and on my own growth. My sports (wrestling/judo/bjj) were mediums to channel my impulse toward self-refinement. For that, I am grateful.
Looks to me to be a case of some real raw talent, but a lack of in depth knowledge/ respect for the rules. Thats a shame. He’s a very interesting athlete to watch when he isn’t crossing the line like that.
Or somebody who wants to make waves. Building a name is nt always about respect for rules and traditions. Some of the most successful people acted like assholes to get there.
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?
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.
Lincoln made a mistake he said... Yet, people tell me in 2025 that racism is not a thing these days. They tell me that the right isn't racist, but on right wing websites you hear this kind of talk all the time. I am tired of the gaslighting. As a former college level fencer, I can't say that I ever felt any level of discrimination, but I can't say that I felt welcomed by the male fencers at my local club, but I got along real well with the ladies. To be tall dark and handsome all over again would be wonderful... appreciate your youth, my friends.
I'm an outsider to fencing... but these dramatics begin to occur when a martial sport loses its martial character. You would never act this way when actually stabbing a man in front of his friends or family - it would start a blood feud that would engulf the community. You would not pridefully preen the way this man does if you wanted to live a long life. The act of dueling was instituted to confine a dispute to the two parties... this behavior would explode the very purpose of the act itself.
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master Avoid showing your talents or achievements in front of those in power, as it may breed insecurity and lead to retaliation. Instead, make those above you feel comfortably superior. Law 46: Never Appear Too Perfect, emphasizes that envy creates silence, and appearing as one of the masses in style and values can deflect envy.
He got into it because of the Peter Westbrook Foundation which is a US based program aimed at families below median income. It was started by a black man intentionally to get other disadvantaged kids into the sport
Ngl in America especially NY everything expensive AF Bruv lmao .Fencing even Kendo is Expensive, Jiu Jitsu getting up there too smh sadly, MMA wrestling etc. Karate, Boxing still Doable.
Great video, I really believe you did justice at the end. When a black man sees the privilege of white his counterparts that he statically better than it will affect him. This man needs a psychologist to help him.
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.
The screaming so long as it doesn't include offensive words or persist for more than 3 seconds, should be allowed. The throwing things or hitting people stuff absolutely should not be allowed. I hope Curtis can find better ways to manage his emotions. The racism hr faces is never going away.
Fascinating stuff. It seems to me that McDowald is facing tough opponents who he is struggling with, and the stakes are getting higher, and so his frustrations and stress levels rise. Competition can change a person, especially very high level competition, and as someone who gets really ego butthurt competing, I kind of get why he's acting like that. Does it excuse his actions? Probably not.
*DEFINITELY NOT* [Stop trying to psychologically give yourself a backdoor escape route. It is *DEFINITELY NOT !* ] Uncalled for, uncouth, petty, shallow, and without warrant. Morally reprehensible.
at around 15 min it said he got a card touching his electrical equipemnt, to me (non fencer) i thoughth he was adjusting his grip on the sword. Why is this illegal ?
Curtis is unquestionably a very talented fencer. How much of the unnecessary drama, time wasting, physicality, and general obnoxiousness is tactical, or Curtis trying to create a brand is difficult to judge. Frankly he's not consistently good enough to get away with it yet, and he shouldn't be encouraged in doing it. Sadly not much of Pete Westbrook seems to have rubbed off on him. When he becomes a threat to the team it will become necessary to rein him in. I look forward to see what he will accomplish, and to be amused by, but not appreciative of, his theatrics.
if you were feared by the strong you would be ganged up on and removed. Humility is knowing that you are always close to death and you will always be insignificant to the universe.
@@enochianwolf nope he was right. Humility is knowing that there are bigger things than you and you dont need to be the best all the time and that letting othersshine and lifting them up is a virtue, the meek will appreciate that. Arrogance is knowing that youre a speck in the universe and not giving a fu*k and knowing deep inside that you're a winner and you will be a champion because you cant lose. A good leader needs a healthy amount of both. The strongest will want what you have regardless of your arrogance or humility. If you cant defend yourself act like you can, if you can defend yourself act like you cant and vice versa depending on your enemies and their perceptions/stereotypes of you. This strat changes as needed per the situation/circumstances.
@@matttheamerican3766 nonsense, just more meek and weak glorification. the worship of the victimhood, you may not be christian but its a very christian mindset. it's unnatural to the extreme and inhuman. People don't respect weakness, arrogance is simply falling short of your own inflated ego. If you are strong and intelligent and powerful, that's not arrogance. Arrogance is believing you are strong when you aren't, powerful when you aren't, intelligent when you aren't. Get your definitions correct, enough with the fake emotional virtue of seeking to be disabled or crippled as if that makes you great.
@@matttheamerican3766 sounds ridiculous, arrogance is pretending to be something you aren't. weakness and incapacity isn't something to be respected, or glorified.
Sorry, but at 9.52 you are totally wrong, the screaming in fencing, at least in all the videos I've seen, is pretty much the complete opposite of kiai in other martial arts, it looks like its almost always celebratory, "kiai" would be a sort of "vocal attack" during a fight.
in the era of drama queen esports pre-madonnas with the "let's go" and "temper tantrums". I'm not surpize when you put into context of the gen z generation. In a noble combat sport like this is no place for this. I think they should implement gentlemen rules to combat Curtis McDowald all across the board. No "victory shouting", no post point violence etc... etc. Fencing is a sport not a life or death MMA, it should have more rules to stamp out "unruly" children. You don't see Michael Phelphs pissing on the losers or spitting on them after his win. You don't see epsorts players teabagging or cussing after their win. I don't care how great a person is but if they can't be mattered, it's making the sport look bad like certain esports.
Some of the greatest athletes of all time like Michael Jordan, Pele, LeBron, Tyson, and Tom Brady have used “rule bending” and even cheating to their advantage. But there’s a reason they get away with it. You really have to understand the rules of the game on a fundamental level. You have to know what the officials see, what reasonably get away with. His problem is he not nearly as good at this as he thinks he is. I’m guessing he has the raw talent but he’s going to need years and years of experience to be able to pull this type of thing off.
Sounds like he could’ve been but eventually if he’s able to own up to his mistakes And that life’s defined by being treated poorly and getting screw. Learn to shake it off
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
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.
13:44 ngl this is a bit dumb like disqualifying the entire usa men’s epee for ts is wild. like i don’t agree w his actions just remove him or suspend just him
Race bait i know but i bit anyway... And yeah i saw this guys behaviour before... and it is unbecoming, uncouth, and frankly not fencer or fencing material.
In kendo (basically Japanese sports swordsmanship) our kiai (yell) is for ourselves. It gives us the spirit to strike during a stressful and tense stare off. It is not a celebration. If your attack seems like a celebration or you don’t humbly accept, your point is annulled and given to the other.
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.
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
The coach at the end was inappropriate in his statement regarding Lincoln, but the violent/gang culture does get pushed under the rug, unfortunately. I am happy Curtis made it out, it's hard to do, you have to want it. It's a shame he wants to be the victim instead of a positive role model. Anyone can change though
Violent/gang culture is not solely the preserve of black people though, nor are they the first or only racial group to have an issue with it in the US. Italian and Irish bootlegging gangs battled over turf a century ago, eventually morphing into organised crime groups... you have white supremacists, Mexican cartels, Chinese Triads, you name it. Violent gangs are a symptom of broader societal problems - not some kind of racial trait. And it's guys like that coach (who can't seemingly recognise the hypocrisy of using cultural stereotypes & racial profiling when he himself is an immigrant) who contribute to the divisiveness that gang culture thrives in.
there's absolutely no confusion as to his behavior, it's deeply encoded in his genetic code. He is like millions of others, has the same behavior, has the same personality, he just happens to excel at this particular sport.
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.
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?
@ 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?
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.
@ 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.
@imeaniguess.6963 omg Sensei Steven Seagal is that you? Your martial arts prowess is too much for these noob fencers! They must have forgot you are actually decended from Miyamoto Mushashi and trained in the ninja arts. Thank you for putting these fake sword fighters in there place master.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I have no idea why RUclips recommended me a video on a controversial fencer but I am not disappointed.
same makes me wanna fence lol
i dont know anything about fencing which means this video is taking off outside of the fencing algorithm. keep up.
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.
show me a video of that poule bout
@@dontflyspirit6535 no videos for pools. Happened in 2018 iirc and multiple people mentioned it in a reddit thread
What happened with the SA, was it genuine or no?
It's genuine and it's just the tip of the iceberg for him
i remember fencing him back when we were in high school. He was a pretty mediocre fencer but a really nice guy. wonder what happened
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for calling out the victim mindset.
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?
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?
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.
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.
You sound like a hoe crying.. shut up
you woulds know because your mama one@@D26L71G9
You accept racism in fencing because there is racism everywhere? If you concede there is racism in fencing, who's being racist against whom? I know practically nothing about fencing or the gentleman the video is about. Therefore, I am curious.
@@wataboxachun With someone like McDowald being such a great example... and acting like everything against him is racist... I'm sure racism will disappear soon
This dude is a child. However skilled he may be, he brings shame and embarrassment on the USA
You said "typical american" in another comment, shush
This is what has ALWAYS upset me as a black person. How do you not know by now that behaving in a stereotypical manner will get you stereotyped!? TF?
The biggest gaslight to not defending yourself or simply being yourself .. is fear of being called stereotypical. Don’t assimilate to make others comfortable. Shine bright.
@@donduchiee6923 Here effing here!
So tired of culture and vivacious people being told to behave. Now we live in a world of grey McDonalds buildings. Anything loud or fun must be quashed.
Shut the fuck up lmao, why do the white fencers get to express rage and not suffer racist attacks but the black ones cant?
@@Geminilion100 there is a difference between standing with pride and standing with arrogance and ego. being wild and aggressive in places where that is not needed nor wanted just disturbs the peace. you're not the main character, and you don't deserve everyone to be forced to deal with your chaos. the old adage of "there is a time and place for everything." so act the fool and everyone would treat you as such.
You sound like a clown.
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???
Maybe the coaches are not allowed to communicate to fencers during bouts?
because of racial priviledge
Non fencer here, great video.
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.
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"
@@ZeAlfredothat’s all? Universal factors such as seniority, nepotism, or even just having a likable attitude have caused far greater handicaps to opponents in competition than the discrimination resulting from the racism you allude to. You may have a personal issue with why he hasn’t had every door held open for him, but, unless there’s some great undiscovered injustice, the actual impact appears negligible.
@DFunct905 seniority as a factor is laughable at best, nepotism affects far fewer people. Racism is universally and admittedly by fencing organizations themselves a problem. The fact that we still have this issue with all of the advanced technology we have shows it to be true.
His opponents routinely miss him but they get the point, he lands clean blows and still doesn't get the point. Other black male fencers have observed similar issues. It's not just him, the racism is obvious. One would need to be daft not to see it
@@ZeAlfredo It sounds like he and you are looking for any excuse to try and shame everyone else when the guy loses, and you think you have an easy card to pull by calling everyone racist. you're not helping your cause, because everyone can see that you are bullying well meaning people with false accusations and trying to make this egotistical lunatic look like a victim. For my part, I think he should be disqualified from ever performing again due to his unprofessional and childish temper tantrums, he's a stain on the sport and a bad look for the entire community. If he is your hero you may be the daft one m8
WHAT RACISM? Seriously? What he didn't get a call his way one time and because the ref is white he's sure it's racism? Did some Klansmen come up to NY and burn a cross outside his apartment building?
Wasn’t he also under investigation for sexual assault?
haven't even thought about fencing ever and this got recommended. Watched all the way through still this slaps.
“He had ego and pride. We beat that out of him” is a wild statement to make publicly.
I love his opponents attitude!
13:07
Sometimes there is nothing you can do but smirk and dismiss a guy as nothing of much importance!
Love it!
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.
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.
The first two clips alone turned me away from him
A fencing instructor at one of his clubs said he believes Lincoln made a mistake.
That's blatantly racist. Some people are definitely racist, but Curtis should be more disciplined.
You do not know what you are talking about.
Great video! More one's like this please, it's great to learn about the story behind a sometimes faceless fencer.
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.
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.
what's wrong with Patrice?
@@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 )
@@Rippedpaper TLDR he shoots himself in the foot by letting his emotions control him & loses a lot of face & points from it
@@Rippedpaper stop seb patrice is my pookie🥺
Okay.. you don’t compete so stfu
He’s got the temper of a sabre fencer
Why are you being an asshole? Don't be an asshole...
Clearly you haven’t fenced foil competitive in a while. I’ll admit that epee fencers are usually a lot more relaxed.
@ foil fencers may be intense but sabre fencing take this one
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.
I guess he got out of the hood. So he got what he wanted. Better than a life of crime!
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.
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?
Except the kiai in martial arts comes during the strike, not jumping around screaming for 30 seconds like a dork after the strike lands, these fencers are just acting out for extra attention.
i agree he looks like a dork but you are mistaken about the kiai. intimidation is one of the uses in karate.
acting out for attention may as well be tattood on their foreheads, all of them
The fact fencing has a heel is hilarious
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
explain please :D
@@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.
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?
as a non fencer this video was really fascinating and enjoyable, thank you youtube algorithm-chan
As a non fencer I enjoyed this video 👍🏻
Thank you for making a pretty fair and well-rounded video even addressing the racism. I really appreciate this
I think it’s safe to say Curtis is the first fencer to actively compete with CTE
First talented thug fencer? Thug fencers are present just never reach anywhere
@@AntonAdelson That's not what CTE means XD
@@cloudnein3483 Yeah, I don't know what I was replying to... Maybe op was edited? 😅
great video. please more of these kind of athlete videos !
He sounds a lot like Jon Jones on his vocal affectation
I noticed that too
I'm a non-fencer but great job with this video. I appreciate all combat-sport though. I guess the algorithm brought me here.
I like how your breakdown highlights the way early experiences can contribute to framing future interactions. There is a delicate balance between stress and performance. Certain ideas or views come with their own emotional stress. It can fuel this sort of anxious, incredible toll on the nervous system (especially in this sport -just looking at the reflexes alone- amazing btw); or it can put us into spiral.
But I can relate to his early environment and story. I'm grateful for my mentors that were around to help focus my mind inward and on my own growth. My sports (wrestling/judo/bjj) were mediums to channel my impulse toward self-refinement. For that, I am grateful.
I know absolutely 0 about fencing but this was recommended some how
I'll say it. The guy is vying for the accolade of being the most vigorous right arm in fencing.
New York making swordsman now let's go can't be heard without making noise
well.... hes brining more attention to the sport, but, i think etiquette still matters.... im torn
also as a black man im sick of blaming racism on everything
@@TravelingCircus Dude youre making all Black people look bad with dumb comments like that
Looks to me to be a case of some real raw talent, but a lack of in depth knowledge/ respect for the rules. Thats a shame. He’s a very interesting athlete to watch when he isn’t crossing the line like that.
Or somebody who wants to make waves. Building a name is nt always about respect for rules and traditions. Some of the most successful people acted like assholes to get there.
@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?
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?
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.
Just say you hate black peopleand move on
What race conversation 🤔
You are unaware of the conversation about race all day every day on every channel in this country?@JOHN18042
Don't sensationalize Curtis.
This fool needs to be put in etiquette school.
This whole vid makes me anxious lol.
I didn't know i need this but thank you algorithm. Take this subscription! 🕊️
Lincoln made a mistake he said... Yet, people tell me in 2025 that racism is not a thing these days. They tell me that the right isn't racist, but on right wing websites you hear this kind of talk all the time.
I am tired of the gaslighting.
As a former college level fencer, I can't say that I ever felt any level of discrimination, but I can't say that I felt welcomed by the male fencers at my local club, but I got along real well with the ladies. To be tall dark and handsome all over again would be wonderful... appreciate your youth, my friends.
I'm an outsider to fencing... but these dramatics begin to occur when a martial sport loses its martial character. You would never act this way when actually stabbing a man in front of his friends or family - it would start a blood feud that would engulf the community. You would not pridefully preen the way this man does if you wanted to live a long life. The act of dueling was instituted to confine a dispute to the two parties... this behavior would explode the very purpose of the act itself.
Saw the school on a HBO sports show way back. Crazy how they can get the inner city youth to commit to this sport 👏.
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master Avoid showing your talents or achievements in front of those in power, as it may breed insecurity and lead to retaliation. Instead, make those above you feel comfortably superior.
Law 46: Never Appear Too Perfect, emphasizes that envy creates silence, and appearing as one of the masses in style and values can deflect envy.
Professional victim
Honestly I feel like Curtis McDowald could be one of the best epee fencers in the US but his League of Legends mental keeps dragging him down.
I have never watched anything fencing. But this was recommended and it was very awesome
3:24 lol you know how much fencing' cost... this must be a lie. I bet he has rich parents.
Yeah literally the only reason why I was able to fence in my country was government sponsorships
He got into it because of the Peter Westbrook Foundation which is a US based program aimed at families below median income. It was started by a black man intentionally to get other disadvantaged kids into the sport
@@cloudnein3483 that's in your country, not in America.
Ngl in America especially NY everything expensive AF Bruv lmao .Fencing even Kendo is Expensive, Jiu Jitsu getting up there too smh sadly, MMA wrestling etc. Karate, Boxing still Doable.
@@pimplepickerton My country is arguably more developed than USA in a lot of areas I'll be real
Great video, I really believe you did justice at the end. When a black man sees the privilege of white his counterparts that he statically better than it will affect him. This man needs a psychologist to help him.
He never gets a card for non combat penalties! He would have fit right in at Halberstadt in the 90's. Our entire team was like him.
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.
Yeah so eat one.. with a side of hairy nuts
He got as far as he did because he is a good fencer when his personality doesn't get in the way. Check yourself.
That's cap. A white or Asian fenced could never get away the crap that this loud mouth rapi*t gets away with. Dude is the definition of DEI privilege
@@boltonfarlepthe's a good fencer except all the times he's not (most of them)
Lmfao brilliant logic
Amazing video, makes me equally sad and happy for this young man.
I would have liked to have heard when he was what rating through this story.
The screaming so long as it doesn't include offensive words or persist for more than 3 seconds, should be allowed. The throwing things or hitting people stuff absolutely should not be allowed. I hope Curtis can find better ways to manage his emotions. The racism hr faces is never going away.
Fascinating stuff. It seems to me that McDowald is facing tough opponents who he is struggling with, and the stakes are getting higher, and so his frustrations and stress levels rise. Competition can change a person, especially very high level competition, and as someone who gets really ego butthurt competing, I kind of get why he's acting like that. Does it excuse his actions? Probably not.
*DEFINITELY NOT*
[Stop trying to psychologically give yourself a backdoor escape route. It is *DEFINITELY NOT !* ]
Uncalled for, uncouth, petty, shallow, and without warrant. Morally reprehensible.
at around 15 min it said he got a card touching his electrical equipemnt, to me (non fencer) i thoughth he was adjusting his grip on the sword. Why is this illegal ?
Bro trying to explain screaming after a win like we haven't watched nba players dunking on each other and yelling to the rafters for 40 years.
This guy needs to be in either jail or rehab, not in the Olympics
Curtis is unquestionably a very talented fencer. How much of the unnecessary drama, time wasting, physicality, and general obnoxiousness is tactical, or Curtis trying to create a brand is difficult to judge. Frankly he's not consistently good enough to get away with it yet, and he shouldn't be encouraged in doing it. Sadly not much of Pete Westbrook seems to have rubbed off on him. When he becomes a threat to the team it will become necessary to rein him in. I look forward to see what he will accomplish, and to be amused by, but not appreciative of, his theatrics.
Black American with confidence….. oh man why do they not like him 🤦🏾♂️
Great tone bro...
Being humble means that you want to be respected by the weakests, being arrogant means that you want to be feared by the strongests
if you were feared by the strong you would be ganged up on and removed. Humility is knowing that you are always close to death and you will always be insignificant to the universe.
@@enochianwolf nope he was right. Humility is knowing that there are bigger things than you and you dont need to be the best all the time and that letting othersshine and lifting them up is a virtue, the meek will appreciate that. Arrogance is knowing that youre a speck in the universe and not giving a fu*k and knowing deep inside that you're a winner and you will be a champion because you cant lose.
A good leader needs a healthy amount of both.
The strongest will want what you have regardless of your arrogance or humility. If you cant defend yourself act like you can, if you can defend yourself act like you cant and vice versa depending on your enemies and their perceptions/stereotypes of you. This strat changes as needed per the situation/circumstances.
@@matttheamerican3766 nonsense, just more meek and weak glorification. the worship of the victimhood, you may not be christian but its a very christian mindset. it's unnatural to the extreme and inhuman. People don't respect weakness, arrogance is simply falling short of your own inflated ego. If you are strong and intelligent and powerful, that's not arrogance. Arrogance is believing you are strong when you aren't, powerful when you aren't, intelligent when you aren't. Get your definitions correct, enough with the fake emotional virtue of seeking to be disabled or crippled as if that makes you great.
@@matttheamerican3766 sounds ridiculous, arrogance is pretending to be something you aren't. weakness and incapacity isn't something to be respected, or glorified.
Sorry, but at 9.52 you are totally wrong, the screaming in fencing, at least in all the videos I've seen, is pretty much the complete opposite of kiai in other martial arts, it looks like its almost always celebratory, "kiai" would be a sort of "vocal attack" during a fight.
in the era of drama queen esports pre-madonnas with the "let's go" and "temper tantrums". I'm not surpize when you put into context of the gen z generation. In a noble combat sport like this is no place for this. I think they should implement gentlemen rules to combat Curtis McDowald all across the board. No "victory shouting", no post point violence etc... etc. Fencing is a sport not a life or death MMA, it should have more rules to stamp out "unruly" children. You don't see Michael Phelphs pissing on the losers or spitting on them after his win. You don't see epsorts players teabagging or cussing after their win. I don't care how great a person is but if they can't be mattered, it's making the sport look bad like certain esports.
its disappointing that someone who's so talented and unique can have such a bad rep
not disappointing he gets what he deserves. Maybe he should behave like a proper adult.
Some of the greatest athletes of all time like Michael Jordan, Pele, LeBron, Tyson, and Tom Brady have used “rule bending” and even cheating to their advantage. But there’s a reason they get away with it. You really have to understand the rules of the game on a fundamental level. You have to know what the officials see, what reasonably get away with. His problem is he not nearly as good at this as he thinks he is. I’m guessing he has the raw talent but he’s going to need years and years of experience to be able to pull this type of thing off.
Dude should be a mma fighter not a fencer, bro is misusing his anger.
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
I think they had a female ref for a reason and to counter his behavioir with feminine "energy".
Preemptively pacifying his belligerence !
quite a glorifying thumnail you have there
Stop being so soy. Just ignore it lol turn off the computer
how did find myself here
Sounds like he could’ve been but eventually if he’s able to own up to his mistakes
And that life’s defined by being treated poorly and getting screw. Learn to shake it off
The knly controversial fencer I'd previously ever heard of eas huckleberry Finn
Seems like he cant control his ego and it gets him into trouble....sad but pretty common.among athletes
I don't believe his whole borrowed a bag from lost and found lol. He stole that thing.
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
BS and self delusion.
I'm just a lowly saberist.
yeh good fencer but bad team mate
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.
13:44 ngl this is a bit dumb like disqualifying the entire usa men’s epee for ts is wild. like i don’t agree w his actions just remove him or suspend just him
À quelle heure, de tels héros...
Man I thought I was gay. Holy smokes lol.
fencing is a joke
The screaming is silly.
Race bait i know but i bit anyway...
And yeah i saw this guys behaviour before... and it is unbecoming, uncouth, and frankly not fencer or fencing material.
Say what you want. Dudes like him are injecting life into this sport. Love to see him in Historical Martial arts setting.
In kendo (basically Japanese sports swordsmanship) our kiai (yell) is for ourselves. It gives us the spirit to strike during a stressful and tense stare off. It is not a celebration. If your attack seems like a celebration or you don’t humbly accept, your point is annulled and given to the other.
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.
He's not even the "bad boy" he is just straight up the abuser
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
The coach at the end was inappropriate in his statement regarding Lincoln, but the violent/gang culture does get pushed under the rug, unfortunately. I am happy Curtis made it out, it's hard to do, you have to want it. It's a shame he wants to be the victim instead of a positive role model. Anyone can change though
Violent/gang culture is not solely the preserve of black people though, nor are they the first or only racial group to have an issue with it in the US. Italian and Irish bootlegging gangs battled over turf a century ago, eventually morphing into organised crime groups... you have white supremacists, Mexican cartels, Chinese Triads, you name it. Violent gangs are a symptom of broader societal problems - not some kind of racial trait. And it's guys like that coach (who can't seemingly recognise the hypocrisy of using cultural stereotypes & racial profiling when he himself is an immigrant) who contribute to the divisiveness that gang culture thrives in.
there's absolutely no confusion as to his behavior, it's deeply encoded in his genetic code. He is like millions of others, has the same behavior, has the same personality, he just happens to excel at this particular sport.
Modern fencing is stupid
Undisciplined
The number of racist comments under this video should be surprising but it really isn't.
its very upsetting when people speak honestly and truthfully when you and I want to live in our own fantasy where such things are forbidden, right?
@enochianwolf lmaoo. Yes be weird and vague lol
bro 9:32 😭
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.
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?
@ 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?
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.
@ 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.
@imeaniguess.6963 omg Sensei Steven Seagal is that you? Your martial arts prowess is too much for these noob fencers! They must have forgot you are actually decended from Miyamoto Mushashi and trained in the ninja arts. Thank you for putting these fake sword fighters in there place master.
This is why you gatekeep.
😭