newbie

[ArcherUK]

Just thought I'd make a post and say Hi to everyone,

I'm 22 and just started fencing a couple of weeks ago, I had always been interested but didnt know of a local salle.

I needed to get fit again and meet more people and just found a salle a few miles away from where i live so I gave it a go and I am hooked, never experienced anything like It...I just want to do more and more. I never classed myself as a sporty type of guy.

I'm getting to grips with the foil and getting two lessons a week...hopefully moving up to three when i can drive.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Cool beans, wheres the fire? Seriously though, I suggest lots of running/chinups/situps/pushups/squats/calf raises and light weights for getting into shape. IMHO, heavy weight lifting has no place in a fencing training regime, you want plyometric muscles, speed is the key.

[glowstix]

good advice from ken/ryu/hadouken/whatever...anyway, also do some footwork exercises perhaps as warmups to the muscle specific exercises. footwork movements should be second nature.

[jeff]

ArcherUK, welcome to fencing - It's a great sport, great for fitness, and lots of fun, too. Also, welcome to the board!

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Also, stretch alot before you fence. On my second lesson, I forgot to stretch, I tore a groin muscle. I learned your lesson for you.

[ArcherUK]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice, I have one of those swiss balls ( no pun ) for abwork sit ups etc so hopefully can get a bit more flexibility and development from that too. Push ups and pull ups are my major weakness so will definately look into those.

Thanks for the advice on warm ups, I really dont want to get any groin injury of any type. I must admit I didnt warm up properly before my first lesson and my right leg was flailing around every time i stepped...oops

Are the footwork dvd's anygood, I have ordered one ?

[ArcherUK]

does anyone have their own personal coach ?

[great bowyer]

Originally Posted by ArcherUK

does anyone have their own personal coach ?

yes, myself

[great bowyer]

Originally Posted by D+F+P=Hadouken!

Also, stretch alot before you fence. On my second lesson, I forgot to stretch, I tore a groin muscle. I learned your lesson for you.

i heard that stretching before doing physical activity does not decrease or prevent you from injury. it is the most beneficial afterward, your muscles are warm, thus they stretch better, and increases your flexability. the increased flexability is what helps prevent injuries. i could be wrong though.

[esskreemr]

This is true. Always warm up before any physical activity. Stretch after physical activity. Cold muscles can be injured my improper stretching. A small amount of active stretching can be beneficial before commencing, but save your static stretches for after a workout.

[ArcherUK]

how long do you recommend ? 10 mins ?

[noodle]

Originally Posted by ArcherUK

how long do you recommend ? 10 mins ?

generally speaking i warm up by jumping rope, light running, jumping, things of that nature for about 10-15 minutes, then stretch for 10ish minutes at most. you only need to warm up enough to get your core body temp to a certain point (i've forgotten the exact number) before stretching is safe and beneficial.

[ArcherUK]

I'd like to ride to the salle straight from work but i know i'd be exhausted before i would start ( hilly area )

[Louweasel]

Hi Archer, just a quick hello from one of the few british fencers on this board. Hope you get as many laughs as i do overthe use of the word "knickers"
I see you hail from Berkshire, how nice, it's gorgeous around there (I grew up in the country but live in London now). Where do you fence? My boyfriend lives in Berkshire and I am trying to get him to take it up again after stopping when he left school.
Anyway hope you enjoy fencing. I have been fencing about a year now, but I only go once a week - not as dedicated as you!

[D'Artag-NOT]

Archer,

You've almost certainly seen "The Wizard of Oz". Remember the bit where Dorothy and the Scarecrow have to oil the Tin Man's joints before he can move? Expect to feel like that (a pre-lubricated Tin Man) after your initial lessons--you're using muscles you may not have known you had. Warming up before fencing and doing a proper stretch/cool-down afterwards will lessen this effect.

[ArcherUK]

I must admit after warming up properly before my second lesson I felt a lot better the next day, actually almost fine. Watching me walk after my first lesson was hilarous.

Hi, Louweasel...thanks for the greeting
I fence in the Salle at Eton ( Not a resident )...badly i must admit but I am getting there , it's a really good club and im enjoying it totally. I wish i had been able to take it up earlier.

[Boo Boo]

Hi from another British Fencer

Have you seen the British Fencing Forum www.fencingforum.com/forum ? It's much more British centred than this board (which is very US) - so it might interest you too...

Boo

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

Have you seen the British Fencing Forum www.fencingforum.com/forum ? It's much more British centred than this board (which is very US) - so it might interest you too... Boo

*Agrees with Boo Boo*
More British but also more European, in my opinion.

Anyways welcome to the wonderful world of fencing, Archer!

[ArcherUK]

thanks very much

[The0ne]

This is my beginner advice. . . Don't worry about winning any bouts. . . yet. Focus on yor form, try to have the best form you can, even if it means losing. Later, those fencers who win lots of bouts early by flailing very fast, will be schooled by your immaculate disengage technique!