hello all, noob requesting advice here

[UTEpee]

Hi to all on the discussion board.
Im a noob fencer, been doing footwork and minor bladework for about 2 months now. I fence epee, and, barring unforseen circumstances should have my first bout with the club tomorrow. Getting to the point, I was wondering if i might tap into the expertise on this forum, and ask you guys for any advice for my first day of bouting tomorrow.


thanks all, take it easy

[Schiavona]

Hit the other guy first.

Really-try to stay loose, remember what your coach told you and have FUN!

[Inquartata]

Pay attention to your distance. This is one of the first things to fly out of your head in early bouting ( and for some of us not ONLY the early bouting! ).

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

KISS, Keep it simple stupid. Basically, when they extend, stick it out. Also, work on your point control.

[daveappr]

RELAX- and keep your point in line. More importantly have fun. (oh and don't get too close)

[wflaschka]

Like Inquartata & daveappr said, stay mindful of distance. Add about 25-50% to your comfortable distance, at least at the beginning. The distance should feel very long. While you're jockeying for an opening, the blades should cross near the tips, if at all. This will let you see more of what's going on, it will make the opponent work harder to get to your target, and it will make the bout last longer. When the time comes to act, be very decisive -- try to know what you'll do before you do it. Have fun!

[Peach]

A good rule of thumb is to do what you were told. Too many people start bouting and decide that what they've been learning to do is too obvious, and won't really work.

[Victor]

Bring donuts. Everyone likes donuts.

[Artisan]

Epee? Resist the temptation to attack attack attack. Especially once you are down a couple touches, and you got there by attacking. I seem to never tire of relearning that one.

[Epee_Pox]

Take some time at the beginning of each bout to figure out your opponent's style. Then get your points depending on how that person fences. For example, some like to beat your blade a lot (you might score on them with disengages and otherwise avoid their blade), some like to bounce around and then rush in (stick out your sword and let them run into it, perhaps), others wait for you to attack then score with the old parry-riposte (parry-riposte right back). Be loose and don't hesitate to change what you're doing if it's not working.

If you can, offer to practice-bout with your opponents while waiting for the event to begin. Get a feel for their style before bouting. Don't try to outsmart them here, though -- they'll change up on you if they think you've figured them out.

Use the techniques you've been learning. Good technique works. Sloppy technique (what people often do when they're bouting, I guess because it feels more authentic and less formal) will get you lots of bruises but few points.

[fixxmyweapon]

when in doubt, stick it out.

[shlepzig]

My first epee bout was at a tournament where I was asked to fill up our team slots and wanted some extra fencing time. Our lead epee guy gave me some great advice.

1. Keep your arm out.

2. Aim right at the wrist of the other guy right above the bell guard.

3. If their arm moves go for the wrist.

4. Don't ever drop your point.

That advice should do you well for your first few bouts, it got me a few touches.

Shlep.

[UTEpee]

Thanks for the advice all, I'll try to keep it all in mind. I'll let you know how it turns out!

[telkanuru]

My epee enlightenment is as follows:

Epee is the fine art of getting your opponent to impale himself on your blade.

Go forth, young grasshopper.

[noodle]

relavent link

[grphiw]

Spike the coffee.

Kidding aside, I would agree with shiavona. Keep it simple, but also don't let your have a preparation for something fancy or creative, especially if he's got much better bladework than you. And don't be afraid to copy what you see other fencers doing that works, if it's in your repitore. There's no plagarism in fencing, at least none that I know of, and obviously their ideas have some merit.

[MikeHarm]

I wouldn't make too much of it, you use what ya got, and you'll have many other bouts. Besides, outside of Manchun I haven't ever heard of an epeeist who never lost a practice bout when they were starting off.

[germanguy]

.....

[Schiavona]

Bring donuts. Everyone likes donuts.

I like this. Gonna do it at my next tournament!

[hpfencing]

In my first epee tournament I was told to keep my arm out and my tip pointed at teh oponent hand at all time and to let them make all the attacks.


It worked well. I received an E at that event... To think a foil fencer who had never really practiced epee....