Switching from right to left

[esskreemr]

There has been some discussion about a righty switching to lefty. Has anyone done this successfully? I'm just curious because, due to tendinitis in my right elbow, my options until it heals are to stop fencing for an indefinite period (it's been about 4 months), or to switch hands. For the record, I've underwent treatment, and I'm going to return to the doc soon to see if I can afford physical therapy because this is putting an enormous cramp in a bunch of other things I do or would like to start doing.

Observations after one night:
One of the first things I've noticed is that my footwork timing is abysmal and I'm going to have to put some effort into reestablishing footwork combos.

Parry 6 riposte 4 is currently my first instinct but I'm having difficulty landing the riposte.

[esskreemr]

Just let this thread die, it's insufferably redundant

[wbowman]

I fenced left-handed for a season about 12-13 years back because of tendonitis, and my experience was the same as yours in regard to footwork. I could fleche but not lunge very well. Foil was really frustrating, because I could see what I needed to do, but had trouble manipulating the blade to do it. In epee, I managed to get by mostly by extending into attacks. I'm actually left-handed in some things (writing, for instance) so that may have helped.

[esskreemr]

Originally Posted by wbowman

I fenced left-handed for a season about 12-13 years back because of tendonitis, and my experience was the same as yours in regard to footwork. I could fleche but not lunge very well. Foil was really frustrating, because I could see what I needed to do, but had trouble manipulating the blade to do it. In epee, I managed to get by mostly by extending into attacks. I'm actually left-handed in some things (writing, for instance) so that may have helped.

I actually shoot pool left-handed, I can shoot a gun right or left, and have a left-hand preference for shooting bow.

I didn't notice the left handed pool thing until someone mentioned it. Same thing with the bow, the PE intructor asked me if I was left-handed...

[chiz]

I started fencing foil right handed, this was natural but after about 8 months I suffered tendonitis; I switched to foil left handed. Yep, the footwork was interesting but it felt better not worse. I changed to a competitive club, my new coach encouraged me to stick with the left hand and switch to epee.

It took another 6 months to get my head and feet reconnected. The disconnect between my hand and feet is a benefit. During a break at our club a really good coach W. F. made the point that the feet keep distance and the hand holds up the blade the two are not necessarily connected. And also there is no difference in fencing a right hander or a left hander. The aspect is different but the fencing is the same.

Epee suits me far better than foil. I have worked on hand/arm strength and blade work and point control. The flow from attack/head to hand/blade is easier for me.

In reality left hand epee suits me very well. No I can not write with either hand but I can hit a swinging golf ball from advance lunge distance most of the time. I think the time I have spent during the switch has brought my game along faster than if I had stuck out the tendonitis in my right elbow.

The expense of the switch, an all new kit but for mask and body cords. I know that blades can take a different set, but the time it takes to put on new grips, guards and etc made new weapons a better choice for me - about $450.00. Jacket, knickers, glove, 2 Allstar epees.

Best of Luck

Chiz

ps the lack of pain makes life more plesant