Is my training enough?

[Markstorm]

I've been fencing for 9 months. It started off as fencing casually for fun, but within two lessons I was ready to start training for competition. I've slacked off now and then but now I hope to start a rigorous training regimen. Keep in mind though, that I go to a really tough school (1.5 hrs from my house) so I dont have that much time.

I fence three times a week right now, 2 are free fencing sessions and 1 is lesson. With my new schedule that I'll hopefully get this week, it'll be upped to 6 times a week. 3 times will be free fencing (and probably drills/theme bouts), and 3 times will be master sabre lessons.

My exercise routine is rather dismal. Because I get lots of exercise from fencing itself, I generally just work out a little when I get home before I take a shower. Right now it's 110 pushups and 210 crunches, each upped by 5 per day. They aren't done in a row, I do 22 pushups, 42 crunches, 22 pushups, etc.

What do you guys think? Should I try to extend my exercise routine?

[achilleus]

It depends on what your goals are.

Are you looking at competing internationally? Not enough.
Are you training to compete locally? You're good.

[Markstorm]

Any advice about what I need to change if I have really ridiculous goals? I'll do whatever I can.

[Zara_athlen]

Maybe some finger exercises and the more cardio the better. The majority of times when I go to tournaments and ask another fencer to warm up, I find that within about 10-15 points of straight fencing the other fencer becomes exhausted. Most fencers are really out of shape because the sport does not demand long periods of endurance. However being in shape is always a benefit I find. As tired opponents can get sloppy.

[bjacobs]

Err...practice more??? Perhaps with very good people?

[Markstorm]

By the way... after 9 months of fencing foil I am switching to sabre. The only reason I fenced foil is because I read Evangelista for my intro to fencing. Is this smart? Will it have been 9 months of wasted time? If so... screw evangelista.

[mrbiggs]

It's not wasted at all; foil skills can be used in all three weapons. Epee and sabre transfer to other weapons as well, but epee-->sabre and vice versa is slightly more difficult. A background in foil is handy in case you decide to switch later.

[Markstorm]

Any advice about what I need to change if I have really ridiculous goals? I'll do whatever I can.

I meant how should I extend my workout or fencing time. Like how much do i need if I have an eye on international competition?

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

heres one, foot ball field sprints if you feel like you need a real workout.

run across a football field, do 15 pushups and 15 situps, run across again, do 14 of each, run across again, and do 13 of each... lather, rinse and repeat. DO that until you get to 0 pushups and situps. Its a good, brisk, morning workout.

[Markstorm]

heres one, foot ball field sprints if you feel like you need a real workout.

run across a football field, do 15 pushups and 15 situps, run across again, do 14 of each, run across again, and do 13 of each... lather, rinse and repeat. DO that until you get to 0 pushups and situps. Its a good, brisk, morning workout.

I think I'm gonna be working up to something like that. A lot up. Right now I'm just a skinny asian kid.

[nahouw]

I meant how should I extend my workout or fencing time. Like how much do i need if I have an eye on international competition?

Here's Paolo's routine (Milanoli, Epee World Champion 2001):

Morning: 45 minutes cardio, 30 minutes footwork, rest
Afternoon: a lesson, bouting, weights and/or a swim, rest
Evening: bouting, drills, more footwork

He does this 5 days a week (weekends are for competition or more rest). He's been doing this for almost 20 years now.

This gives you an idea as to what it takes to be a top-level international competititor; you can extrapolate for yourself what you should be doing within your time constraints.

[aikijohn]

As a training adjunct, you may want to consider working out a bit on a heavy punching bag... I've found that this helps me with hand and attacking speed... I'd concentrate on jabbing, not slugging... I've found that it builds endurance in the shoulder muscles and strengthens the wrists as well...

...have a good workout...

Cheers...

[greenchick]

As a training adjunct, you may want to consider working out a bit on a heavy punching bag... I've found that this helps me with hand and attacking speed... I'd concentrate on jabbing, not slugging... I've found that it builds endurance in the shoulder muscles and strengthens the wrists as well...

I agree with the recommendation, but if you do it, take a few boxing classes first to learn how to punch properly; and never, ever do it without wrapping your hands and wearing gloves. I have a good friend who lost much of last season when he cracked a bone in his weapon hand hitting a bag wrong.

That said, hitting a bag (and boxing drills/workouts in general -- there's no need to spar if you don't want to) is a terrific overall workout and gives me a lot more upper-body work than I was getting before. And since the boxing stance is just the reverse of the fencing stance, it helps with some asymmetry issues as well.

[Markstorm]

This is a good idea, I might do what you said and get a punching bag. It seems, however, that I'll get a better result just fencing and working out rather than practicing boxing because I have very limited time.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I think I'm gonna be working up to something like that. A lot up. Right now I'm just a skinny asian kid.

Skinny is good. You dont need to be buff to be tough.

[Pun]

Boxing is very good Cardio and Strength training all rooled into one. Its a very good work out, but I agree take a lesson or two first just to get down the basics. But I would also do some running and lost of foot work. Im about to start a more rigerous training schedule too. It will most likely get really intense next semester (I love being a senoir), and boxing is excellent and fun. I would also recomend getting a speed ball to get better speed and rythm in your hands.

Unforntuanetly I dont get that much right now, just running 2 miles every few days, and 60 pushups (striaght) a night and maybe 150 so situps (straight), but cardio is key, ecspecailly in things like team matches were you fence a lot. So thats what I would do. Cardio.

[Grey]

Actually in my opinion, lessons are not that high on priority compared to physical fitness. As long as you have your basics right, you can pick up new techniques really fast.

Try to increase your stamina by doing more roadwork, skipping, etc. Doing weights is also more effective than push ups. Follow nahouw's advice.

Although what DFP say is true, it is still an advantage to be 'buffed' when fencing with an opponent. In a bout, it is true that skills do dictate the result but what if you have skills and great physical fitness? What if you can do lightning fast lunges straight through out the entire DE bout you're in? What if you can parry stronger, faster, with equal precision compared to your opponent? Though some may argue that brute strength is pointless in fencing, but if that is your normal output of strength and you can control it very well... That is a major advantage.

For now, try to develop your own rhythm in combat, stamina (or physical fitness), basics and determination. If you've these, being an excellent fencer would not be a problem, finding a coach will be lol.

[mackillian]

I've been told that it isn't always the best fencer that wins competitions, but the fencer who can fence their best while tired from a day of fencing competition.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

heck, I'm not buff but I'm really fast and I have the explosive speed. At 6"1 and 170lbs, I'm thinner than a weed, and I have enough endurance and strength to last me through the bout. Dont base it off muscle mass, but more on how tone the musles are, not neccasarily how large.

[telkanuru]

By the way... after 9 months of fencing foil I am switching to sabre. The only reason I fenced foil is because I read Evangelista for my intro to fencing. Is this smart? Will it have been 9 months of wasted time? If so... screw evangelista.

Whatever money you spent on Evangalista's stuff was wasted.

Personally, I train 4-5 days a week, 2-4 hours a day, with a competition every other week or so. Damned if I'm not getting better.