Fencing Vs. Boxing

[ra2000a]

I just took my first boxing class, and I really loved it. It was so similar to fencing in some ways. Does boxing help a fencer? How similar are the two?

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Originally Posted by ra2000a

I just took my first boxing class, and I really loved it. It was so similar to fencing in some ways. Does boxing help a fencer? How similar are the two?

distance, distance, distance. Fencing will improve your distance alot. It will also help your footwork and explosive leg speed.

[DanielSun]

Before I started fencing, I was a kick boxer for about 7 years. DFP is spot on about the explosiveness of the footwork. After boxing for a few months, I'm sure your legs will feel much less fatigued when fencnig.

I would say that boxing could have loads of benefical effects on your fencing. The one on one sports all have the bittersweet mentality of kill or be kill. Victory on the strip, in the ring or on the mat is the best , because it's not shared with anyone...but the defeat is harsh for the same reason. So, as far as the psychology of boxing goes...I'm sure it can supplement your fencing well.

However, an injury in boxing may very well end/hinder your fencing career...So, keep your guard up

[SwordSoul]

interestingly enough, the guy who wrote "Fencer's Start-Up!" by Winsor sports (i can't remember the author's name) also wrote "Boxer's Start Up!"

The fencing book is pretty cool. I loan it to people when they wanna know more about fencing--the journal is hilarious

this piece of questionably useful trivia brought to you by the letters T, G, and the number 4.

peace,
matt

[Zilverzmurfen]

From my experience boxing and fencing are in fact very similar to each other!

Almost the same muscle groups are used but in boxing you use your "off" fencing side muscles, so it's also a great sport for compensating non-fencing footwork etc.

I used to do boxing for about three years (quit because I wanted to dedicate more time to fencing) and loved it! It's not only overall good exercise, but as the others already pionted out it will improve your distance and footwork.

The only thing I worried about during sparring was to punch too hard and injure my left hand (I'm a leftie). Enjoy boxing AND fencing!

[jspierre]

I think it was Aldo Nadi who said, "....Thank G_d we're not boxers...."

[Tomax]

In the early days of the 17th and 18th centuries, the best fencers were boxers and vice versa. Both very gentlemanly.

[JackSparrow]

Both require excellent footwork. It's all about getting yourself into the ideal position to deliver the winning hit. Boxing doesn't have the same phase delayed, assemetrical moves, but does require the same speed, agility and lightning reflexes.

[Sildar]

Originally Posted by Tomax

In the early days of the 17th and 18th centuries, the best fencers were boxers and vice versa. Both very gentlemanly.

Absolutely. In fact, they weren't considered entirely different by many Masters, as they were both simply aspects of the "Arte of Defense," whether one is using a sword, or using one's hands. There are differences of course, but most of the principles remain the same.

[Schiavona]

Originally Posted by Sildar

Absolutely. In fact, they weren't considered entirely different by many Masters, as they were both simply aspects of the "Arte of Defense," whether one is using a sword, or using one's hands. There are differences of course, but most of the principles remain the same.

Aikido is like this. Many of the techinques have the same name wether using the sword, staff(bo) or hand. It's very neat that way.

[Sisyphus]

Happy Belated Boxing Day! (12/26)

[Inquartata]

http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/wail1200_eldon2.htm

[Schiavona]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/wail1200_eldon2.htm

All right, that was just flat out cool!

[drippingwet]

All those blows to the head over a long period of time can't be good for you can it? Isn't there are a strong potential for brain haemorrhages and/or brain damage, detached retinas, etc? Does the headwear make much difference?

[Thorin]

Originally Posted by drippingwet

All those blows to the head over a long period of time can't be good for you can it? Isn't there are a strong potential for brain haemorrhages and/or brain damage, detached retinas, etc? Does the headwear make much difference?

Yes & Yes.

Many boxers retire because of injuries, it happens all the time. Look at Mike Tyson & tell me he isn't loopy as a loon from taking one too many shots to the head. I knew an ex boxer turned trainer & he was a little wonky too.

[BenTheEMOP]

It seems like one of the real benefits to comparing fencing to boxing is in the training.

As people have pointed out both sports are one to one combat sports. And there are other similarities as well.

At least at the Golden Gloves level, the bouts are three rounds of three minutes each. That sounds kind of familiar.

Also, there are physical and mental skills that need to be developed for both sports.

It seems like training like a boxer might have some applications for fencing.

Windsprints, jumping rope for coordination are the larger ones. Then there is skills training -- hitting the punching bags or hitting targets in fencing, drilling on certain skills (combinations for boxing, compound attacks in fencing), and sparring. I have wondered about this since I started fencing, but I think that one regimen of training could serve as a useful model for the other. Anyone ever try building a fencing regimen that echos that of boxers?

[Mike O]

We had a boxer turn out at our club and fence epee for a time. Funny thing was, he'd retreat on a circular path and wind up off the strip.

[scrapinpeg]

Makes perfect sense. Something's coming at you in a straight line, move to the side.

Like in the movies, folks are always running away from something (speeding train, oncoming boulders, crashing aircraft, falling trees, what have you) in a straight line in the same direction as the oncoming threat. When all they have to do is step to the side and watch the fun. Always irks me.

[VorpalCat]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/wail1200_eldon2.htm

Huh! Never thought I'd enjoy an article about boxing. Thanks for posting that, Inq!

[Inquartata]

I live to serve.

Well, actually, no, I don't---I live to argue, grouse, make puns and fling Latin phrases at people. But you already knew that.