S_Portwood@msn.com (CaSean) wrote in
news:835e515.0401111913.76705a6b@posting.google.co m:
> Does anyone know how a total beginner would go about learning some
> fencing? I am an older adult (40) and would love to give it a try,
> however I have no idea as to how or where to try it. I live on the
> central coast of California, near San Luis Obispo.
Check out the web site of the United States Fencing Association
(
www.usfencing.org) - there's a section called "Where can I fence?"
that should point you toward a listing of clubs in your area.
Once you find a club or clubs near you, check to find out if they
offer adult beginner classes or lessons - chances are, they will,
since a substantial number of fencers start as adults. If you have the
choice of several clubs, visit several, and chat with the coaches and
some of the people fencing there. Do you feel welcomed, as a beginner?
Some clubs are more oriented toward recreational fencers, and some
toward higher-level competitive fencers. Neither one is wrong or right
- it's just a question of finding the atmosphere that suits *you*. In
any case, other good things to look for are a pleasant physical
environment (ideally, a space exclusively for fencing, so they can
have painted strips on the floor and permanent reels set up for
electric fencing; also relatively clean, and with equipment and floor
in good condition, not falling apart); pleasant coaching staff who
interact with students in a way that suits you (some people like
drill-sergeant-style coaches, others like a more collaborative
approach); and people who in general seem to be enjoying themselves.
Look for people who are busy fencing, not sitting around on their
duffs.
And don't forget to check out the pricing: many clubs have a positive
labyrinth of costs depending on whether you take lessons, a class, or
just show up to fence. As a total beginner, you'll need some sort of
instruction; you know best whether one-on-one or group instruction
works best for you, but on the whole, I think a group class is the
best way to start from scratch.
If you are interested in competing somewhere down the line, you're in
luck: at age 40, you're eligible to fence in "veteran" events at the
national level. Though it's 10 years before I'll fence in the veteran
category (but when I do, watch out! Mwahahaha), I know quite a few
vets, and they are as a group some of the nicest, most helpful, and
fun fencers that I know.
Have fun!
Cheers,
Holly
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