What age did you start fencing?

[LUDICROUS]

Started at 15, now 16.

[AndrastVitesse]

I'm not sure what age group, but I started when I was 15, and I've done it for a little more than a semester.

[bwoodward]

Fenced one year in graduate school, age about 22. Didn't fence again until a few months ago at age 52. I think I'm better now than I was then. Definitely having more fun now.

[ThatReallyHurt]

29. I wish I'd started earlier...

[Coup de Grace]

I started when I was at the tail end of 40. I'll be 42 soon but wish I was able to start this addiction sooner.

[Bayou Bum]

Like most of us ... I started in the back yard with sticks (U10). We had no masks or electric scoring equipment. Scoring was much more accurate ... a good touch was always followed by a loud ouch! None of that wimpy beeping used today. We broke a lot of weapons though, sure could have used some maraging blades.

Bum

[Genjuro]

Started when I was 19, wish I started earlier...

[hpfencing]

I started as a Junior when I started colege. WIsh I had the ability to start younger like age 8...

[remise]

My son started when he was around 8. My daughter when she was around 11. I started in my mid 40's.

[Bokken]

I started when I was 12. Given that I mainly teach college-age students now, it's funny that I've been fencing since the oldest of them was in first grade. In a couple years, I'll be able to sling the "I've been doing this since before you were born" line.

Hmm. Suddenly I feel very old at age 28...then again, it's not the years. It's the mileage!

[swordwench]

I'd just turned 39 when I started. I swore I wouldn't wait till I was 40 to do it - I'd already put it off a few decades too many. To think what I'd missed out on all those years... *sigh* But my kids will start early!

[Asphalt]

The later half of 24...
two years on and enjoying more every time!
Would enjoy it more if my back foot would go where i told it to!

[foilz]

Fenced off and on one winter, adult classes, virtually zero bouting, in my early 30's. Started again mid-fifties. More pain now, but also more brain.

[Morion]

I actually took about 3 classes when I was 25 but then they changed my shift at work and I had to quit going. I didn't start again until I was 49 which is how I answered the poll.

[oiuyt]

18, as a freshman in college.

-B :)

[aikijohn]

I started at 49, several years ago; I, too, wish there had been an avenue for me when I was younger... funny that Kendo was easier to find than western fencing (a side benefit of the dissolution of the USSR, I guess). Now, competition is not an issue, just having fun while getting my exercise. I truly enjoy seeing/fencing the teenagers and enjoy, vicariously, their triumphs and tribulations... they can be soooo intense in their competiveness

[sabreur]

19, as a junior in college. Fenced six years, then played tournament squash for 14 years. Started fencing again 8 years ago.

MR

[wildmoppet]

When I was 14, I think...nearly fifteen...

[VELISARIOS]

I was 29 when I start to fence.

[rory]

Either ten or eleven, can't remember.
24 now.