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Welted 24/7 · 07-10-2005, 11:33 PM

My dad used to fence epee for NYU in the 70s. His old epee is still around...on occasion I use it to change the channel on the TV. Now that's AMERICAN point control.

When it's not used as my channel-changer, it's a handy barbeque skewer.

Sciurus-Rex · 07-10-2005, 11:36 PM

.. With all heads bowed and all eyes closed, let's tunelessly hum another verse softly to ourselves as those who feel moved by the spirit of Epee come forward to dedicate their lives to the One True Weapon. Can you hear Epee calling? Will you set aside lames and renounce right-of-way to let Epee into your life? Epee made toe touches legal for your sins; follow the soft, warm glow of the double lights to Epee.

Hmmmm hmm hm-hm, hmmmmmm hmmmm hm. Hmm-hm-hmm, hmmmmmmmm hmmmmm...

ThatReallyHurt · 07-10-2005, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welted 24/7

My dad used to fence epee for NYU in the 70s. His old epee is still around...on occasion I use it to change the channel on the TV. Now that's AMERICAN point control.

Heh... not if you change the channel by mashing the buttons on the remote with the pommel.

swordwench · 07-11-2005, 10:19 AM

Now that bathing suit season is upon us (in this hemisphere, anyway), how do I deal with all these unsightly epee bruises? I get such horrified looks from strangers, and they are rather scary-looking. (Side note - I dreamt about this topic last night, and it actually featured certain epeeists I know explaining to me why I was getting bruised in those specific locations.) Anyone have any suggestions other than just NOT GETTING HIT? Maybe some effective padding techniques?

At last week's funeral, I had to remove my sweater for awhile, as the church was really stuffy. Cover-up didn't do enough covering. The friend sitting next to me looked at me in the middle of the mass and said - very matter-of-factly, "See you've been fencing again." Daughter of the deceased said the same thing at the post-service gathering, but she added "Nice one on your chest, too!"

Sciurus-Rex · 07-11-2005, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordwench

Now that bathing suit season is upon us (in this hemisphere, anyway), how do I deal with all these unsightly epee bruises? I get such horrified looks from strangers, and they are rather scary-looking.

Hmmm. Tough question. Very complex, with a multitude of socio-political undertones and astrological influences to consider.

Perhaps if we were to see you in the alleged bathing suit -- seen from various angles, of course -- we could better answer your concerns. More research is needed.

((and by the way, stay away from scary-looking strangers))

swordwench · 07-11-2005, 12:13 PM

Hon', I don't think anyone here is interested in seeing me in my bathing suit. Truly.

And the bruises are scary, not (usually) not the strangers. Well, some of them are, but that's a different story.

Fencergrl · 07-11-2005, 12:27 PM

Do you wear a plastron? That helps.

My bruises don't last too long to heal, but I take supplements. It's supposed to help, but I have taken them longer than I've been fencing, so I can't say for sure.

You may want to look into this with your doctor or pharmacist as some nutrients can have an effect on certain medications and medical conditions.

Here's a link that goes into details: http://www.alivemagazine.com/home/in...id=2&take_id=5

If you feel uncomfortable with supplements, the link also offers some nutritional information.

swordwench · 07-11-2005, 12:38 PM

I find that the more I take things like Aleve of Advil, the more I bruise. But if I don't take them, I ache. Six of one...

And yes, I do wear a platron (esp. with epee!). And thanks to Mr. Epee, I even wear my chest protector. Funny thing is, I rarely get hit where it covers. I tend to get poked just ABOVE the plastic, which then allows the tip to dig into the flesh between the plastic and the bone. Owwwwww. Maybe I need a bigger xena-bra.

Sciurus-Rex · 07-11-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordwench

... Maybe I need a bigger xena-bra.

Again, I have to say that we're not going to be able to help you with this sort of question until we've got evidence to work with. Photos, at least.

Really. It's for your own good.

ThatReallyHurt · 07-11-2005, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordwench

Now that bathing suit season is upon us (in this hemisphere, anyway), how do I deal with all these unsightly epee bruises? I get such horrified looks from strangers, and they are rather scary-looking. (Side note - I dreamt about this topic last night, and it actually featured certain epeeists I know explaining to me why I was getting bruised in those specific locations.) Anyone have any suggestions other than just NOT GETTING HIT? Maybe some effective padding techniques?

I keep thinking of those full-length bathing suits from the 1890's or whatever, but I can't figure out a way to phrase it so that it's not offensive.

Wait, maybe that was offensive... uh, sorry...

Elendae · 07-11-2005, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordwench

I find that the more I take things like Aleve of Advil, the more I bruise. But if I don't take them, I ache. Six of one...

Advil thins your blood like aspirin does... I found that out the hard way.

I tend to bruise easily, and my teammates enjoy bruising me... so I always have ugly bruises. I've learned to just ignore people who stare at the bruises. Although, it was always to be out with my ex and see little old ladies give him evil looks.

Anyway... I was told to eat more foods with potassium. That seems to have helped some. Its worth a try.

swordwench · 07-12-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatReallyHurt

I keep thinking of those full-length bathing suits from the 1890's or whatever, but I can't figure out a way to phrase it so that it's not offensive.

Wait, maybe that was offensive... uh, sorry...

You...

*sniff* think I need to wear a full-legth bathing suit? *sniff*

You're probably right, the general populace might be happier if I wore that to the beach. Maybe I should go and fence some more till I feel better.

oso97 · 07-12-2005, 11:44 AM

yes... fence... always a good cure for what ails ya.

That and chocolate.

Oh and one other thing.....

glowstix · 07-12-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Unless it's a floor touch. Or, given the propensities of epeeists, a furtive one to your own ankle...

i've actually done that before but by accident..

(infighting). i was awarded the touch but i didn't accept it for obvious reasons..

glowstix · 07-12-2005, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elendae

Advil thins your blood like aspirin does... I found that out the hard way.

i take aspirin to intentionally thin my blood out while fencing so i don't get migraines..its actually been working..now i get to fence longer..

either that or its all in my head.

grotto · 07-12-2005, 03:23 PM

ok swordwench asked for drill etc. so here is a novel one we did at Great Lakes Sword Club. teaches to lead with ones point and extend smoothly using finger control to guide the tip. You need two people an epee and a racquette ball. you have a thrower and a hitter (person with the epee). (no jacket or mask required)

Thrower bounces the ball from a distance of about 3 meters away from the hitter so the ball ends up at about hand high and just inside lunge distance. Hitter is supposed to time the action and hit the ball (with the tip of the weapon only) using either just an extension, or an extension and lung. We got very creative with this and added english to the ball or just tossed the ball (no bounce). Once you get the hang of it, invite your foilist friends to come and try.

It's a great way to illustrate how important a good extension is, and why you miss without one. We typically "play" till either the thrower hits (ball hits the hitter) 5 times or the hitter hit the ball 5 times. then switch. A valid hit is one in which the tip clicks AND deflects the path of the ball.

Have fun with it!

swordwench · 07-12-2005, 03:42 PM

And I thought hitting a suspended golf ball was hard enough! This sounds like fun. Thanks, grotto!

grotto · 07-12-2005, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordwench

And I thought hitting a suspended golf ball was hard enough! This sounds like fun. Thanks, grotto!

did I mention it was a frustrating game when ones point is just not tracking.

lesson type things to look for if you are missing the ball.

1. hand leads before point, e.g. point is late ball typically hits the bell.
2. punching the point at the ball. If the point suddenly drops or you are jabbing it will be very evident.
3. tightening of the shoulder / arm you just miss all of a sudden when you lunge. tightening your arm changes your points trajectory. hmmmm

have fun.

P.S. it is wise to practice this in a hall or other place NOT with common fencing as you end up chasing the ball quite a bit.

Inquartata · 07-12-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciurus-Rex

Didn't get enough attention in your own thread, eh?

Heh. Looks as though someone took the home-study course in psychology...and needs remedial classes, apparently.

Inquartata · 07-12-2005, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowstix

i've actually done that before but by accident..

(infighting). i was awarded the touch but i didn't accept it for obvious reasons..

According to Derek Cotton there was at one time a world-class epeeist who was so fast he could hit something off the strip THEN the vicinity of his opponent and referees could not see it happening. It took videotape to prove it...