Questions from a beginner

[jrprjr]

Hello to everyone here! I appreciate the opportunity to present a few questions about this fencing business!

I fenced very briefly (like for a month) in college, and haven't touched it again in about 8 years. I've decided to start again at a club where I live. I've got several particular questions:

Can anyone recommend a good book or two that would contain fundamental information about fencing, particular for someone with limited exposure to a coach? I really want information on proper footwork etc. that I can practice on my own, as well as some more theoretical work about how to think about fencing. Only one adult class per week is offered at the club I've joined.

What kinds of physical exercise, other than fencing itself and typical warm-up exercises on the strip, are best for conditioning?

My limited experience in fencing in college was with foil. At the club I've joined, there are adult beginner lessons in foil and in epee/sabre. The foil classes are inconvenient for my schedule, but I guess I would prefer to start out in foil for all the reasons that are normally offered for doing so. The only reason I might just go directly to epee or sabre would be if it seems that for whatever reason I would be naturally better at one of those weapons (I've never tried them, and I know my way not all around the foil so I'm disinclined to confuse myself at this point by taking up three weapons at once). I've seen little information about what makes a "good" epeeist or sabreur or foilist. For my part, I'm 5'10.5", 200ish lbs. with medium to large build, relatively long legs and arms and a paunch I would like to eliminate (part of why I started fencing again). I really have no idea how that would factor into anything. I do know that my club has no philosophical objection to people starting on whatever weapon they want.

[Inquartata]

You are lucky, then. The "foil first, always" myth is widespread and strong...

Your disposition and inclination should be what determines the weapon you choose. Try them all, and see if any of them call to you particularly. I started perforce with foil, because the coach running the class would teach only foil to novices, cursed be his hidebound mentality. I did not like it at all, and the first time I was able to find sabre I promptly forgot everything I knew about foil and have been a sabre fencer ever since. Some people feel similarly fervent about foil or epee ( the gods alone know why ). Follow your bliss, as Campbell was wont to say.

Books are a very poor substitute for coaching or a class, and tend to ingrain bad habits and misunderstandings of the instructions. But if you're just reading them as supplements, Modern Fencing by Alaux is OK, albeit no longer really "modern". Szabo's Fencing and the Master is great for drills and exercises, albeit dry reading. There are a couple of weapon-specific books, or ones which are better in covering one weapon than the others. Depends on what you are looking for.

As for conditioning, lots of people recommend running. I detest it, and substitute a stationary bicyle ( planted in front of the television ). Swimming is good, too, I understand. Some toning with weights is a good idea...

And welcome to the board!

[sjkontos]

Welcome Back! I was in a similar situation. I fenced foil for a year in college and while I enjoyed it, I kept wanting to fence epee. I took a year off, and when I started again, I picked up epee and haven't looked back.

I have some books on fencing, and none of them are that good. I'm sure the people who wrote them are spectacular fencers, but reading about fencing is not the same as taking a lesson or competing.

Regarding exercises, my coach has me do a lot of boxing footwork exercises. I obviously don't train with a punching bag, but I jumprope and do some "hopping" footwork in addition to traditional footwork to help me be lighter on my feet.

[ThatReallyHurt]

Hey there! Welcome to the forum!

[Zilverzmurfen]

Welcome!

[VELISARIOS]

Wellcome. No I do not know any book.

[Frank Pratt]

My limited experience in fencing in college was with foil. At the club I've joined, there are adult beginner lessons in foil and in epee/sabre. The foil classes are inconvenient for my schedule, but I guess I would prefer to start out in foil for all the reasons that are normally offered for doing so. The only reason I might just go directly to epee or sabre would be if it seems that for whatever reason I would be naturally better at one of those weapons (I've never tried them, and I know my way not all around the foil so I'm disinclined to confuse myself at this point by taking up three weapons at once). I've seen little information about what makes a "good" epeeist or sabreur or foilist. For my part, I'm 5'10.5", 200ish lbs. with medium to large build, relatively long legs and arms and a paunch I would like to eliminate (part of why I started fencing again). I really have no idea how that would factor into anything. I do know that my club has no philosophical objection to people starting on whatever weapon they want.

As far as your build goes (average, kinda like mine,) there are pleanty of skilled fencers in all 3 weapons who are your size. Height and long arms/legs are natural advantages in epee. I would try all three weapons and see which one you like, then decide if you want to concentrate on one weapon or fence two or all three. I only fence epee at the moment because no one in my club is fencing foil or sabre, and becuase it's my favorite. I tend to do better in foil events, though. I think this is because of my temperment; I like to get in there and attack. I am sometimes not quite patient enough to do well in epee.

Bottom line is to have fun, no matter what you're fencing. If you're not having fun, then what's the point?!

[BrianH]

JRPRJR,

Welcome to the board and welcome back to fencing. I began competing in 1980 and plan to continue until I die. Truly a lifetime sport.

Inq is correct in what he says; the only thing I would add is to the physical conditioning piece. The key to fencing well is to move your feet, so any sport that makes you do that should help you. I know fencing masters who recommend soccer, others tennis, some one-on-one basketball. One reason these are good for cross-training is they move you all directions, where fencing is very linear and asymmetrical. One of my keys to longevity is stretching religiously.

Is it possible to fence one weapon and at least do footwork with practitioners of the others? There are lots of valuable footwork drills you can do with nonfencers, too, to learn distance, direction changes and deception.

Good luck to you.

Brian

[TLH]

Hi JrPrJr - I'm an adult beginner with ltd coaching available as well. Fencing.net store carries the Epee Combat manual that I have found very helpful - good background and then lots of training exercises laid out for you. For foil, and general info and exercises,stategy and such, The Big Book of Fencing has a good deal of info. Why not try both - it gives me more bouting overall, and its not that hard to shift gears. Work,work,work on your footwork!!! Have fun (I Love it!!!!) - TLH

[TLH]

Hi JrPrJr - I'm an adult beginner with ltd coaching available as well. Fencing.net store carries the Epee Combat manual that I have found very helpful - good background and then lots of training exercises laid out for you. For foil, and general info and exercises,stategy and such, The Big Book of Fencing has a good deal of info. Why not try both - it gives me more bouting overall, and its not that hard to shift gears. Work,work,work on your footwork!!! Have fun (I Love it!!!!) - TLH

Also - good stretching and 'core muscle group' exercises are explained and illustrated @ mayoclinic.com in the fitness and exercise section (some name similar to that) - Enjoy - TLH

[lefty_monster]

well, i find that general toning exercises work very well as a workout in between fencing sessions. My coaches say that i should run, but i try to do that and sometimes hurt myself. I've found that DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) is a good workout. no, really. It's good for your footspeed.

and BTW, welcome!