Novice Questions, Questions By A Novice...

[peter_mcqueen@hotmail.com]

I don't actually qualify as a novice yet because I'm still only
thinking about trying fencing, I'd have to started to study it to be a
novice.

Anyway I just have a few questions. I have been looking around on the
internet for information about fencing, and I am not sure exactly what
the difference is between classical and sport fencing and why some
classical fencers despise sport fencing (even though it appears sport
fencing is what they do at the Olympics, so you'd think that even if
you end up not having what it takes to get that far, you'd at least
want to study that version).

I am trying to find a good introductory book prior to taking any
lessons. I want to know a bit more before I join a club (I wonder if
The Big Book of Fencing would be a good bet -
http://www.fencing101.com/catalog/pr...products_id=32).

Another question I have is why a club would focus totally on epee, I
thought you had to start with foil, but this club
(http://www.eastlondonfencing.ca/) says that training is done with
epee. What if I want to do sabre? I don't know if I would, but it
would be nice to have some experience with each type before deciding.

I don't know what the differences are between the schools. People talk
about the French School, the Italian School, the Spanish School...
Some people say the pistol grip is bad, you should use this type of
grip, others say the opposite. (The same as with classical vs sport -
and the arguments are to a beginner equally persuasive.)

[DHCJr]

This is not a sport with a right or wrong answer that is right or wrong for everyone. There are some who believe each weapon is unique and working on more than one would hurt you. Each handle and shool has their advantages and also their disadvantage.

For example, the French handle gives you more speed, finese and distance, but you loose out on strength. For example you see a number higher level Epeeist using French, but almost none in Foil.

The Big Book of Fencing is a good start.

What you have to decide is which is best for you. For example, some would say if you are very tall go Epee, Hyperactive Sabre, Others Foil. The trouble is you will find this is not always true. With nothing about you, I can't give any specific suggestions on which way to go, but I would suggest trying different handles, weapons, styles, until one clicks.

When you get further along, you will be looking at different parts for you weapons. For example, I have been asked which is the best body cord. I tell them there is NO best body cord, but then I ask them about themselves to help determine the best body cord for THEM.

[esskreemr]

Some really good starting points are:

http://parents.usfencing.org/ParentGuide.pdf

and

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/sports/fencing-faq/

The fencing faqs will provide the most info but be prepared for alot of reading.

[Joseph Kormann]

As DHC said, there is no "right" answer to grip, weapon style, etc. It's
all about your preference. The best way to know which you prefer is to
eventually try them all. As for starting, if you have alot of nearby
clubs, go shopping. Think of it like a gym. Stop by, get a feel for how
it's run, what the people are like, etc. Chances are high this will lead
you to your answer of what weapons to start with, which fencing style to
use (Italian, French, Russian, Classical, etc).

For a person just starting, Foil and Epee are very similar. You won't
get to know the nuances until later in your fencing career.

I smell a Holy War gearing up so let me be more clear: Foil and Epee are
two different styles with different weapons and target areas. For a
beginner, you'll be focusing on footwork, basic bladework, distance and
the like. These skills are transferable between the three weapons.

And honestly, you'll be exercising, having fun and trying something new.
What else can you ask for?

Side note: Dr. Volkmann's book is among the best.

-Joseph

[Chris Zakes]

On 7 Jul 2005 11:31:48 -0700, an orbital mind-control laser caused
peter_mcqueen@hotmail.com to write:

>I don't actually qualify as a novice yet because I'm still only
>thinking about trying fencing, I'd have to started to study it to be a
>novice.
>
>Anyway I just have a few questions. I have been looking around on the
>internet for information about fencing, and I am not sure exactly what
>the difference is between classical and sport fencing and why some
>classical fencers despise sport fencing (even though it appears sport
>fencing is what they do at the Olympics, so you'd think that even if
>you end up not having what it takes to get that far, you'd at least
>want to study that version).

Modern competitive ("sport") fencing is focused almost exclusively on
getting better and winning more bouts, so that you can increase your
overall standing and compete at higher and higher levels. It tends to
use the most high-tech equipment available. If you saw any of the
fencing at the last Olympics, that's pretty much the objective of
sport fencing.

"Classical" fencing is focused more on the style that was used 30 or
40 years ago (or more.) It tends to use visual scoring (four judges
are stationed around the fencing strip to spot hits) there is more
emphasis on style rather than on getting the touch, and it's somewhat
less competitive.

Neither style is inherently better or worse than the other, it will
depend on what *you* like better.

-Chris Zakes
Texas

There are no dangerous weapons, there are only dangerous men.

-Sgt, Zim in "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein

[Peter McQueen]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'll check out those links.

[mrbiggs]

I'm assuming you live in the U.S.

Something to ponder when you're considering classical or sport fencing is availibility. Fencing clubs are reasonably few and far between in the U.S., and odds are pretty good that there will only be one club within a reasonable distance of your house.

Also, even sport fencing clubs (and, I assume, classical fencing clubs) have different methods of teaching and different idealogies about how fencing should be taught. In other words, if you were to make a decision about what type of fencing you want to do before looking into the types availible, you will most likely not be able to pursue the type of fencing you were looking for.

I'd suggest you go to usfencing.org, and click the link to find a club in your area. Then, get in touch with them. The coach there should be able to answer all your questions. Also, you might be able to go there and watch some fencing, and see if you like how it's done. (The usfencing.org is only applicable to sport clubs. I don't know how to find a classical fencing club in your area.)

[Peter McQueen]

No I live in Canada. Unfortunately there are only two clubs in this
city. Thanks for the advice, though.

mrbiggs wrote:
> I'm assuming you live in the U.S.
>
> Something to ponder when you're considering classical or sport fencing
> is availibility. Fencing clubs are reasonably few and far between in
> the U.S., and odds are pretty good that there will only be one club
> within a reasonable distance of your house.
>
> Also, even sport fencing clubs (and, I assume, classical fencing clubs)
> have different methods of teaching and different idealogies about how
> fencing should be taught. In other words, if you were to make a
> decision about what type of fencing you want to do before looking into
> the types availible, you will most likely not be able to pursue the
> type of fencing you were looking for.
>
> I'd suggest you go to usfencing.org, and click the link to find a club
> in your area. Then, get in touch with them. The coach there should be
> able to answer all your questions. Also, you might be able to go there
> and watch some fencing, and see if you like how it's done. (The
> usfencing.org is only applicable to sport clubs. I don't know how to
> find a classical fencing club in your area.)
>
>
> --
> mrbiggs
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> mrbiggs's Profile: http://www.fencing101.com/vb/member....fo&userid=3975
> View this thread: http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthr...threadid=18634

[broncofencer]

The big book of fencing is a good way to start. Reading will get you familiar with the termanology but don't worry to much about which weapon you start with. Until you get to try each one its impossible to figure out the one you really like. I also find that just because a club focuses on one weapon usually the coaches prefered weapon doesn't mean they don't fence the others as well. Plus as mentioned the basics transfer to all 3 weapons so nothing can really stop you from doing sabre on your own you will just have to learn as you go.