Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

canofcoke · 07-16-2005, 03:03 AM

Hi, I'm just now looking into fencing. I dont know anyone in it and I wanted a realistic view of what it's like. Football could be considered rough and grueling, golf you need patience and a lot of practice, what can be said about fencing? And what are the benefits of fencing? I mean, is it good exercise or anything? And how fun is it? It sounds like it could be fun but is it? Or is it more like chess or something where it just takes logic and you merely have the satisfaction of wining. It's sad to say, but where I really originally got the idea to fence was from James Bond. It was either his latest movie or the one before. I know it's not a realistic idea of what it's like but that's what made me want to give it a try. It seems to sophisticated and elegant. Anyways, thanks for the help.

(P.S. Is there really a stereotype for the people who do fencing? Is it really a rich-man sport?)

KD5MDK · 07-16-2005, 04:15 AM

No, it's a poor man sport, because nobody can be rich while buying fencing gear...

D+F+P=Hadouken! · 07-16-2005, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canofcoke

Hi, I'm just now looking into fencing. I dont know anyone in it and I wanted a realistic view of what it's like. Football could be considered rough and grueling, golf you need patience and a lot of practice, what can be said about fencing? And what are the benefits of fencing? I mean, is it good exercise or anything? And how fun is it? It sounds like it could be fun but is it? Or is it more like chess or something where it just takes logic and you merely have the satisfaction of wining. It's sad to say, but where I really originally got the idea to fence was from James Bond. It was either his latest movie or the one before. I know it's not a realistic idea of what it's like but that's what made me want to give it a try. It seems to sophisticated and elegant. Anyways, thanks for the help.

(P.S. Is there really a stereotype for the people who do fencing? Is it really a rich-man sport?)

To be good at the sport you have to be in good shape. Its a good sport, unlike any other. The thing about it being a rich mans sport is a lie. Its a formerly rich mans sport.

Fencing takes alot of dedication to succeed in.

Orangeaholic · 07-16-2005, 12:03 PM

Fencing is simply an amazing sport to participate in. It requires a person to be physically fit (or somewhat), quick, and smart. In fencing you need to think yourself through the bout. You plan out what your going to do ahead of time, and have a idea of what you would do to counter your opponent. Fencing requires a lot of dedication and patientence, but it is also very very fun. It gave me quite a bit of self-esteem and belonging, but most importantly self-disipline. I believe if even think about trying fencing, you should. So go for it!

~Orange

(BTW, I'm a girl and not rich, at all)

tbryan · 07-16-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canofcoke

Hi, I'm just now looking into fencing. I dont know anyone in it and I wanted a realistic view of what it's like. Football could be considered rough and grueling, golf you need patience and a lot of practice, what can be said about fencing? And what are the benefits of fencing? I mean, is it good exercise or anything? And how fun is it? It sounds like it could be fun but is it? Or is it more like chess or something where it just takes logic and you merely have the satisfaction of wining. It's sad to say, but where I really originally got the idea to fence was from James Bond. It was either his latest movie or the one before. I know it's not a realistic idea of what it's like but that's what made me want to give it a try. It seems to sophisticated and elegant. Anyways, thanks for the help.

(P.S. Is there really a stereotype for the people who do fencing? Is it really a rich-man sport?)

Fencing practice, when done right, is definitely a workout. Footwork drills require a bit of coordination and practice to do correctly. Once you can do them correctly, you can start doing drills that will really make your legs burn.

Fencing is a lop-sided workout, so you'll probably find yourself doing some cross-training. Some fencing clubs incorporate more general conditioning or cross-training as part of practice.

While I don't generally find that fencing makes me really out of breath, it does require decent stamina and aerobic fitness to handle a series of 15-touch foil bouts, especially if the bouts require a lot of movement.

I've met all sorts of people fencing. I have known a fencer who had a racquet ball room in his house

but he's the exception. Most fencing clubs seem to have a decent mix of people from various socio-economic backgrounds. Fencing gear for a seriously competitive fencer is expensive (from $150 - $1000+ for a full set of gear), but you will probably be borrowing gear from your club for your first several months or years. If you find that you like the sport, you can start looking into buying gear.

The more you fence, the more you will realize that there is a lot of thinking in the game. Tactics and strategy on the strip are important. You're in a one-on-one competition with someone else, and you're trying to make that person do what you want so that you can score more easily. But the actual fencing actions are very fast, requiring good reflexes and coordination.

Certainly on this forum, you'll be encouraged just to try fencing and see what you think. Give it a couple of months since it can feel pretty slow at first, but it is a very rewarding sport that you can do for your entire life. My club has fencers ranging in age from 8 to 55 at the moment. By the way, your experience will probably depend quite a bit on the fencing club where you practice. If you feel like you enjoy fencing, but you don't really like the people where you first start fencing, you should look around for another club. Different fencing clubs certainly have very different "cultures."

P.S. My friend once saw a book in a store that was titled, Get a Gold Medal Butt: Own a Fencer's Beautiful Butt (without ever fencing). Looking online, I see that the book does exist. It's by Guerriero, Gary and Mary Leonard.

canofcoke · 07-16-2005, 03:49 PM

Also, I was looking around and can someone explain to me the 3 different types of fencing. Which is most popular? And are the other ones really used? etc. Thanks.

Also, can you tell me who the best brands are for fencing? Thanks.

Orangeaholic · 07-16-2005, 09:03 PM

plastic, wood, and metal fencing. Just kidding. The three different weapons are foil, epee, and sabre. All three are largely popular, and are based upon your own personal preferences. The only weapon I truely know and can talk about is epee. Epee is the heaviest of the three weapons. In order to score a point, or touch, you must stick the point of the weapon on your opponent. In epee the whole body is a valid target. I can't really explain the other 2 weapons just in case I were to phrase something wrong and confuse not only you but myself.

Here is a link to help explain the different weapons:
http://www.usfencing.org/

Hope that was what you were asking!
~Orange

KD5MDK · 07-17-2005, 12:27 AM

Best fencing brand is like asking "What the best car brand?". Someone will say Ford, and then they'll be told "only for trucks", and then there will be a big debate and GM will get trashed, and finally when it comes down to Honda or Toyota, someone will pipe up with "Holden RULZ!!!111!"

canofcoke · 07-17-2005, 12:55 AM

If you had to choose a few of the best brands, can you tell me some that would be included? In automobiles, there are definately better brands than others. I doubt anyone would argue a Hyundai is better than a Rolls-Royce.

Chafunkta · 07-17-2005, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canofcoke

I doubt anyone would argue a Hyundai is better than a Rolls-Royce.

I like your thinking. You seem to be the type of person that knows that you get what you pay for. Some of the top fencing brands are Leon Paul, Uhlmann, Allstar. Almost all of their stuff is pretty high quality. For uniforms I have heard that Duellist and Negrinni seems to be pretty popular. But if you really want in-depth information on their products, check out the Product Reviews section of fencing.net

Also, there are different types of uniforms you can buy. They are all broken down into safety. There is the regular type (usually 350 N) and then there is FIE uniforms (i think 800 N). The FIE is for a competitive fencer and those uniforms are only required in international competition. However, with the FIE uniform comes both quality and safety. They're a lot more expensive, but I think most of them are worth the price.

But - before you go spending all this money on uniforms I suggest you start your classes, or lessons, first. You'll probably not need any of this uniform business until you've gotten competitive.

Anyhow, good luck fencing. And have fun.

canofcoke · 07-17-2005, 01:44 AM

lol, thanks. I know I wont buy until I know I like it. I just wanted to get an idea so I can start looking ahead of time. I dont like using other peoples stuff:P Thanks everyone for the help.

tbryan · 07-17-2005, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canofcoke

lol, thanks. I know I wont buy until I know I like it. I just wanted to get an idea so I can start looking ahead of time. I dont like using other peoples stuff:P

If you really don't like using other people's stuff, you can go to a couple of classes and see whether you like it. If you do, you can immediately buy a "starter set" just to use while practicing. That way, you always have your own jacket and mask that (hopefully) fit well and that you can wash when you want. Later, if you start competing, you can start buying the full competition gear and transitioning to the more expensive gear. For example, physicalchess.com has a decent Foil Beginner's set for about $100.

Welted 24/7 · 07-17-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

(P.S. Is there really a stereotype for the people who do fencing? Is it really a rich-man sport?)

You'll find that out soon enough. You want the good stuff, you pay out the nose for it. That includes lessons AND equipment. It's why there aren't more high-level fencers out there.

Moses · 07-17-2005, 06:17 PM

Fencing is fun because it is simulated combat. I get as much of an adrenaline rush fencing as I did boxing, without the risk of serious concussion (of course, I don't fence sabre

).

-Da Mose

KD5MDK · 07-17-2005, 07:58 PM

Where the best place to order from is dependent on a large number of thing, including where you are. For example, if you're on the East Coast, probably best to order from an EC vendor. If You're on the West Coast, probably best to order from a California vendor.

I think that fencing gear is best divided into two categories: Basic, and Name-brand. Most basic stuff is roughly equivalent. The name brand stuff is different from other brands at its level, but personal choice comes much more into play. I don't think you will find substantial differences between a Physical Chess basic kit, an Absolute one, or a Fencing Post one.