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  1. #1
    Member Array cheesethief's Avatar
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    My first class...

    Yeah, soooo... I'm going to my first fencing class tomorrow. Anyone have any tips for the new guy?
    In the time of chimpanzees
    I was a monkey

    Baldrick, does it have to be this way? Our valued friendship ending with me cutting you up into strips and telling the prince that you walked over a very sharp cattle grid in an extremely heavy hat?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Array ThatReallyHurt's Avatar
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    Firstly, welcome to the forum!

    Heh... based on my first class, I'd say:

    - Relax
    - Remember that the fencing gear will protect you
    - Forget everything you saw in pirate/ninja/knight movies
    - Talk to your coach - don't be afraid to ask questions
    - Enjoy yourself!

    ... and most importantly...

    - Have a hot bath or hot water bottle ready when you get home, unless you're not planning on moving around for the next two days...

    Good luck, and let us know how it went, eh?
    Pound for pound, the amoeba is the most vicious animal on earth.

  3. #3
    Member Array cheesethief's Avatar
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    Sure thing. I've taken martial arts and I was taking tumbling classes a little while ago, so it shouldn't be too painful. I hope...
    In the time of chimpanzees
    I was a monkey

    Baldrick, does it have to be this way? Our valued friendship ending with me cutting you up into strips and telling the prince that you walked over a very sharp cattle grid in an extremely heavy hat?

  4. #4
    Senior Member Array ThatReallyHurt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    Sure thing. I've taken martial arts and I was taking tumbling classes a little while ago, so it shouldn't be too painful. I hope...
    Ah, well then... you should be fine.

    I was speaking as a fat guy who couldn't touch his toes.
    Pound for pound, the amoeba is the most vicious animal on earth.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Array Mauler's Avatar
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    Show up a little early. Walk around the place and get used to the surroundings. Let your body loosen up, warm up lightly and stretch. Talk to folks and get to know them.

    Pay attention to your instructor and do what he/she says.

    Always keep an eye on advanced fencers (without losing focus on your class) if they are practicing somewhere else in the club space. You are going to be one of them in the future, and perhaps even surpass them. What they are doing is an eventual product of the training you are receiving at the moment.

    Get off the internet and get some sleep.

  6. #6
    Member Array cheesethief's Avatar
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    Thanks.
    In the time of chimpanzees
    I was a monkey

    Baldrick, does it have to be this way? Our valued friendship ending with me cutting you up into strips and telling the prince that you walked over a very sharp cattle grid in an extremely heavy hat?

  7. #7
    Senior Member Array LUDICROUS's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ThatReallyHurt
    Ah, well then... you should be fine.

    I was speaking as a fat guy who couldn't touch his toes.

    Im a 6'1" stick and I can barely do it either. However, without fencing I wouldn't be able to do it. I can do it on 1 leg at the moment...a month or two ago I could do both. Sigh.
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  8. #8
    Senior Member Array VELISARIOS's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    Yeah, soooo... I'm going to my first fencing class tomorrow. Anyone have any tips for the new guy?
    Wellcome to the forum and to the sport.
    I wish you luck for your first class.
    Now some advices:
    Listen what your coach said to you. Always he is right.
    Get the advises of the old fencers of the club.
    CU
    The purpose of tactic is to conquer the enemy with proper war movements and actions.

    -Tactics of Emperor Leon 6th the Wise

  9. #9
    Posting Hound Array Zilverzmurfen's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    Yeah, soooo... I'm going to my first fencing class tomorrow. Anyone have any tips for the new guy?
    A new fencer, great -- welcome!

    Tips for beginners you say?
    Well, always remember to never look more experienced fencers than yourself in the eyes, and make sure their water bottles are always filled with fresh, cold water!

    I'm just joking of course.
    Pay attention to what the coach says and remember fencing isn't what it looks like in pirate movies. Most important though -- have fun!

    Please post back and tell us how you did. We all hope you'll stick (ha ha) with the sport!
    Fencing is my only PvP.

  10. #10
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    Have fun, be relaxed, and come back for the second class.

    Unless your coach/salle sucks, in which case go to a different one.

  11. #11
    Member Array cheesethief's Avatar
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    This is the place I'm going to: Boston Fencing Club

    On their "About Us" page, it says that it is the oldest fencing club in ths US. Anyone know anything about any of the coaches?
    In the time of chimpanzees
    I was a monkey

    Baldrick, does it have to be this way? Our valued friendship ending with me cutting you up into strips and telling the prince that you walked over a very sharp cattle grid in an extremely heavy hat?

  12. #12
    Senior Member Array Morion's Avatar
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    Sorry, I don't know anything about the Boston club. However, I would like to suggest that you do not expect too much at first. You will probably spend your first couple classes just learning how to do the footwork and hold the foil. It is much more difficult than it looks. I know for about the first three months I generally left class feeling like I couldn't walk and chew gum at the same time. Of course I am a slow learner and you will probably get through that stage much quicker. Anyway, just stick with it and have fun.
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  13. #13
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    Advise? Most of what I'd say has been said already...

    Other than that I'd add

    -- Stretch before your lesson! Stretch your thighs, legs, etc -- don't bounce them, but get them warm and the muscles exercised to their full range of motion. A couple of weeks ago when I got to my lesson while running late, I could really feel the difference the next day as I hadn't time to stretch before working out.

    -- Practice at home. Footwork in particular. If you have a full length mirror, it's a good way to check your form.

  14. #14
    Senior Member Array D+F+P=Hadouken!'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    This is the place I'm going to: Boston Fencing Club

    On their "About Us" page, it says that it is the oldest fencing club in ths US. Anyone know anything about any of the coaches?
    yeah, boston fencing club IS a good club, and the coaches are certainly respectable. I suggest keeping your ears open.
    "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. And from this side only! The flight of a half-man, half-bird. Dinosaurs nuzzling their young in pastures where strip malls should be. Cookies on dowels. All those moment, lost in time. Gone, like eggs off a hooker's stomach. Time to die" -Phil Ken Sebben

  15. #15
    Just Joined Array ignatius2's Avatar
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    Some people say that if you don't leave fencing in your first three months you'll never leave it, so be patient in your first lessons and have fun!

  16. #16
    Senior Member Array parrythis's Avatar
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    Keep your front foot straight.
    One test is worth a thousand opinions.
    I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was. - Toby Keith
    Living life without taking the occasional risk is like lemon-pepper chicken without the lemon-peper. It's just chicken.

  17. #17
    Senior Member Array RebelFencer's Avatar
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    Arm First!!
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  18. #18
    GGK
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    This is the place I'm going to: Boston Fencing Club
    Anyone know anything about any of the coaches?
    Yes.......
    Some will sell their dreams for small desires

  19. #19
    Member Array cheesethief's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GGK
    Yes.......
    And........
    In the time of chimpanzees
    I was a monkey

    Baldrick, does it have to be this way? Our valued friendship ending with me cutting you up into strips and telling the prince that you walked over a very sharp cattle grid in an extremely heavy hat?

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by cheesethief
    And........
    There are many people on this board who know much of the Boston Fencing Club, as it is a large club with a strong reputation. Perhaps if you asked specific questions people could provide you with answers, but it is quite difficult to provide a response for a vague request of information.

    So, specifically, what do you want to know?

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