Another new but stubbornly determined fencer

[ErinRose]

Greetings all!
I have just begun fencing lessons, though I have been interested in doing so since I can remember. I don't know what inspired it. Princess Bride or something. Anyway, the summer is over and I am back down in SoCal for college, currently looking for somewhere nearby to learn, but in the meantime I have some questions. People I talk to often ask me "foil or epee?". I have only had a total of two lessons, and I don't know what the difference is. Is it a weapon type, tecnique, style, or a bit of each? I am more intertested in Period than Olympic style fencing, as I am a diehard fairegoer, so which would be more up my alley?
I'm excited about finally getting into something I've always wanted to do, and I find I am diving into it head-first and blindfolded (but isn't that the best way to do everything?).
Thanks in advance!
*Erin Rose*

[Inquartata]

Hi. Welcome aboard.

Epee is a heavier weapon, stiffer blade, larger bell guard, and different rules than foil, which along with sabre utilizes a "right of way" convention, supposedly to restore some of the caution a sharp point would inspire. That is to say, very simply, if your opponent attacks you must either parry or in some other way vitiate that attack before you can attack in turn---thus hopefully preventing constant simultaneous attacks. Epee does not use this convention, and is thus perhaps the "purest" of the two weapons. The entire body is also target in epee, unlike foil where it's only the torso, or sabre where it's everything above the waist ( except the hands ), head included. Hence epee is probably your best simulation of "real" swordsmanship, although in its modern manifestation it has drifted a long way from reality. Unless you can find a so-called "classical" fencing salle, too, be prepared for a good deal of dismissive attitude from other fencers and coaches, many of whom consider themselves to be practicing a modern sport with few vestiges of its origins in combat left...and who think of Ren and SCA fencers as a bit potty at best. Better yet, don't mention your interest in period fence. Epee will give you skills and fitness that will serve you well in other venues, though it will not be a perfect fit. Try asking over at www.swordforums.com if you want to find a period group in your area...

[forte']

Welcome Erin,
I fence foil and epee', I would encourage you to fence foil first. Inquartata is correct, epee is probably the closest to the real thing however I believe that foil is a better weapon to get the basics in. Most fencers start in foil and move to other weapons from there.
Additionaly most of the really good SCA, classical fencers Ive meet started in sport fencing.
Regards

[ErinRose]

Thanks for the info, guys. Foil, then, is what I've been learning so far. Good to know.
*Erin*