when to enter a competition?

[Zesty]

I've been fencing now for about two years and haven't started in competitions. When do you think a fencer should start to enter competitions, even if they don't have a good chance of winning? Cheers.

[Zilverzmurfen]

I think you could start entering (smaller) competitions just as soon as you feel ready for it. After two years of fencing I think you're ready to start out on a smaller scale!

You're lucky to live in the UK 'cause you have SO many comps to go to! Try to find a smaller one not too far away from you and just join in.

You may not win the competition, but you'll surely win a lot of experience!

Best of luck!

[Ignatz]

I'd enter your next event and go with the frame of mind that you will be victorious in the end. Only positive thoughts!

[Black Jeebus]

I have been fencing about two years now as well, and I started fencing in tourneys about five months after I started. I have found that my fencing is usually better following a tournament. Plus it's just fun to be able to fence different people every now and then.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

By the registration deadline......

Seriously, I can't imagine fencing for 2 years and not competing, fence in the very next competition possible

[veeco]

Definitely attend the very next competition you can go to, the friendships you will make during tournaments will last a lifetime!

[glowstix]

the earlier the better. i started after 1 year of fencing and have been regretting it ever since. once you start, you're hooked. when you win your first medal, you're even more hooked. and your fencing improves faster too; you stay sharp.

i don't know about the friendships lasting a lifetime but it is a good way to network!!

[noodle]

i fenced in a large collegiate (temple) open after two months of fencing. placed in the top 32 out of about 100 people, also.

[Zesty]

Well, that seems to be quite conclusive tehn. I'm going to try and find one nearby in the near future and see how it goes from there. I assume even teh minor ones are electrics aswell though.

[Purple Fencer]

You should also check out a primer package I wrote for beginning competitors. Go to http://www.homfencing.com and click on the link right below the logo and contact info that says "going to your first tournanment? read THIS!"

Or you can just copy the link I just added to my signature....

Keep in mind that it was written for tourneys held in the U.S., but a lot of it should translate to UK tourneys...but if in doubt, ask your local organizers.

Just be advised of one thing...if you go into your first event and there are experienced fencers there, beware of what I call the "Karate Kid Syndrome." beginners in our sport do NOT walk in and beat everyone...more likely you'll be getting hammered by the more experienced guys for the first year or so, unless you're REALLY quick on the uptake.

I'm also updating it...so you might want to check back in a few days...although the changes won't really affect a first timer.

Just go out and don't put too much pressure on yourself...have fun...winning will come with experience.

[Zesty]

To be honest, I thought I woud just use it to fence different people rather than the same group at my club all the time.

[Andromeda]

In our club, we try to get our members to enter competitions as soon as possible (when they are comfortable) simply because competitions are one of the best places to learn.

[Alain]

I've been fencing now for about two years and haven't started in competitions. When do you think a fencer should start to enter competitions, even if they don't have a good chance of winning? Cheers.

If you feel like you'd like to have a crack at competitions, then go for it. Go for the local ones - Hampshire, for where you live, and Southern Section - as well as some of the big 'uns in our area: the Slough (in Bracknell) and Aldershot (er, in Aldershot) Opens would be good, for example.

Oh... and come to visit us at Reading! (shameless plug, I know) We have club competition nights every month, which are probably harder than the local championships

All the best, and probably see you soon

Alain

P.S. If it helps, we have a competition calendar for our members in the Resources bit of our site (under 'Competitions').

[Go? Fencing?]

You should also check out a primer package I wrote for beginning competitors. Go to http://www.homfencing.com and click on the link right below the logo and contact info that says "going to your first tournanment? read THIS!"

Very nice! I like the ST usage especially. Of course Sulu would win!

[Purple Fencer]

Very nice! I like the ST usage especially. Of course Sulu would win!

Heh....that was an homage to an earlier version of the USFA rulebook (late 90s, I think) that listed Star Trek characters and actors in the DE chart...Spock (VUL), Kirk (UFP), Shatner (SAG), you get the idea.

Best line was in the front of the book wherfe they said that if people were wonderingt why no one from Voyager was on the chart....they couldn't be seeded because they were in the wrong quadrant!

*sigh* I miss a sense of humor in the rulebook....

[Zhi]

Basically in my situation, my coach is the one who's in charge of that matter. He decide upon the performance of his or her student, or otherwise letting gain experience... Luckily 10 months after I've started in training (fencing), my coach just signed me up to a minor competition... That day is the very frustrating moment of mine.. However I've learned alot from it!

[Sciurus-Rex]

Wait to register for a competition until after confirming the event has more than four electronic scoring boxes to use.

[azfencer]

Sounds like you have a good attitude and are ready to start competing! You will need to have (or borrow) a complete electric kit to compete. It will be very fun to fence other people from your usual crowd!!! I think it is very helpful to have small goals since most people don't start off with winning tournaments right away. Scoring at least one touch on each opponent in the pools is a good goal that is often within reach. You can work your way up from there.