Greeting with a question

[Donnelly]

Hello- To begin I have no experience in the sport of fencing, none. My interest has recently been inspired by my 15 y/o son who has always expressed an interest in swords, sword play, and the idea of fencing. We are Americans currently living in Germany. Our town has a fencing club with youth programs, I've done some research in to the idea of introducing him to the sport through the local club, but am unsure as to what the usual requirements are for training, equipment, etc... Language could be a problem but I think we could work through it. I would really like to hear from other Post members who may have had similar experiences, being introduce to sport outside your native country. My son is around 6'1" tall of thin but solid
build and athletic. I feel like fencing would be a sport that would help build confidence, grace, endurance, mental agility, and determination? Any agreement? Could use some help on this, all comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Inquartata]

There's at least one expat who lives and fences in Germany on the board, but I don't know if he ever checks the intro sub-forum. He goes by 'Sabreur'. A question on the Fencing sub-forum might be indicated...

[JackOfHearts]

There's a guy at my fencing club that lived in Germany for awhile (going back in the winter time, I think). I'd be happy to ask him any question on your behalf about fencing there. And Welcome.

[RITFencing]

Originally Posted by Donnelly

I feel like fencing would be a sport that would help build confidence, grace, endurance, mental agility, and determination? Any agreement? Could use some help on this, all comments would be greatly appreciated.

All of these things are true, and he will have a blast doing it. I've never met a 15 year odl boy who didn't like the idea of going after someone with a sword. I would encourage him to go check it out (maybe go with him) and take a look at the beginner program. If the coach seems competent, cares about his students and has a good mind for safety, and your son is still interested, I would sign him up!

[Go? Fencing?]

I wouldn't worry too much about language problems. For a while, I had a Chinese coach who spoke very little English, and usually relied on one of the Chinese students in the class to translate (the class was held through a Chinese school- I was one of two non-Chinese kids; of course not all of them had the translating ability). Funny thing, though, I never really needed translation- the language of fencing transcends other languages, so I could understand him better than some of the Chinese kids sometimes! (My French teacher still refuses to believe this, but I swear it's true.)