Hello thinking about starting to fence

[Madoublet98]

Hey, Ive been really considering starting to fence. There is a fencing academy a few minutes away and I think im gonna try it out. I just have a few questions. Im 16 now, is that too late to start? Is fencing fun and enjoyable to keep doing/why? and is it possible to get good even if you arent very agile to begin with? thats pretty much it, thanks for your help.

[Fencing Jesus]

Do you want to do it?

You will not be an Olympic Champion.

You will have fun though.

Try fencing.

[RebelFencer]

16 definately is not too late to start.

[ThatReallyHurt]

Hello and welcome the forum!

You're really never too old to start fencing. I know that sounds cheezy, but it's true. When I started (I was 28), I was quite overweight and couldn't even touch my shins... now I'm about 30 pounds lighter and can touch the floor with my fingertips without warming up.

Being good? Well, it depends on what you mean. Regardless of starting age or natural agility, there are only so many people who will be Olympic champions... but don't let that dissuade you from trying out the sport - it's very rewarding and exhilirating!!!

Good luck and enjoy!

[BrianH]

No, you're not too old to start. I began at 31 and did fairly well on a regional level, and even qualified for Nationals several times.

Yes, it is fun to keep doing. Many of us on the forum have been fencing for decades, and we're sure as heck not doing it for the money! It's a wonderful combination of physical and mental tasks, and there are a number of talents that can be called upon in bouts: leg speed, observational ability, concentration, flexibility, hand speed, precision movements, change of direction, strength, patience, explosiveness, sense of distance, timing, tactical thinking....you play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses, and avoid your opponent's strengths and play to their weaknesses. Enjoy yourself!

[JackOfHearts]

I started at 18. Been hooked on it ever since. Fencing is very fun, you can get in shape, get faster, more flexible, its a great mental/physical workout. It's also a good sport to meet many different kinds of people. I hope you do decide to take it up.

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by Fencing Jesus

Do you want to do it?

You will not be an Olympic Champion.

You will have fun though.

Try fencing.

Well that's wrong. It's entirely possible to be an olympic champion at 16. It is, of course, alot harder to become an olympic champion, but it's possible.

Skill at fencing is a combination of many factors. Agility is one, but I wouldn't say that it's even the most important. Try it out and see how you do.

[poskat]

TRY IT!


its so rewarding! its the combination of mental and physical agility that makes it so good!
dont be afraid, i only started at the tender age of 18, and its still the best sport ive done so far.


gowan.. i know you want to!

[Madoublet98]

lol i dont want to be an olympic champion, it would be nice though

i just want to not loose every time i play. thanks for the responses, i think im gonna call the academy tomorrow and see how i can start.

btw, how do i pick whether i want to do foil, epee, or sabre? just play with each and see which i like best? or will they help me pick

edit: oh and also the reason i was kind of worried besides age is that my body is a stocky sort of build. im physically fit, but im only 5'5" now and kinda broad shouldered. would that hinder me at all?

[foilman]

Hi

greetings from doncaster south yorkshire.

I have been fencing for about 12 months now ... foil.. i am 61 .so might have a problem making the olympic team

but hey, when i get a good hit against one of the young bloods i feel good all night

age i feel is a state of mind.. not of body.
And it's a load of fun and one of the two highlights of my week

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Originally Posted by Madoublet98

lol i dont want to be an olympic champion, it would be nice though

i just want to not loose every time i play. thanks for the responses, i think im gonna call the academy tomorrow and see how i can start.

btw, how do i pick whether i want to do foil, epee, or sabre? just play with each and see which i like best? or will they help me pick

edit: oh and also the reason i was kind of worried besides age is that my body is a stocky sort of build. im physically fit, but im only 5'5" now and kinda broad shouldered. would that hinder me at all?

You can play with each try them as you like. Heck, if you're super talented, you might even be an olympian. Just remember to have fun at first, don't worry about winning or training at the start. Remember man, you're sword fighting! How many people get to do that?

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by Madoublet98

lol i dont want to be an olympic champion, it would be nice though

i just want to not loose every time i play. thanks for the responses, i think im gonna call the academy tomorrow and see how i can start.

btw, how do i pick whether i want to do foil, epee, or sabre? just play with each and see which i like best? or will they help me pick

edit: oh and also the reason i was kind of worried besides age is that my body is a stocky sort of build. im physically fit, but im only 5'5" now and kinda broad shouldered. would that hinder me at all?

how and when you pick your weapon depends on your coach, anything we say might not be true.

[larkmaj]

Originally Posted by Madoublet98

Im 16 now, is that too late to start?

I think fencing is one of the few sports where you can be highly competetive no matter what age you start.

Is fencing fun and enjoyable to keep doing/why?

If you have done any looking on the forums I think you can get a good idea. It's a sport in which your performance is mainly effecting by one thing, you. If you can take a look at yourself and see what you need to improve, you will enjoy it.

and is it possible to get good even if you arent very agile to begin with?

One of the best epeeist at my club is fat and slow. If you need the agility it will come with practice.