why is fencing good for you?

[urbankat]

I fence in Scotland and a journalist has just asked my 'why is fencing good for you?' and 'why do I do it?' She is doing an article about the new women's fitness craze that is fencing in the UK(!?)

Anyway, I have access to loads of fencing books, but she wants some online references too about why it is good for you, and for women in particular.

Any good urls would be gratefully received.

Thanks very much

Kat

[Gav]

Have a look at this thread...

<a href="http://www.fencing.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002436" target="_blank">link to thread</a>

Just in case, I refreshed it for you too.

This is the article that the journalist is reffering to. I had a look at the article, which is about 50 words, and it doesnt say much. I suspect that it may be in reference to the fact that celebs such celebs as Madonna, Lucy Liu and Mrs Michael Douglas have been linked to Fencing recently more than anything else.

Why is Fencing good for you? [Without getting all techie.] Because it beats eating McDonalds and having your gut dissolved by certain sweet fizzy drinks. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

But please do not disabuse this jouranlist of the illusion that fencing is the new 'thing'. If Fencing suddenly becomes popular it can only be a good thing.

ps See you next time you're at Fencing.

<small>[ 08-07-2002, 12:12 PM: Message edited by: Gav ]</small>

[urbankat]

Thanks Gav.

Interesting to see people's views on publicity for fencing, but she needs something a little more in-depth rather than plagiarising a snippet from Marie Claire.

[Zelda]

Why is fencing good for females? Well provided I get a copy of the Article (I'm in London until September) I'll give you my 2 penny worth.
1. Its competitive in a good way
2. The women are not *****y like in other sports
3. Women can compete with men and not be intidated by them.
4. Equality....

[counter riposte]

Assuming a copy of the article can be sent to us...

5. A way to keep in shape using harmlessly violent weaponry.

6. Challenging others to a midday duel can be quite relaxing.

7. Being able to poke, stab and slash at your loved one.

8. Imagining to poke, stab and slash someone you loathe.

9. NO Drama.

10. Hopelessly romantic ideals of saving your man in distress.

11. Being armed.

12. A sport in which you can continue on into old age.

13. No matter how old you are, you can still beat someone on the strip.

14. You are never too old to start fencing.

15. Being able to socialize with someone after you have disembowled them.

16. Does wonders for your figure.

17. Psychologically fulfilling.

18. FUN!!!!

[counter riposte]

In all due seriousness, there are some great aspects to fencing as a sport which can be beneficial to both sexes. As mentioned in the previous post, fencing does help with keeping in shape and maintaining the motivation to continue to workout, eat right and excercise. Without which, getting on the strip will wear you down, especially in a 15 point bout.

There are also psycological aspects of independence, equality, and competition unequalled in any other sport. It is a sport which you can start at any age, and is limited only by your willingness to learn.

As with any other sport, fencing can be a great stress relief from the pressures of the day, from a whiny co-worker, office politics, or class deadlines. Being able to take out agressions on the strip, rather than on relationships can be much better in the long run psycologically as well as physically, and most of all, FUN!!!

<small>[ 08-07-2002, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: counter riposte ]</small>

[Moonitic]

Fencing is a form of aerobic exercise. The deep stretching involved is also very good for the body.

Psychologically, it's a great release from stress. I pick up a weapon & the tension disappears.

Emotionally, (in general terms) fencers are good people. There is a certain "stick togetherness" that I have noticed. Most fencers are willing to help one another, & are happy to share their love of this sport.

Also mentioned, everyone is equal. There are no barriers. Male or female, ethnicity, religion, age, etc. are not problems. No one is segregated.

Besides...we get to play with swords & quote lines from movies while doing it!

[Zelda]

Have thought about it a bit more after reading my slight glib 1st reply and have come up with the following.

Sometimes it is expected that women will act like women, be emotional/irrational/etc, its the womans perogative. Other times they are expected to be prim, proper and decourous.

Fencing combines absolutely all of these. It is a sport where equality is expected. Also its everything everyone else has said.

[mfp]

People seem to have missed the point of the orignal request:

but she wants some online references too about why it is good for you, and for women in particular.

Any good urls would be gratefully received.

[Spanky McFarland]

Why is fencing good for women? Well, I would like to say because it works against the natural female tendency to have a big, fat arse, but I've observed far too many of the aforementioned oversized bahookies on the piste to be able to say this.

I would also like to say that it's a good way to meet men, but since fencing seems to be overpopulated with obsessive geeks who cover their walls with old swords, rather than the more manly option of scantily clad women soaping down sports cars, I can't say that either.

So, I would conclude that the only decent thing about fencing for women is that it gives them the chance to hit men in the nuts without fear of reprisal.

[three_hundred_fifty_five]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Helvetica, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Originally posted by Spanky McFarland:
<strong>Why is fencing good for women? Well, I would like to say because it works against the natural female tendency to have a big, fat arse, but I've observed far too many of the aforementioned oversized bahookies on the piste to be able to say this.

I would also like to say that it's a good way to meet men, but since fencing seems to be overpopulated with obsessive geeks who cover their walls with old swords, rather than the more manly option of scantily clad women soaping down sports cars, I can't say that either.

So, I would conclude that the only decent thing about fencing for women is that it gives them the chance to hit men in the nuts without fear of reprisal.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Wow, I'm sure any journalist would be overwhelmed with the wisdom and deep insight you have provided. Your level of intelligence far surpasses anyone who posts on this bulletin board... no one has yet to use the term bahookies until now.

[three_hundred_fifty_five]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Helvetica, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Originally posted by urbankat:
<strong>I fence in Scotland and a journalist has just asked my 'why is fencing good for you?' and 'why do I do it?' She is doing an article about the new women's fitness craze that is fencing in the UK(!?)

Anyway, I have access to loads of fencing books, but she wants some online references too about why it is good for you, and for women in particular.

Any good urls would be gratefully received.

Thanks very much

Kat</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Unfortunately, fencing is actually not good for women. Proper sports for women include belly dancing, washing cars, and jogging.

[Spanky McFarland]

What, all at the same time?

[Peach]

I think you mean they are good for *you*.