most important quality in fencing

[Li'l Bebe]

What do you think the most important quality in fencing is?
I recently got into an argument with DFP, so we're resolving it here.

I only allowed you to select one option, because this is going for THE most important quality. I didn't allow for "they're all equal" because it's obvious to everyone that all qualities have a very important value in fencing. I'm just looking for what people think if they HAD to rate ONE quality above the others, what it would be, and why.

I realize these aren't all the qualities, but i think it's a good cross section....If you have a different opinion than one in the poll, please state below.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Footwork is the glue. It holds everything below it together.

[Dave]

The ability to enjoy fencing.

If its fun then all else will follow.

[JackOfHearts]

The ability to enjoy fencing.

If its fun then all else will follow.

I gotta agree with that. Though from your choices, I'd have to say the ability to adapt is important. You have to be able to change your style if it isn't helping you.

[garyhayenga]

What do you think the most important quality in fencing is?
I recently got into an argument with DFP, so we're resolving it here.

I only allowed you to select one option, because this is going for THE most important quality. I didn't allow for "they're all equal" because it's obvious to everyone that all qualities have a very important value in fencing. I'm just looking for what people think if they HAD to rate ONE quality above the others, what it would be, and why.

I realize these aren't all the qualities, but i think it's a good cross section....If you have a different opinion than one in the poll, please state below.

This poll is flawed

Distance and Tempo are the same thing.

Also, you forgot Quickness. Quickness and Speed are very different qualities, and for fencing Quickness is more useful than Speed. Though admittedly certain fencing styles might utilize Speed more than Quickness.

If I could pick one thing to be really good at and still be average with all the rest I would pick Distance/Tempo. Footwork will get you where you need to be, and Bladework will allow you to execute the action, but if you don't know where you need to be and when to execute the action then superior footwork or bladwork won't be that much of an advantage.

gary hayenga

[sabreur]

Distance and tempo are NOT the same thing.

The classic triumvirate of fencing consists of distance, timing (or tempo) and velocity. I would change velocity into acceleration--both positive and negative--i.e., the ability to change speed and direction.

I think the ability to perservere, courage and intelligence are the most important attributes of a fencer, although there are people who simply have no sense of tempo--they can't dance either.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

without good footwork, good tempo and distance just will not happen. You wont even be able to predict your own movements.

[veeco]

Ha, you haven't seen "le pere Boisse" (Philippe) fence. The guy has practically non-existent footwork, but an amazing sense of distance and tempo, and can beat pretty much anyone on the FIE points list, even though he's over 50, and has a huge gut.

Care to elaborate on that?

Anyway, the most important quality out of this, is one that is missing: passion, persistence, and love of the sport. Because without these, you just won't have the drive to work out all of the issues. I chose the closest one "ability to adapt" althought it was a little too generic for me.

[the doc]

depends on how you want to look at it really.

if you are looking it from the sense of what is best to be inately good at, then i would have to say tempo, as it far and away the hardest thing to coach someone in. if you have a natural sense of when the best time to hit someone is, you have a very large advantage over those that don't.

but as a couple of other people have suggested the most important thing in any sport is the desire to want to maximise your abilities. if you have got that, you will go as far as your body will allow you.

oh, and tempo and distance are not the same thing at all. never forget it.

[jjefferies]

I think if varies according to the individual. For me it has been patience.
Patience while remaining focused.
J.

[jjefferies]

I think it varies according to the individual. For me it has been patience.
Patience while remaining focused.
J.

[slain4sooth]

i actually vote for perceptive ability and presence of mind, which could be called the 'ability to adapt'; not particularly strategy, for all strategy is contingent and therefore all strategy is hit-and-miss, (and when it misses one must simply have a good opportunistic eye); and not *particularly* any aspect of technique because perfect execution can sometimes be the strategic equivalent of an epileptic seizure, while adequate execution is... well, adequate! (having said that, i think perfectionism is well advised) also, the ability to adapt is the same ability to *control* the distance and tempo no matter what, and i think were better defined with explicit reference to an ability to adapt to one's own instinctive reactions in the process of adapting to one's opponent.

(one of my coaches calls fencing a 'game of attention', incidentally.)

[The Terran]

I voted point control, because in the beginning everyone thinks they're supposed to weild their foil like thors hammer, and if you are aware of your tip right off the bat, and have good point control you can skip alot of noobieness in the beginning and get straight to other physical aspects, or mental if thats what you need.

[Inquartata]

Grim persistence, or perhaps ability to learn. ( Or, some would probably say, "good coaching". )

Aha! They aren't options! We all know what THAT means!

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Ability to adapt? You will never adapt without distance and timing. Footwork is neccasary for good distance and timing. You need the tools.

I agree with veeco though, that the love of the game is the most important aspect. You can't outlove somebody though, atleast not in fencing. You can only out-work, out-talent and out-fence.

[Feltan]

Ha, you haven't seen "le pere Boisse" (Philippe) fence. The guy has practically non-existent footwork, but an amazing sense of distance and tempo, and can beat pretty much anyone on the FIE points list, even though he's over 50, and has a huge gut.

This guy could be my hero!

Regards,
Feltan

[fencergal33]

I was torn between "ability to adapt" and "strategy". The difference between a great fencer and and ok one is in the tactics. The coaches who produce champions teach tactics on top of footwork, bladework, etc. However, Ability to adapt, is quite possibly the most important strtegy there is. IMHO

[LUDICROUS]

I voted for timing, because it was looking lonely in the corner.

Besides, it's important too.

[dknj]

Intelligence and dedication.

[MikeHarm]

Ability to adapt, especially with foil timing changes.