Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

Saber14 · 06-09-2006, 05:20 PM

Hi Board-

I recently began taking Fencing lessons; it's been 2 weeks now. I grew up playing American Football and Rugby, but always kept an eye on trying my hand at Fencing. As a kid, I used to watch the 1973 The Three Musketeers movie almost daily. Athos, played by Oliver Reed, was my favorite character, and made a lasting impression on me.

I recently had the opportunity to join a Fencing class and have loved it. My instructor favors the Saber and started me on it too.

Unfortunately, he is going on vacation, and then I am, so there will be a gap in my training. I would appreciate any advice on training alone. When I return to class, I don’t want to repeat too much of my training.

JackOfHearts · 06-10-2006, 02:48 AM

Ah-ha! Another fan of the Musketeers!

I take my inspiration from Aramis, though from the book rather then the movie.

You "recently" joined a fencing class. How recently? Here's a thing you need to learn. Training IS repeatative. Just keep practicing the basics that you've learned until your lessons pick up again. This means footwork, target drills, etc.. you'll find a good number of ideas on this site. And THANK YOU for choosing saber!

Saber14 · 06-10-2006, 03:33 AM

Hi Jack-

I started two weeks ago, and I've had five classes. I read The Three Musketeers too; it's a great book. The movie stuck with my though, particularly Oliver Reed's performance.

What are your thoughts on the Saber vs. Foil and Epee?

JackOfHearts · 06-10-2006, 03:38 AM

I'm biased towards foil, though I do enjoy the odd saber bout every now and again, and epee is really fun to fence as well. You just have to pick the weapon that suits you best, or take on all three of them at varying times. Variety is the spice of life, afterall.

Saber14 · 06-10-2006, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackOfHearts

You just have to pick the weapon that suits you best,

I actually don't know which one suits me. How can I figure it out? Is it by temperament, aesthetics, body build?

Zilverzmurfen · 06-10-2006, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber14

I actually don't know which one suits me. How can I figure it out? Is it by temperament, aesthetics, body build?

No, by fencing them all and see which one 'speaks' to you the most.

Welcome to the sport, whichever weapon you end up with.

Saber14 · 06-10-2006, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

No, by fencing them all and see which one 'speaks' to you the most.

I find that it's always wise to listen to Smurfs

Thanks.

BrianH · 06-15-2006, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber14

I find that it's always wise to listen to Smurfs

Wise indeed, with this Zmurf.

Welcome to fencing, and I hope you continue to enjoy it for the rest of your life.

Brian

Saber14 · 06-17-2006, 11:14 AM

Brian-

Thanks for welcoming me. I've really enjoyed Fencing and look foward to improving--although slowly

kmak_577 · 07-01-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber14

I actually don't know which one suits me. How can I figure it out? Is it by temperament, aesthetics, body build?

Its really whichever one you like the most, after all its suposed to be fun

However I do like sabre the most lol (incase you havent noticed yet there is a friendly amount of teasing on here between the diffrent weaponed fencers)

WordRider · 07-03-2006, 06:28 PM

Welcome! Saber14 May God make come to pass God blocked it He would not let it be so in thy fencing life.

yingjianTerrance

youngblade · 07-03-2006, 06:47 PM

hi saber! welcome to the fourms, heed what jack of hearts said about training, it is the wisest advice you could take, as for your weapon, why not try all three? all three diciplines are very usefull to master, unless you utterly dispise one weapon or something, good luck with your fencing carreer

--josh

p.s. the three muskateers rock!

VELISARIOS · 07-04-2006, 05:42 AM

Wellcome to the forum and to the fencinh world.
Try to read the book too