Would Appreciate Some Help

[Shammy]

Well, hi. I've been fencing foil for a while already, and I'd like some help on, basically, everything. Techniques, tactics, equipment maintence, rules... By now, I've figured out that ignorance is not bliss. No one has ever been around to teach me many of the finer points of fencing. I didn't even know what a red, yellow, or black card involved before I searched for it on Wikipedia; yes, I'm pathetic. I'm open to all suggestions you guys can give me. I haven't been improving lately and I don't know what to do to help, so...

While I'm still here, would anyone know if I could get a rulebook, and if so, where?

[lochinvar]

You came to the right place!

You can download a rulebook from here: http://www.fencingofficials.org/ Check the upper left column.

As to pointers, techniques, etc., there's just too much here to cover. There are threads and threads about footwork, timing, practicing, conditioning, drills you can do at home...the list is almost endless.

Use the search function in the top bar of the forum page and enter, oh, say, "footwork". Then stand back and prepare to be overwhelmed! Or just lurk and follow the discussions on the "Fencing Discussion" board. When you have a question, ask. Everyone here is kindly and helpful...well, almost everyone...

Craig also has some nice write-ups on the "Training Tips" page.

Welcome to Fencing.net, and good luck!

[keropie]

Better yet, let us know where you are, and we can try to find a place you can go for instruction/training/fencing, and make sure we pointed you at the correct rule book, etc. (the rule book in question is accurate for the USA).

[Shammy]

Thanks you two. I live in central California, and do go to a club. In fact, my practice starts in an hour. It's just that, and this is just my opinion, they don't push you hard enough to get better unless you're one of the better fencers already, like one of our national guys. Still, it's one of the better clubs I've gone to, or seen.

[RITFencing]

Then you may have to push yourself... keep bugging your coach for more work to do; get the older guys to look at you, ask for private lessons... basically, do everything you can to convince them that you are really motivated and should be treated as such.

[RoninX]

...that and go to the bar with people, hang out with them or volunteer for club clean up days etc. Just get to know people. In this day and age people often do not push people unless they know them well enough to know it is OK.