I really want to fence but I haven't even touched a foil before.

[Just Me]

I am a complete newbie to this forum (I registered yesterday) as well as to fencing. However, I am very excited about starting my first class, which begins Sept. 19th. Before that date, I am eager to learn any and all facts about fencing. In fact, I did not even know there were fencing boots before I got on this site! So could someone please clue me in a little? As I said, I am very excited about the prospect, but I don't know a thing!!
Thanks,
Me

P. S. Which grip is the best for beginners, pistol or french? I will be renting my equipment until I can find some within my budget. I am right-handed, if that makes any difference.

[Inquartata]

Best? A sabre grip.

Seriously, it all depends. There are two camps on the French grip issue.

There are fencing shoes, but not fencing boots, AFAIK.

[Just Me]

Shoes. Sorry. What does AFAIK mean?

[Just Me]

And what is the difference between a foil, an epee, and a sabre?

[kalivor]

P. S. Which grip is the best for beginners, pistol or french? I will be renting my equipment until I can find some within my budget. I am right-handed, if that makes any difference.

Different coaches will have different preferences in regard to this issue -- you should ask your coach (or whoever your contact for the class is) about this.

If they don't care, you might want to go for the pistol grip, since you'll want to use a pistol grip eventually, if you're going to stick with foil.

[Philistine]

And what is the difference between a foil, an epee, and a sabre?

Take a look Here for a general introduction to fencing, and the weapons.

Also, this page on the Main Fencing Net site lists a number of articles geared towards the new fencer.

Here are Fencing FAQ's culled from usenet.

Good luck!

--Philistine

[RITFencing]

Hi, welcome to fencing! It's great that you're so enthused. As far as fencing boots... I'm pretty sure we don't use those in modern fencing.

I would wait a bit before purchasing any gear; as much as we all hope you're going to stay with fencing for the rest of your life, it sucks for people to waste money on something they get bored with after a month or two.

If you want to learn any and all facts about fencing, fencing.net is the right place to go. There are good articles written, including stuff for beginners. THe people here are pretty helpful and nice, just be sure you learn to make use of the search function! It is your friend.

Happy fencing!

[rory]

Hi-top fencing shoes == fencing boots.
I just bought a pair of (end of line) Adidas Equipment 2000 "boots" last week.

[noodle]

afaik = as far as i know

[WordRider]

Welcome to FND Enjoy your stay and Be good forever!


WordRider Yeaah!

[RITFencing]

Terrance, do you contribute anything? All I ever see you do is paste a preprepared response on introduction threads and sign it with something like 'espritusaberTerrance' or now your new one. Oh, and there were some short and indecipherable threads about some sports games, and one about horses. Seriously, dude; you're welcome on the forum, but please try and contribute something rather than just repeating the same damn things over and over.

[akaiyuki]

Terrance, do you contribute anything? All I ever see you do is paste a preprepared response on introduction threads and sign it with something like 'espritusaberTerrance' or now your new one. Oh, and there were some short and indecipherable threads about some sports games, and one about horses. Seriously, dude; you're welcome on the forum, but please try and contribute something rather than just repeating the same damn things over and over.

Maybe he gets paid to greet people.

[RITFencing]

Oh, and Happy Birthday.

[IHateMrPotatohead]

Welcome to the forum and to fencing Just Me!!!!!

The first thing you need to know: Epee is better than foil!

[netnet]

I was a newbie a couple years ago, and I still remember how surprised I was that the Olympic Sport of fencing looks NOTHING like a Zorro movie. Then I found out how fun it was, so....

1) Keep an open mind. Don't listen to people who tell you "oh, you should fence saber/foil/epee it's the best." They are all great, just different. Spend 6 months just absorbing the information-because there's a lot, and it'll probably take a while to understand it-and soon you'll find out which of those weapons suits your personality. I would wait until you have a measure of proficiency on your weapon of choice before picking up another weapon. Some coaches will insist you spend a lot of time on foil before picking up another weapon. If this is so, then learn foil. You have years of fencing ahead of you to learn the other weapons, and this is not a sport you can master in a short amount of time.

2) Find a supportive environment. A good coach is imperative, and if you have options, try to find one that suits your learning style. If you have options on the clubs, find one that not only has good fencers, but also people that are respectful to each other and fence with good sportsman-like conduct. It the people are rude to you, find another club. You will spend A LOT OF TIME THERE and you will want to not only become a good fencer, but you want to have fun and be supported by your fellow fencers.

3) Expect LOTS OF BRUISES at first. Arnica gel is good for this. Your legs will hurt too. You will feel like you have two left feet. All of these are normal for beginners.

4) When you're starting to compete, don't feel badly if you lose. A lot. Some of the best fencers I know said they came in last for years. People learn at their own pace. Just keep pickin'.

[wheeringa]

Welcome to the forum and to fencing Just Me!!!!!

The first thing you need to know: Epee is better than foil!

Epee is better. Period.

[Inquartata]

Typical epee "eloquence".

[Just Me]

We need to find out who likes what! When I signed up for this class, it said we would be using mostly foil, with a bit of epee and sabre. Seems as if the popular vote is epee, though.

-Me

[IHateMrPotatohead]

Well, yes an no. As much as I prefer epee, it's definitely not for everyone. (Neither are the other two though!) The vast majority of beginner classes in the US start you with foil. Relax and have fun! Decide later what you want to do!

[The Chaotic Wind]

Welcome to the forum.
Ignore everyone who says foil isn't the best.
It is. Seriously, not only is it an awesome weapon, but it also comes in handy when factoring.

First Outter Inner Last.

..oh that and most people say its the midway and combines elements of the other 2 weapons.
As far as grips go, I'd agree with ask your coach, most fencer's i've heard of use french grips for the first 6 months-year to help build dexterity. But your coach might take a different stance.