General question regarding left-handedness and fencing.

[fentgphx]

I'm interested in getting involved in some sort of fencing group/class, and I'm left-handed. I'm sure there are plenty of left-handed fencers in the world, but just out of curiosity, how are things arranged if you've got opposite handed fencers?

[KD5MDK]

You aim for their wrist and flank.

[rory]

Don't do it.
Quit.
There are already far too many left handers in fencing, we don't need another one.

(Note for the irony challenged: I'm joking)

[edew]

Rather than asking, why don't you just try and see what happens? What's the worst that could happen? You get killed in a car accident on your way home, maybe.

[Phaeton]

It depends on the excercise but that's rarely an issue. Fencing clubs love lefties and will be more than happy to accomodate if it is. Just keep on being Sinister!

[D'Art]

Originally Posted by rory

Don't do it.
Quit.
There are already far too many left handers in fencing, we don't need another one.

(Note for the irony challenged: I'm joking)

Maybe you should just learn how to beat us, mate.

[Phaeton]

Originally Posted by D'Art

Maybe you should just learn how to beat us, mate.

It's pretty simple, approach them in packs, hold them down, and whip out your baseball bat. That's where the fun begins.

[D'Art]

Knowing rory, he'd still miss.

[die Fechterin]

Originally Posted by fentgphx

I'm interested in getting involved in some sort of fencing group/class, and I'm left-handed. I'm sure there are plenty of left-handed fencers in the world, but just out of curiosity, how are things arranged if you've got opposite handed fencers?

As a lefty myself, I do a ton of circle sixes while fencing but during drills it is still possible to do the lateral 4 and 6 parries. There's just a little more angle when your partner is attacking. Sometimes if it's a specific drill you have to almost do it a little backwards. If you a have a decent coach instructing your classes she/he should be able to help you out. All-in-all, a lefty is going to have some advantages over a righty. You'll be used to fencing them but most of them aren't used to fencing you.

Good luck!

[Coldfire]

Im a lefty and have been fencing saber for two years. You will develop your own personal strategys for beating righties as you fence them all the time. The thing is they arent really used to fencing righties and so you have a bit of an advantage against the average fencer. Have fun

[remise]

I hate fencing righties. Unfortunately, they make up most of the fencing pools.

[Morion]

The only thing that is really different for a southpaw is that occasionally you will have to line up on the opposite side that you normally would so the referee can see your target area. You of course have to develop your own tactics for dealing with right handed fencers.

The thing I like best about left handers is watching them fence each other. It is usually funny to watch!

[KD5MDK]

Lefties always hook up on the left, unless they're fencing another lefty.

[Coldfire]

I hate having to hook up on the left especially when you have to go and tell the righty fencer your a lefty and make him switch sides. And I HATE fencing lefties. They are....evil. Because they are uncommon I dont know how to fence a lefty.

[jrgunn]

Originally Posted by Coldfire

I hate having to hook up on the left especially when you have to go and tell the righty fencer your a lefty and make him switch sides. And I HATE fencing lefties. They are....evil. Because they are uncommon I dont know how to fence a lefty.

There's a reason they call us..Sinister.

To answer the question directly, there is no specific arrangement with opposite hand fencers except the issue already addressed as to allowing the ref to see your target area; but that's only in competition, and I get the feeling you aren't there yet.

Just fence. And take your lessons. Then fence some more. Then take more lessons.

You'l get the hang of it.

[mifencer]

There was a point where only lefties would show up for practice, and we would have to 'share' the righty -- I just felt bad for the righty only fencing lefties.

After awhile, there's no difference in fencing a right v. a lefty. But at some levels, watching 2 lefties go at it is quite funny. I am now very close to that level

[garyhayenga]

Originally Posted by mifencer

There was a point where only lefties would show up for practice, and we would have to 'share' the righty -- I just felt bad for the righty only fencing lefties.

After awhile, there's no difference in fencing a right v. a lefty. But at some levels, watching 2 lefties go at it is quite funny. I am now very close to that level

Boy did I get sick of lefties!

gary hayenga

[Coldfire]

Originally Posted by mifencer

There was a point where only lefties would show up for practice, and we would have to 'share' the righty -- I just felt bad for the righty only fencing lefties.

After awhile, there's no difference in fencing a right v. a lefty. But at some levels, watching 2 lefties go at it is quite funny. I am now very close to that level

Wow must have sucked for the only righty. I fenced foil a meet once when I'm really a saberist and faced my first real lefty there. It was extremely odd. And it was after more than a year of only fencing righties and being a lefty. I won the bout by 1 touch and was extremely lucky. It was odd but fun

[mifencer]

Coldfire: the good thing is that when you compete against a lefty, there's absolutely no awkwardness.

Gary: yes you may get sick of fencing us, but you're still kicking my butt.