New fencer, when to compete?

[OROD]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

If you Do go and compete this year....especially if it's an open event...beware the Karate Kid Syndrome...beginners do NOT waltz into an open fencing event and win....depending on the strength of the event, you may be lucky to squeak into DE and face the #1 seed only to get cruelly hammered 15-0. (Right, OROD??).

Uhmm, yes, although I still cant figure out why my crane kick attack didnt work on him.

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[carter693]

i'd say anyones first tournament should be about a year after they start. it should be in a novice group.

[OROD]

Originally Posted by carter693

i'd say anyones first tournament should be about a year after they start. it should be in a novice group.

I would go along with this as a good rule of thumb. Although, as always, it depends much on the fencer and how often he/she trains.

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[azfencer]

3-6 months sounds good if there is a novice tournament available, maybe longer if you have to start with an open event. Its okay not to have this planned in advance, just trust your coach to tell you when you are ready and a good event is coming up.

The bigger danger from your posts is that you sound too focused on winning even in practice. The first month or two it is really critical to focus on making actions with correct form and trying to understand "why" you are learning each action. Being able to beat your fellow beginners is no big deal, it may just mean you are more aggressive or more athletic than them. Most of them will probably quit fencing within six months. If you try to win all the time you may develop HORRIBLE habits that will be very hard to break and will result in getting beaten badly once you fence people who have any experience.

Have patience and always take every opportunity to fence with any and all more experienced fencers in practice, plus really listen to them when they offer advice. That's how to really improve and get ready for tournaments.

[Li'l Bebe]

When you start to wonder when you should start competing, go for it. The more you compete, the faster you improve. (especially nationally...if you ever decide to take it that far). Just remember after every bout to ask yourself why you won/lost. It's a really good gauge for what you need to work on.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Depends on the fencer.

I don't think kids should get into competition too early, but should spend a few years developing basic abilities with their coach. Even if they do compete, its not about the winning, but about the experience.

For adults, as soon as they feel comfortable bouting. They're rotten from the start, so why deprive them the joy of competition?