Considering Starting

[ParryRiposte]

*laughs in the face of death, because she's a sabrist* Silly, I am the Queen! You can't hurt me! *stabs maple in the gut with a stilletto dagger*

[Timo]

This is getting violent

P.S. It's not Tim, Ich binTimo, nicht 'Tim'
(Nickname from my german class)

[the maple epee]

HAHAHA! You cannot hurt ME! I have my kevlar vest on!
*Starts to choke the mean, vicious sabreur*
You see Timo? Only the sabreur would be foolish enough to challenge an epéeist. We never give up!

[irishfolker]

These two may be very funny, but I think you already suspect the truth: The weapon of choice is foil.

Nuff said.

[the maple epee]

*Lights irishfolker on fire*

Don't listen to the foilist, they're just delusional. It helps if you light one up every once and awhile. Now epéeists, on the other hand, have a firm grasp on reality!

[irishfolker]

Only shows to go you that foilists are hot.

[Aussie_Fencer]

dont consider it, do it! It is a wonderful sport and I have not only had the time of my life doing it but I have met my best friends through it as well. My best actually is on this site .

[Aussie_Fencer]

Originally Posted by irishfolker

Only shows to go you that foilists are hot.

I believe that this would be better written

It only goes to show you that foilists are hot.

we are pretty great to, I mean i look great.
lol, jk.

[Timo]

I'm going to do foil to begin defininently, and the lessons start may 12. I've read a couple places that bouting when you just start can get you stuck with bad habits, and now I'm afraid of fencing until I know what I'm doing!

[irishfolker]

Originally Posted by Aussie_Fencer

I believe that this would be better written

It only goes to show you that foilists are hot.

It's a song reference, from the movie, "White Christmas."

[Qbranch]

Originally Posted by Timo

I'm going to do foil to begin defininently, and the lessons start may 12. I've read a couple places that bouting when you just start can get you stuck with bad habits, and now I'm afraid of fencing until I know what I'm doing!

You're worrying too much! No need... You have clearly demonstrated your superior intellect by choosing foil. Detractors are going to discourage you but you must steel yourself against their feeble attempts to have you abandon your true calling!!

FTR I have taken the liberty of characterizing the foilist in relation to the other two (using references to the animal kingdom for clarification);

Foil = Tiger (stealthy, sleek, fast and good-looking too!)
Sabre = Lemur (agile, prehensile, can be a bit smelly)
Epee = Sloth

Now which of these would you rather be? But seriously, congrats on taking up fencing!

[D'Art]

Originally Posted by the maple epee

Now epéeists, on the other hand, have a firm grasp on an alternate reality!

Jeez! Do I have to fix everyone's typos?

[ParryRiposte]

Thanks, D'Art. Kudoes to you...

Notice there's only one person here who's defending epee? I wonder why...

Foilists are whores! Their lames don't cover them up enough!

[Timo]

Hey, I'm going to be fencing foil!

[D'Art]

Originally Posted by ParryRiposte

Foilists are whores!

Yeah, we're so good, we went pro!

[sionnach]

Originally Posted by ParryRiposte

Notice there's only one person here who's defending epee? I wonder why...

It's because épéeists are too classy to descend to silly slagging matches like this.... well at least on this thread ¬_¬

[upnorse]

Originally Posted by Dedigan

Hi Timo,

Welcome to f.net, and welcome to fencing! I am just getting back into fencing after a 20 year hiatus. I wish I hadn't let all that time go by before finding this sport again.

At this stage you ought to learn about the sport and about the types of weapon that are available to you. Work with the coaches at your club to figure out how best to progress in fencing. Ask questions and when you get comfortable ask what options there are. It helps if there are enough people who fence with the weapon you're interested in.

I'm currently relearning Foil, but I would eventually like to learn Sabre. Since there are few Sabreuers (sp?) in my area it might not be practical unless and until I can drum up enough interest. Until then I'm quite happy learning Foil.

Hi Tim,
After sifting through many of the grossly biased rantings posted to your question, I most closely agree with 'Dedigan'.

The key to beginning is seriousness, the Foil is the beginning weapon and from there all forms of fencing branch. After learning the Foil you may want to try out Sabre and Epee, which is fine, but take it from a 21 year veteran that has seen too many fencers lacking the ability to move and even stand on guard correctly - take your time, learn the basics and realise that fencing is not about winning (well it is to some people) it is about discipline, honor, courage, humility, truthfulness, wholeness of body and mind and the spirituality that comes with it.

Today sport fencing is so far removed from the duels and combat where it started that nearly everyone forgets that 'if' these weapons were really sharp both competitors would be dead and there would be no-one to fence with tomorrow.

Listen to everyone, learn all you can, sort it all out later. You have tons of time and can become a fantastic swordsman if you set all ego aside and keep both eyes open.

Your friend, both on the street and behind the mask,
-Don the U.P. Norseman

[Timo]

Yeah, I'm doing foil of course and then doing sabre or epee as I choose later Now I'm pretty sure after a lot of reading I know everytjing about fencing I can without actually haved fenced. Time to play the month long waiting game untill the leasons start...

[Asprin]

Originally Posted by upnorse

but take it from a 21 year veteran that has seen too many fencers lacking the ability to move and even stand on guard correctly

I am primarily a sabre fencer, but I did some foil this weekend and realised how bad my foil guard has become. Weapon arm's elbow against hip, forearm horizontal and wrist at weird angle to still be pointing at the target.


You should probably stick with foil for a year (or so), by then you will have the basics down and should be able to pick up sabre (or epee) easier.

[Peach]

Many people swear by starting with foil, but you'll have to unlearn a number of things if you plan to pick up sabre. Many people start with sabre these days if they know they are going to stick with it. I start my own students with sabre.