body size

[epeemancer]

I have just started fencing and i love it! My problem is I also love to lift weights (Not to heavy but heavy enought to show) I just got through reading a book that said that lifting was bad and that tall fencers have a major advantage over short ones. I'm only 5'7" (160 lbs. so i'm in no way thin boned but i stay in good shape) and i'm just wondering if i even have a chance at tournaments or if i will be blown away by taller, thinner competitors? Just wanted some input.

-)----- Epee is the best

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It is not who you are or what you've done, It is who you WILL be and what you WILL do!

[EastWing]

The fact is taller fencers generally have longer arm length and hence enables longer reach. -this is great for counter attacking or stop hit into shorter opponents.

Because of longer legs they can also cover more ground with each step. However, I've noticed shorter fencers (eg. junior Katalin Varga, HUN. Senior Trillini, ITA etc.) who have worked hard on their footwork, and are able to use the distance to their advantage.

Although above mentioned applies to foilist.
I think epee would be difficult as there's no right of way rule and the 1/25 sec cut out with the box.

[fred]

I'm sure this topic will start a battle, but I don't think that bodysize makes that much difference in epee, but length of arm/leg does. If 2 epee fencers with good skills, chiefly a well-protected arm in guard fence, the fencer with a longer arm by some significant margin (i.e. more than an inch) should have an advantage, speed also being equal. The shorter armed fencer has further to go on the attack to get to some target, the taller has that much additional time to react as that attack approaches.

I'm not saying that having longer arms guarantees a victory by any means, but it makes life harder for a shorter opponent.
I don't consider myself a good epee fencer by any means, but I find it easier against shorter opponents of similar skill chiefly because of the additional time I have to react.

[Falcon17]

body size doesn't determine how good and epee fencer you are. certainly being taller and having a longer reach helps but it is something that can me compensated for.

if you are a smaller epee fencer(ie. under 6') work on your foot work speed and your taking of the blade.

stay out of his range, faint to his sword arm a little with out getting too close, then get in quick, redirect your opponents blade and strike.

[cohen]

Dear Menace,
I have been beat by giants from Memphis and Holland and tots from Miami. Technique,speed point control and patience makes a good epee-ist. I too work out at least twice a week 3x if lucky. Weight training is great for power and explosion! I recommend that you contact Jim at: jjgm-dataflow@worldnet for a great workout. Sorry Jim I still believe in the old fashion bench press.

[tsalyards]

Regarding weight lifting and fencing, the main thing is that you not bulk up to the point of becoming inflexible. Flexibility and fast reflexes are key. If you work out and build unnatural body mass (ie Fabio), you could lose speed.

-Tad

[epeetaph]

Don't worry epeemancer, you can still whup my butt anyday *wink*. Besides, your parries save you. I think this seems to be an "in my opinion" topic, many different responses, don't let someone's height psyche you out before you fence them, but make your own decision based on YOUR experiences. See ya later!

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"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
-Thomas Paine

[Matt_Bailey]

Excessive weight training without stretching will hurt your flexibility. Otherwise it's not a problem. Weight training will be especially helpful for your fencing if you train the legs alot.
Training the upper body won't hurt, may even help some, but most weigh training isn't designed around the specific muscles used for fencing. You might try using a broomstick, held in one end, to go through the motions of fencing to strengthen the fencing muscles. Indian club training cant' hurt either.

[fencingguy]

I'm 6'4", so I'm tall, I weigh 175 pounds, so I'm skinny, I'm also pretty good. On top of that I lift weights three times a week. I find that it actually helps because it makes me stronger and if done correctly it can make you faster. The reason I'm not any bigger is not from lack of trying, I just have such a high metabolism I can't put on any weight, no matter how hard I try.

[Nasty]

I think lifting is great. I can't say I am a great fencer but I am one of those guys that is just in inhuman shape. Stay hard and train hard. I belive the more pain you gain from the workout the better, size is cool but more for show if you are in good shape and feal like you are in great shape then that is what counts. Hell I am not a big guy as Fencing guy can testify to but I can do a whole lot of **** . Marine Corps helps out alot.
Eli

[Stryder]

If you want to know if body size/type determines your success, just look at the finals of the next big tournament you get to.
I have noticed that while the finals might include a Tall guy, and a Short guy, and a left-handed guy, and a foreign guy, and a smelly guy, and whatever other kind of guy.
While these stereotypes often make the final, the gold medalist is rarely a fencer who relies on such gimmicky tactics. The gold medalist is more often than not, the regular sized guy, who trains hard, fences smart and wants it most.
In the 1984 Olympics, everyone points out the fact that there were 4 lefty's and 4 righty's in the final eight. They say this proves that lefty's are the best fencers. However, one round later, there is one lefty, Petruska, who takes fourth. Who won? The Tall guy Behr? No, the Big strong wildman, Cerrioni? No. The winner was small, fast, smart, unassuming Mauro Numa.

Don't let the fact that you're not taller than everyone else determine your success.
Mugsey Bogues and Spud Webb would slap you for even thinking that!

[HilandDoug]

Amen, Stryder! But "the smelly guy"? Don't think I've run across THAT stereotype yet! I just about fell off my chair here at work when I read that!

I had a friend at Michigan State who was the shortest foil fencer in the Big Ten, and also one of the best. Moonitic is pretty short (no offense, Mary) but that doesn't stop her. And remember, the weapon is pretty much the same size for everyone.

[Stryder]

Hilanddoug has obviously never fenced epee.

[azfencer]

It definitely makes a difference whether you fence foil or epee (I don't fence sabre so I have no idea about that). I'm a medium height woman and I can fence foil against much taller men and do reasonably well. In epee I find it MUCH harder to fence taller and larger men. It's not only harder to get the touch before they do but it is harder mentally to deal with someone who weighs 100 lbs more than me barreling down the strip at me. Foil is more finesse, epee can involve serious momentum!

[Moonitic]

I've seen the smelly guys before...& the ones who INSIST that we need to see their naked, hairy bellies after a tourney...YUCK!

If you let your size determine how well you do, then you won't get anywhere. I know fencers of all sizes, in all three weapons...they ALL do just fine.

Take epee...my dear little "bro" isn't too much taller than I am. He fences epee (he's shorter than most of the guys) & fences sabre when he can (he's usually the thinnest). Guess what HE brings home? Gold & silver, people. Gold & silver. Drives people batty, but he uses what he DOES have to win.