"Older" gal wants to get started fencing

[Inquartata]

That was a targeted attack on me, take it back now.

I think what you meant to say was "jackass".

Gibbon.

[whiteandbluefencer]

I fenced this summer at a club near my home, and one of the classes I attended every week was the adult class. I was one of the youngest there! The age range in the fencing world is one of my favorite things about it. It's great to know that I've fenced people ranging in age from 9-50(+)!

[wahrman]

The oldest person I've fenced in a tournament was 92.

The age range in the fencing world is one of my favorite things about it. It's great to know that I've fenced people ranging in age from 9-50(+)!

[tubaplayingmom]

Okay, so this forum seems to be populated by teenagers. Are there any folks out there who are older -- i.e., middle-age-ish -- especially those who started this sport a little later in life? I am 51, in excellent health, I bike and swim but want to develop a new physical skill and grace. Fencing looks like the thing, and there is a club in Santa Cruz CA, where I live. Any advice? Many thanks -- and I would love to hear from teens as well ;-)

I am 45 and started 2 years ago because my son fenced and it looked like fun, and you know what?? IT IS!!!! Go for it Girl!!! and have a great time!

[Hauptman]

Wowie Zowie, what a great set of responses! I am very excited to start in the fall. I have been reading that Santa Cruz used to be a mecca for fencing, but it has fallen off. If I fall in love with it as seriously as I think I will, I'll scout out other locations. Turns out I have two "good acquaintances" who fence, and I can play with them! Thank you all, very much.

I'm 44 and still fencing, and my coach is still fencing at 76!!

Also, if you get started in Santa Cruz and want even more action you can just head over the hill to San Jose... there are plenty of great clubs in the Bay Area!

[vetsabersacto]

we had one woman start this past year fencing at the age of 60+ and now she is going to France as part of the world cup team. We also had another woman pick up fencing at the age of 70 and just fenced in her first national competition this past summer. this should definitively prove you are not too old to fence.

[theLuz]

I was fencing in San Diego recently and the little girl I was fencing was trying to be nice about asking my age. She said "how long have you been fencing?". I said, "how old is your dad?"..........
the legs get old, but the hand gets wise......

[TodG]

I'm 45. I fenced in College, took a break, then started again about 6 years ago. I moved to Helena, Montana 4 years ago, and am finally starting a club just so I can fence again.

The age range in our local group goes from 11 to 67. I just got a all from a 50 year old who hasn't fenced since high school, but is really looking forward to starting up again.

[Fechter1]

<--- Wondering when Peach is gonna stop by...

(For those not the loop, Peach ia a veteran fencer who started fencing later in life...)

[dscheets]

I just started 5 months ago, at age 52. I am having a blast! I started out in pretty good shape, so it has been fun running the kids into the ground during class. Good Luck, and have fun!

[greaterthangatsby]

I take you veterans very seriously--when I used to skate, adult skaters were nice to watch, and many of them were good, but none had the speed or the power of the younger skaters. In fencing, like long-distance running, the strip DOES NOT know or care how old you are. I respect vet fencers--on handed my a** on a platter to me yesterday, and will probably continue to do so for a while until I finally become good at this sport.

[wwalkerjr]

Why I, myself, am a geezer of 58 and I compete in Senior and Veterans events. I like the people and the exercise. Without even noticing it you can get in hours of great exercise and have a good time.
This is one of the few sports where all ages can compete on a relatively equal basis, at least at the amateur level. If you choose to compete, and I highly recommend that you try the local Bay Cup series, you can fence against opponents from 16 to almost 70.

[ApAperture]

If you choose to compete, and I highly recommend that you try the local Bay Cup series, you can fence against opponents from 16 to almost 70.

YAY for the BAY! haha..