"Older" gal wants to get started fencing

[debkakes]

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 ;-)

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

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 a 42 year old male, who has fenced (low-level) for twentysomething years. There are several quite active members here who are older than us. CA is one of the major states, fencing-wise. There are several active members from CA. If you are in better shape than most others in your age, you have a significant head start. Later on, there are several competitions for those in the 50+ age range.


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[Zilverzmurfen]

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 ;-)

There's lots of "oldies" here, not only teens. Welcome!

There's 88 fencing clubs listed for California, take your pick.

[rdg]

There are a number of us older fencers. We call ourselves Veterans. So if you would like to learn more about Vet fencing (over 40 in the US, over 50 in Europe) you can go the USFA web site http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/ and search around for other Vets, local clubs, etc.

BTW. Fencing is great for the posture and core, and in spite of what looks very physical, it is a fairly low impact sport.... All good for us late bloomers.

Hope this helps,

Sam

[irishfolker]

I started fencing a year and a half ago, at the age of 52. I'm now in the best shape of my life.

Go for it and have fun poking the kids. Then go to a vets event and have fun playing with kids your own age.

[wahrman]

Go ahead and stop by. The Santa Cruz club isn't the biggest or most active but
is a fine place to get started. If you eventually find that you need more than they
have to offer there are many, many options on the other side of the hills.

Santa Cruz used to get a nice group of older fencers, I've not been there in a while
so I don't know what is going on now.

So yeah, go ahead, check them out. I'm sure they'll be glad to have you drop in.
Also, they are all fun, friendly people over there. I'm sure you'll have a good time.

[magic_moose]

I started 3 1/2 years ago at age 50. It has been great. The kids you fence feel like extended family and the older folks become friends.

Good for the health, weight, balance, and "playing swords" is just plain fun!

[BrianH]

Welcome to the forum and the sport of fencing! There's no reason you can't train and continue to develop your skills for many years. You will find it is absolutely fulfilling to surprise a teenager who takes you for granted because of your age.

Enjoy your time in fencing, but watch out because it is addictive.

Brian

[debkakes]

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.

[TBean]

Welcome, there are plenty of adults who fence. I started almost 19 years ago and now fence in women's veteran 40. The teenagers will amuse you, plus provide a steady stream of babysitters if you need, and the adults will become your friends.

It is a wonderful sport, good luck with it.

[Downtown]

Like Magic Moose, I started at 51 as well. That was four years ago and I have made a great deal of progress and it has become my passion.

[SEM Fencer]

Ditto on everything above...just be careful, cause it is so much fun, the addiction can take over! Vet fencers rock

Also, I had one of the nicest letters from a kid in our club who graduated this spring, telling me how great it was to have another adult to bounce things off, without all of the baggage that parents bring into the mix. Touched my heart, so to speak, despite the fact that he handed me my a** on a platter every night...

[occasionalfencer]

Just a brief terminology warning. "Senior" competitions mean for those over 19 years old (this is not a complete description, I know). You will probably want to look for Veterans (age 40 and up). It can be confusing.

[irishfolker]

But go ahead and play with the "kids" as well. They're a lot of fun and you'll find that they readily accept you as a peer on the strip and off. They love giving advice to somebody as old or older than their parents and you'll wind up with a lot of new friends.

I do occasionally have to remind a new young acquaintance that I only like to be called "Sir" when I'm directing.

[demon_fencer]

Actually, most of the posters & lurkers are adults who just act like teenagers.

Take up sabre and I'll say "hi" if I ever run into you at the Bay Cups.

[Inquartata]

Actually, most of the posters & lurkers are adults who just act like teenagers.

If only it worked the other way 'round...

[Neinteen]

If only it worked the other way 'round...

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

[Rabid Monk]

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

It's true. Why should he take it back?
(We all still love you, Nein. Please don't smite me.)


Debkakes: You should have no problem with fencing. You sound like you're fitter than I am. I can bike, but the only swimming race I win is to the bottom of the pool.

[Fencergrl]

If only it worked the other way 'round...

Okay... after years of resisting, I finally can't help but rep Inq for that. It's just too funny. Although I admit Neinteen's response made it even funnier. Sorry Nein... no rep for paranoia.

[wahrman]

I'm tempted to rep Nein just because for once a post from her contained nothing about foil.