Brand new - which style?

[2busykids]

My kids (ages 7 and 10) are eager to start fencing. We have a choice of two fencing gyms (is that what they are called?), one that only teaches sabre and the other only teaches epee and foil. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles? Does it really matter?

Any advice would be really appreciated- I have absolutely no background in fencing.

Thanks!

[Phincer]

My kids (ages 7 and 10) are eager to start fencing. We have a choice of two fencing gyms (is that what they are called?), one that only teaches sabre and the other only teaches epee and foil. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles? Does it really matter?

Any advice would be really appreciated- I have absolutely no background in fencing.

Thanks!

First, read all you can about fencing. This website is a great resource.

My advice would be to start at the club that teaches foil. After the kids have the basics down, and and they are ready to commit to fencing, have an honest talk with the foil/epee coach. Usually coaches can tell where a kid might do better. You can try saber at a week long camp in the summer.

After a while the kids will develop a preference for which weapon/s they might like to fence.

Keep an open line of communication with the coaches and good luck!

[NNR]

Usual terminology is "fencing club" and rather than style, fencing is defined by weapon - sabre, epee or foil. Traditional pedigogy had everyone beginning with foil and then moving to other weapons. This is no longer the prevailing view and kids begin with weapon they express interest in - or more likely, whatever the local club offers. Seven is on the young side to begin, and foil is the lightest blade, so that may be recommended by coach. It is a wonderful sport, but also very expensive. Welcome.

[KD5MDK]

On the other hand, it is much easier to score in sabre, and with little kids muscle control, it may be much easier for them to get a start.

Visit them both. Talk to the coach? Which one do you like better? Really, that's far more important. If the kids don't like the weapon they start in, another one might suit them better. Finally, the two kids might like different weapons.

[Mo]

My kids (ages 7 and 10) are eager to start fencing. We have a choice of two fencing gyms (is that what they are called?), one that only teaches sabre and the other only teaches epee and foil. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles? Does it really matter?

Any advice would be really appreciated- I have absolutely no background in fencing.

Thanks!

If you are in Colorado choose Epee foil. If not let the kids see which weapon they like the best.
They are both kind of youngand have lots of time.
Where do you live? That can have a huge amount of influence on what the kids should do.
The Momster

[2busykids]

A belated thanks for the advice! We ended up going with sabre simply because it was more convenient. My 7 year old gave it a try then decided she'd rather ice skate. My 10 year old absolutely loves it and seems to have some talent. He came in first in his first (ver small) competition and seriously has the fencing bug. He just moved up from the kids classes to two mixed-age classes a week. We'll see how he likes fencing the adults!

But I think he has found his sport - a sport that I know absolutely nothing about! So I look forward to spending some more time on this board.

[telkanuru]

He ... seriously has the fencing bug. .

Oh dear. I hope you have a good savings account

[Zilverzmurfen]

A belated thanks for the advice! We ended up going with sabre simply because it was more convenient. My 7 year old gave it a try then decided she'd rather ice skate. My 10 year old absolutely loves it and seems to have some talent. He came in first in his first (ver small) competition and seriously has the fencing bug. He just moved up from the kids classes to two mixed-age classes a week. We'll see how he likes fencing the adults!

But I think he has found his sport - a sport that I know absolutely nothing about! So I look forward to spending some more time on this board.

Thanks for the update! It's always nice to hear back.

Also, welcome to the wonderful world of fencing -- be it as a parent.
Next step is to pick it up yourself.