Is fencing suitable for an introvert?

[chrisw]

Hi all,

I want to try out fencing and I am an introvert. I don't enjoy small-talk or socializing. I prefer to be by myself; and when I'm around others, I usually just listen or observe. I am athletically inclined and love hand-eye sports such as tennis, table-tennis or badminton. Would fencing be suitable for someone like me?

Thanks

[erooMynohtnA]

Yes, lots of highschoolers fence.

[Elendae]

Chris,
Don't mind the extroverts and give it a try. If you find a good group, you'll find that you actually want to talk to them. There are plenty of introverts, myself included, involved in fencing.

(BTW, last time I checked, I was an INFP.)

[jeff]

There's room in fencing for every personality in the Meyers-Briggs set. No need to worry.

Fencing will use your hand/eye coordination, and since it is an individual sport rather than a team sport you don't need to be linked at the hip with others. Even when you're in a team, when you're on the piste it's just you doing what you need to do with a single opponent - unlike, say, basketball where you have to coordinate with your teammates for every score).

Also, remember that introverts aren't unfriendly - they just prefer to interact with a few people instead of a crowd, and find many people interactions fatiguing. You can be introverted and still completely comfortable with your own friends.

[Empty Wallet]

Like many activities, the spectrum (whether 16PF or MB) seems to be covered. Certainly from the youngsters who fence with my kids, introverts are not rare by any means, and can be very successful.

Some also like the mask and fencing outfit-- like actors they hide behind the persona. Like acting there is also a lot of scripted interaction. This makes people feel comfortable

Try it, you might just love it.

[slow_learner]

Another factor is how serious you will be about your fencing.

Some people are content to play at the rec level, and that is more about getting some exercise, having a few laughs with friends, and then maybe going out for a beer. So the emphasis is social and in my club I don't see many introverts in that group.

The competitive types are another story. In my club they run the gamut from exhibitionists to some pretty private folks.

This week I popped in at another club that is larger and very competitive, to train and fence. All in all, people were pretty quiet. Everybody was working hard. Yet I was welcomed warmly and got to fence umpteen people.

In my own brief career I have found that competitive fencers typically are friendly, very intelligent, and rather nice people. Unless you are obnoxious, they will accept you with open arms.

So go for it.

And just my own two cents about those personality tests: don't get hung up on them and on analyzing yourself. Life is short. Pursue the things that make you happy.

[Slacker]

As an introvert I think you'd do ok in fencing, but if you are a timid introvert, maybe don't try sabre. Weapons crashing on your head devastates the delicate psyche! You might like foil if you are one who follows rules. The mask gives the illusion of anonymity, and perhaps courage. And it is an individual sport- you are ultimately responsible for your own actions; you do not have teammates to haul around like wet blankets. If you do end up in team competition, be careful not to BE the wet blanket. Fencing teaches good sportsmanship, integrity and all that, if you let it.
And finally, take that assessment test in 5 years and see if you still think you're an introvert.

[Elendae]

And just my own two cents about those personality tests: don't get hung up on them and on analyzing yourself. Life is short. Pursue the things that make you happy.

Agreed, but they are entertaining. I like to see both how right and how wrong they are.

And finally, take that assessment test in 5 years and see if you still think you're an introvert.

I'm 8 years in, and still strongly introverted. Remember, as pointed out earlier, being an introvert doesn't mean being unfriendly. Most introverts like people, they just need time alone. I even go out with the other fencers after practice. I don't always say much, but they know I'm quiet and they don't have a problem with it, for the most part.

[slow_learner]

Agreed, but they are entertaining. I like to see both how right and how wrong they are.

Ha ha. Yes. That's why I like reading my horoscope. No matter what else, it's all about ME.

[DavidX]

Fencing could arguably be the best sport for introverts - what other sport allows you to stab people whilst wearing a mask?

Also - fencing (if correctly assimilated) will teach you to become sucessful in any one on one encounter - where timing, wit, and speed are paramount - but more importantly it will instill in you the impetus and courage to ACT when the time is right. That's what's most important - to be willing and able to act in the moment. To do, accomplish - overcome.

much love

[chrisw]

Thanks all. I will try to enroll in a beginners course and see how that goes.

[unlikelysuspect08]

As an introvert, I enjoy fencing as part of a balanced introvert lifestyle. There are plenty of others like me who talk very little, heck, our coach is probably one the most introverted (hi, Joe ), though there are those extroverts with whom I do enjoy holding a conversation-- but, most of them also know when conversation is not necessary. People understand that I'm not one to always talk, and that thinking and observing are just fine with me.

You'll find at tournaments, the conversation is often even less, people want to watch the bouts, scope out the competition. So even if there is a raging extrovert dying to start talking, most of them realize, that you don't want to hear about dinner last night, you're busy, and they'll leave you alone.

I also find, that as far people go, fencers are among the best to hang out with, no matter your personality type.

[Lady Quindecim]

I skipped reading a bunch of the above posts (shame on me) so sorry if this is redundant.

The thing I like about fencing is putting on the mask and being completely within me. Even in a team even, it is me, in my mask, and my opponant. Off strip, I do footwork, bladework, or just watch the bouts... not much talking to people.

[Lady Quindecim]

Um. Gee... I don't seem to have many friends. I wonder why that is? :sarc:

[Five Rings]

I am so introverted I don't even want to talk with you guys on this post. All I want to do is to put on my mask and mutter under my breath while I fence.

[Dread Pirate]

Like many activities, the spectrum (whether 16PF or MB) seems to be covered. Certainly from the youngsters who fence with my kids, introverts are not rare by any means, and can be very successful.

Some also like the mask and fencing outfit-- like actors they hide behind the persona. Like acting there is also a lot of scripted interaction. This makes people feel comfortable

Try it, you might just love it.

I agree with slow learner. As an introvert myself, it helps to don the equipment and hide behind the mask. It even feels like a barrier. Most of the fencers I have dealt with are reserved and respectful of each other. It's not like fencing is going to force you to be someone you are not. From what I have seen, the type of person or personality you possess helps to determine your overall style of fencing. It becomes an extension of you and not the other way around.

[cplmontana]

Introverts rock in fencing. However, try to be as open to possible. You don't want to come off as too harsh--if that happens, next time you fence someone, they might put a little more oomph behind their hits or maybe not give you advice after you lose(or win).