My 11 year old son and me have been looking for a new sport for him and we found a club in Jacksonville Florida who have fencing classes for begineers.
My son is only 4ft. tall and wonder if it might be hard for him.
He has played soccer and tennis so I would think he would have a good foot work, which it looks like you need to have and be quick as well.
This looks so interesting. I am Swedish and I know we have a few good ones at home but I never tried this sport, I am really exiding for my son.
What about injuries? I assume the equipment will cover you from head to toe.
If you are a begineer, how many times a week should you practice to get decent?
Hej Charlie! Welcome to the world of Fencing. If you would put your seats and tray tables in their upright and locked positions, we can go ahead and get started. We'll start by addressing your questions in order:
The fact that your son is only 4 ft. tall should not matter. There are different sized blades for each age group (Below 10 years old, 10-13 years old, and 13+ years old), and even if he were above 13, his height is not much of a disadvantage if he has good footwork.
It IS interesting! Once you get involved in it, fencing will absorb your energy and take over your life (for the better).
Injuries in modern fencing are rare when proper safety precautions are met. Required equipment for club fencing (in my opinion) is as follows:
Plastron
Jacket
Glove
Mask
Full length pants (not fencing knickers, unless fencing Epee)
sport (tennis) shoes
Note that these are the requirements for fencing foil. Epee will REQUIRE approved knickers, as legs then become a target. You will also need knickers and full length socks if competing in a tournament (but as a beginner, I figure you'll be sticking to club fencing for a while).
How many times a week that you practice does not greatly affect (in my experience) one's becoming decent at fencing. It requires dedication more so than practice, but I still recommend at least twice a week to those who want to climb in skill level quickly.
Med vänliga hälsningar,
Wetmelon
__________________ In Flanders fields the poppies grow - Between the crosses, row on row, - That mark our place, and in the sky, - The larks, still bravely singing, fly, - Scarce heard amid the guns below. ~John McCrae
Your son will not be 4ft. for forever, so don't worry about now. Wetmelon gave you good advice, but I would suggest that you check with your club as to what they allow the fencers to wear for training/fencing. At my club, once the kids are to the point that they are hitting each other with weapons (even in drills), they are required to have a full kit, including knickers. This is for insurance purposes - if someone is not wearing "approved" fencing clothing as per the policy, then there is a slight risk that a claim might not be paid.
__________________
Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy. ~ Albert Einstein
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. ~ Rita Rudner
~11 is an excellent age to enter the sport.
~Height is not as important as footwork and general athleticism.
~His tennis and soccer experience will be helpful.
Injuries are extremely rare in fencing. (I would say there are fewer injuries in fencing than soccer.) The occasional minor bruise should be expected. Once every season or two, one of the students in the class may twist an ankle/ pull a muscle etc.
Fencing's fun! I started in college and at 43 I still fence. It can truly provide a lifetime of health and enjoyment!
__________________ When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."
Hi,
Juleah Nusz Qualifies for
Division 1 National Championships
Juleah Nusz finished 20th out of 111 fencers in the recent Division 1 Women's Epee event at the North American Cup held in Portland, Oregon. As a result of her top 32 finish, Juleah is now eligible to compete in the Division 1 National Championships to be held in Grapevine, Texas, in July. Congratulations Juleah!
ACFA Qualifies Fencers
for Summer National Championships
The link below will take you to a list of events and the AC Fencers who have qualified in that event by (1) Automatic qualification through National Points; (2) Competing at a Regional Youth Circuit or Super Youth Circuit; (3) Qualifiying at the Divisional Qualification Tournament; or (4) Qualifying at the Sectional Qualification Tournament.
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