New Youth Fencing

[CharlieFlorida]

Hi,

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?

Hope someone can give us some great advises.

[Wetmelon]

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:

1. 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.
2. It IS interesting! Once you get involved in it, fencing will absorb your energy and take over your life (for the better).
3. 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).
4. 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

[TBean]

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.

[foibles]

Hi Charlie,

To reinforce previous statements...

~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!

[Reima Ransu]

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.

[CharlieFlorida]

Thank you all for answer all my questions.
I can't wait for my son to get into the fencing world,
looks so much fun and he is very exiting.

Thanks again and have a great week.