Is fencing the right sport for me?

[Zorro Montoya]

Hello guys, I'm new here.
Okay, first of all, I think I should talk a little about me. I'm 16 years old, and I live in Canada.

I used to play tennis. I began playing tennis when I was 8 years old. Two years ago however, something happened. A car accident.

I don't remember the details very well, to be honest. Part of the thing is kind of a blank to me. What I do know is that I saw a kid about to be hit by a car, and for some reason I tried to push him out of the way. I think I managed to do it(my parents say that I did save him, but I assume that if I didn't, they would lie to me to make me feel better.) but the car hit me. I vaguely remember feeling an absurd amount of pain in my left arm, and passing out.

My arm was broken in every single possible way(I might be exaggerating here, or not. I don't know.). It was really bad at the time, but it's "fine" now. By fine I mean that it doesn't have any visible scars or anything, and I can move it perfectly fine. But it hurts a lot. It's not like I'll faint if someone punches me or anything, but it hurts easily. It has 0 endurance.

So much so that I have a "time limit" when playing tennis. I can only play for around 15 minutes before it hurts so much that I have to stop.

During those last two years, I've trained myself to play tennis with only my right arm(I'm left handed, and my left arm is the one that was hurt.) and tried to just somehow manage to keep playing. Frankly, I was physically much worse than anyone I was playing against. I was left with no choice but to win based on bluffing/mind tricks. I would make my opponent sure that my best shot couldn't be faster than something, and then increase the speed. Even if the speed wasn't anything amazing, it was the shock that made them unable to react for a second or two, and that was enough for me to get a point. And rarely, I would use my left arm. I have a time limit, and I am aware of how painful it is, but if I use it only for one minute or two...Then I could get the opponent thinking "maybe he will hit it there" even if I just can't hit there at all, since I can't use my left arm.

Anyway, something happened more recently. In a tournament, I was up against someone much better than I was. Physically, I mean. I had to use all my tricks, but I managed to beat him. But I had to use my left arm for full 20 minutes, which made me have to retire from the rest of the tournament. This is not the first time that has happened, but it's just that... I worked so hard to make a comeback, and even though I won, I had to retire from the tournament...It feels so bittersweet, you know?

Well, I think that it's no use to keep living my life using my arm as an excuse for every time I can't beat someone, so I'm switching sports. A friend recommended fencing to me, apparently because he said that it only uses one arm. But he's no specialist in fencing(I believe he only fenced for a month or two, and then quit.) so I figured I should ask someone about it, and no one I know fences, so...I came here.

Sorry for the long post, but it's hard to make my story short.
Based on my physical condition, do you guys think it would be easier for me to fence than to play tennis?

[Lady Quindecim]

See if you can find a class where you can try it out without a signifigant investment or commitment. It is hard for us to know your physical limitations, and hard for you to kow how they may apply to fencing becaus it uses different muscle groups from most other sports.

I _really_ like fencing for a variety of reasons, so i am tempted to just say, "sure, go for it!" but the only way to know is to try. Keep an open mind and have fun.

Taks care!

[yearsofwisdom]

well fencing is a sport where you have to learn the movements, meaning you can be right handed or left handed. I'm assuming your a left hander but even though the touches of fencing are short, it can get long and can shake you up with parries, beats, disengages which all tire out the arm.im not sure what weapon you would do but if your problem is in the left arm, and you were good enough to play tennis right-handed, im sure you could fence right handed. it feels unnatural either way when you begin but its not a problem since i know many fencers that choose to do the opposite arm of what they usually use.Good Luck !!

[fatfencer]

You seem to have an extraordinary amount of courage. I think fencing fits your personality. Fencing, like tennis is a sport of individuals. Its very fast paced and lots of fun.

I will PM you a list of places that may help your arm get better.

What type of pain is it? Muscular pain, joint pain? Pain just under the skin?

Generally speaking what's very important is for you to begin light weight training exercises as soon as the doctor says you are able. It may hurt but you will be training your mind to release endorphins to cut the pain. As you train your mind your body will follow.

You may benefit from Kwan Loong Oil, a topical analgesic and body rub for aches and pains. We use it alot in my martial arts private trainings.

There is one doctor in particular who I believe will heal you, if it is possible. I met him, spent several hours with him at his home and I find him to be the genuine article. AND you will learn some valuable things from him.

But yes, as you recover, fencing will be a fine thing for you to learn. You may have to wear homemade plastic armor on your arm to help protect it. It will get whacked.

All the best and get well soon.

Fatfencer

[Wetmelon]

Based on my physical condition, do you guys think it would be easier for me to fence than to play tennis?

As a tennis player myself, yes. After a month or so...

It uses very different muscles, and as a result, the sword arm or forehand arm has a lot less physical trauma in fencing. BUT, everything will hurt for a bit while you train your muscles for a different sport.

Enjoy!