Hello everyone!

[South]

Hi all, just a simple introduction, I am completly new to fencing, just finished a 4 lesson introduction programme and have formally started on an adult programme just this week.
I Fence left handed epee.

I did a fair bit of research before deciding to take up this sport (mainly due to a life-long interest in swordsmanship and swords in general but also for health resons due to the fact that I don't get much exercise.), in fact for about 2 months or so before signing up at my school I was online reading through fencing articles, watching competition and instruction vids and of course reading the threads here. I would like to thank all the contributers here for the wealth of knowledge I gained, it certainly helped me to make an informed decision.

Having said that I can now fully understand why you folks here are so passionate about fencing. I am now totally crazy about it. Would just like to share some observations from my 1st full lesson, wonder if any of you can spare some tips or advice;

1. My 1st couple of bouts felt like a blur, my uniform fits well enough but somehow I keep feeling very 'padded' and bulky, somewhat detatched. In fact I was not even aware on a few occasions that I was hit.Normal? Somehow I can't seem to get a feeling of 'control'.

2. I use a french grip epee that appears to be a weird thing to my classmates ( I was the only one) and most of them were like 'why would you pick that?!', one of them even went as far as to say that 'its a completly different kind of attack and defense which they (the coaches) don't teach here! (not true i found out abit later)'. Well I really wanted to learn how to use a french grip but I have to admit, it was very very difficult on the 1st try. I realised that I had nowhere near the strenght(?) needed to effectivly hold on to the grip for an extended period of time. 1 hour into the lesson and I could hardly hold on to my epee. Thankfully the coaches were very patient and the head coach even took me aside for some slower paced practices. I must say though, dispite all that I somehow know that I would never be satisfied with myself if I did not try to learn how to fence with a french grip so im sticking to it. Any tips for a beginner french gripper?

Thanks for reading.
Best regards.

[Boyd]

Greetings!

I can certainly understand the feeling of passion towards fencing, when I first started I couldn't get enough. Now, after about 9 months, I still can't get enough!

In regards to your uniform, it may be possible that it is slightly too baggy. Otherwise, it may be the case that the uniform you're using is descent, and you're just expecting to feel the hits. From my experience, if you use a 350 newton jacket in epee without a plastron, you can certainly feel it. But an 800 newton jacket (especially a reasonably new one) cussions the blow to a great extent.

The coaches at my club advocate the use of the french grip for at least 2-3 years. After that, the student moves on to pistol. The main reason for this is the develop a sense of tip control, and well as developing the wrist. While I didn't and haven't had any difficulty in using the french grip for any prolonged ammount of time, I have heard of some. Some people tend to grip it incorrectly or too stiffly, which can cause a strain upon the wrist. When you're training next, ask your coach to examine your grip.

Again, welcome.

[Bokkie]

Welcome South,

Don't let them intimidate you on your use of the french grip. At our club, I was told that french is ideal for beginners as it helps to develop fine control of the fingers and wrist. A pistol grip, I believe, delivers a harder thrust as your hand takes on a sort of punching action. I seldom ever win against pistoliers using french and to be honest I seldom win against other frenchies either. I've seen pistoliers fence with delicacy so perhaps it will come down to using whatever grip suits you. The important thing is to enjoy the sport and you seem like you are on the right track.

As for the clothing you are not alone. When it's horribly humid here in the UK the idea of a t-shirt, plastron, jacket, lame (aka baking foil) and glove can be less comfortable some weeks compared to others. With the mask on it sometimes feels like I'm fencing in a sauna wearing a winter duvet jacket. That's part of the deal, safety first, so don't compromise it, ever!

It's a fine sport, that's for sure.

[South]

Thanks for the tips guys, working on arm and grip strenght daily now.
One of the most persistant problems I have now is not being able to relax my shoulders and arms, I have to actually make myself relax every minute or so..seems to be the hardest part. Also working to avoid the 'death grip' I hear about so often here.

By the way, I wonder if there are any Singaporean fencers still active in this forum?

Best Regards

[Boyd]

Thanks for the tips guys, working on arm and grip strenght daily now.
One of the most persistant problems I have now is not being able to relax my shoulders and arms, I have to actually make myself relax every minute or so..seems to be the hardest part.

This is one of the problems I consist to come across while fencing. It has happened to me in a few other sports I've tried. It tends to go away after a while, once the body gets used to the sport.