New To fencing, greatly obsessed

[MilkySoup]

I began fencing last wednesday, i have classes mondays and wednesdays, and i had done a ton of research, knew most the stuff I was taught. I practice a ton, i absolutely love it. I'm sort of looking forward to a competition at the place where i take lessons this 22nd. Anybody got tips? I know I probably wont be ready, but even if i lose my first match, I won't mind much. I'll get to learn where i need to improve etc. Also anybody have some first time expierence stories?

[SJCFU#2]

I'm sort of looking forward to a competition at the place where i take lessons this 22nd. Anybody got tips?

Start off by reading Purple Fencer's guide to preparing for your first tournament (I'll even be nice and provide you with a link - click here).

Realize going in to your first tournament that not you are not only likely to loose your first bout, you may very well end up loosing EVERY bout. That way you won't have to worry about being disappointed and every victory will be a pleasant surprise (your expectations can reasonably increase as you gain knowledge and experience).

Finally realize that just because you may have read about a move before seeing it taught in class doesn't mean that you know it. Fencing is not something you can learn from a book, especially when it comes to fine nuances which can lead to bad habits.

[MilkySoup]

Hey, thanks for the help, and the link. Greatly appreciate it.

[dharmaqueen]

Enjoy the journey. It is a great sport, the more you put in the more you get out.

[V4rtimai0s]

milky welcome. i wont tell you the same "don't expect too much from your first tournament" although i agree as you have been playing only 1 week but i would like you to think in a different way. i know that there are many people in USA that they are playing fencing and there is the fact of competition but i would advice you to go with a different thinking. go there and have to your mind your goal. you may want to have an individual score of 5+ or 10+ or have 3 victories at pools or something like that. NEVER have as a goal to "do your best". is the worst mistake as you don't identify what you think is the best of you. you should also clear that your goal will be hard to achieve but make sure you will try and keep focusing on it. that way you will show to others your enthusiasm, that you really want to try harder with the sport and that you don't see it just as a simple hobby (this is what i understood of what you said before).

now about the "play-style" you may have learned 2-3 different moves (to attack and defend). i would suggest to try and do simple moves and not complicated as you will get confused. some moves as the steps and lunge you can practice them and at home.

i wish you good luck and i hope you will find my advice helpful

[Boyd]

Welcome, hope you enjoy yourself. Good luck.

[MilkySoup]

Thanks all for the tips, and support.