New to Fencing - Curious and exited!

[CamComUK]

Hey everyone I've just registered to the board now so i thought I'd introduce myself. My names Chanse (unusual I know) and I'm a 17 year old college student from England. I recentley tried a one hour fencing session (rushed to give everyone a taster) while on holiday and have decided to follow up the session by joining a local beginners class. I'm from Leeds in Yorkshire and recently paid the £40 for a two month starter session.

I really dont know much about Fencing whatsoever, and almost didn't join the class for fear of not enjoying it. I'm built pretty muscular and do regular gym work but suprisingly have never shown a real genuine interest in a sport. Joining this class was part of my bid to finally find a sport that's right for me, as I've been unsucessfull so far. I've been reluctant for years because I constantly tell myself I'm too old to start and excell in a sport but really I know I could do it.

Just to ask, is 17 years old a good age to start Fencing because I feel it's a little late? I'd love to aim for success and compete at some kind of nation level if Fencing is for me. It's always been a dream to get serious with a sport, but like I said I've never found the right one. The main reason I keep worrying about age is because I see athletes starting sports at unbelievably young ages.

Another question is breathing related. When I had my hour session I felt myself short on breath and very worn out after several few minute rounds. Is this normal for a while, untill I practice enough in training? Relating to my shyness with sports activities, I suffer from mild astma that comes and goes, but very rarely effects me. I had concerns that the mask would restrict my breathing but finally decided I cant put things off with excuses all the time.

Sorry for rambling on, I guess I'm just really excited I finally took the plunge and got involved in a sport. I start in September and I'm definetley looking forward to learning and hopefully suceeding. Regarding my questions on age and fitness, I'd really appreciate it if someone could give me there opinions/replies there.

Thanks alot if you read all that See you around the site.

[Downtown]

Any age is a good time to start.

As to being out of breath in an hour lesson (and that being normal) that would depend on what you did in that hour. Talk to your coach. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.

Welcome to fencing. I hope you enjoy it for a lifetime.