New and have some questions!

[emilyrose]

Hello! I am very new to fencing. I've been participating in epee fencing for a little over a month now. I am really excited to get involved in fencing because although I'm terrible at sports, I really love anything that requires a lot of self-discipline and tradition.

I have been having a lot of issues with my en garde, especially when I am holding a weapon. I don't have problems of feeling weak or tired, but after I have been in my en garde position for a long time I start to black out. I also get a tingling sensation in my arm and have a feeling of not being able to catch my breath. Is this uncommon? I really hate when it happens because I don't want to appear weak or unable to my instructors. Is there something wrong with the way I'm doing my en garde position? Thanks!

-Emily

[Goldgar]

I have been having a lot of issues with my en garde, especially when I am holding a weapon. I don't have problems of feeling weak or tired, but after I have been in my en garde position for a long time I start to black out. I also get a tingling sensation in my arm and have a feeling of not being able to catch my breath. Is this uncommon? I really hate when it happens because I don't want to appear weak or unable to my instructors. Is there something wrong with the way I'm doing my en garde position?

Emily, this sounds quite unusual to me and warrants a visit to the doctor. I can't think of anything about the en garde position by itself that should cause anything beyond, maybe, the tingling in your arm. Is your jacket or collar too tight, such that it would be cutting off your circulation?

Unless there's something peculiar about the circumstances, that you haven't described to us, go see a doctor.

[emilyrose]

Emily, this sounds quite unusual to me and warrants a visit to the doctor. I can't think of anything about the en garde position by itself that should cause anything beyond, maybe, the tingling in your arm. Is your jacket or collar too tight, such that it would be cutting off your circulation?

Unless there's something peculiar about the circumstances, that you haven't described to us, go see a doctor.

Thanks, I'm getting a physical done this week so I'll be sure to ask about it. I just hope it's something I can work on fixing and not something that will affect my fencing ability! Much love!

-Emily