Next Class...which one to take?

[isuckatfencing]

I recently finished a 6-week beginners fencing class at my local recreation center. I'm still a pretty crappy fencer, my last class being my first and only. I could step up and take some intermeadiate classes, or review with the beginner class. Only problem is, at the beginner class, you don't learn diddly-squat. I got stuck with a bunch of little kids in a younger age group. We only learned to advance, retreat, parries 2, 4, 5, and 6, and lunging. No right of way, no advanced skills, and what happened to the other four parries (there's eight, right?)? I have a very limited understanding of right of way (umm...you attack, they parry, and umm...they attack, and then...you can't attack, something like that) and I only know four parries. If I took the intermediate class, I would probably be lost half the time. What to do?

[jusplainfencing]

you should take the next class up ,...the people there teaching will understand if you dont get it half the time but youll probably learn more if you go to the next class ......and plus im sure the people taking the class with you will help you if you get behind on somthing but i guess its just what you feel your ready for.....

[Tsu-La]

Judging by the parries you learned, I'll assume you're learning sabre. If you really think that you don't have the simple basics down (footwork, basic parries, that's all most people have after a begginer class that short), then alright, take it over again. In truth though, it sounds like you're fine to go up to the next level. Out of the other four parries all of them, while sometimes useful, are not a necesity. As you progress you will probably be taught these as weapons to add to your arsenal, but right now you should just work on what you have until they're second nature. Right-of-way will also be taught to you in turn (I hope), within the next 6-week class or so.

In short, I doubt you will be totally lost in the intermediate class. Go and have fun, you right now sound like you're way too worried. loosen up! It'll turn out fine

[Zelda]

Most intermeadiate classes are structured so that people do a beginners class and then move up. They will probably assume you know the en guarde position and basic parries (which you obviously do) and then build from that. I'd say do the intermediate class and maybe if you want to just gategrash the beginners occassionally for a refresher!

[oiuyt]

Love to know who uses this parrying scheme... fencing sabre without 3 or foil/epee and using 5... heh.

Presumably the next level class is designed for people that have taken the beginners class. If the beginning class teaches almost nothing then the intermediate class will start assuming you know almost nothing. In case of doubt, ask the instructor. S/he should be able to guide you.

-B :)

[d0gz|song]

Tho I'm pretty new at fencing myself, I think you should consider talking to your coach about this...

[pammie003]

I would definitely recommend going with the intermediate course. You'll learn a lot and the more advanced moves simply build on the ones that you already know... and don't worry. You won't be totally lost. There's always someone who's feeling the same as you, even if they're afraid to say it! Have fun and learn lots! And remember, don't be afraid to ask questions!

[isuckatfencing]

Actually, I'm learning foil.
But see, the intermediate class is at a different rec center. Their curriculum may be different. There is no "level up" at the rec center with the beginners course. Now what?

[135711]

relax, read camus, develop an existential form of fencing, 6 weeks is nothing, give it a year and see what happens, you sound bored, go outside and go for a little run it keeps you alert and you'll feel better and all the stuff you learned will sink into you.

i just ate a huge lunch, can't believe it, i felt like a sat at a food throth and well, ate.

[Zelda]

Well if your rec centre doesnt offer an intermediate, but another rec center offers intermediate but not beginner, its just probably a matter of where they could fit the classes! if in doubt phone the intermediate class co-ordinator and ASK!!!