Fencing "rules" for noobs...

[Dee EffEll]

Things every new fencer should know, but you'll never find written anywhere:

- A fencing floor + water = danger. Please wipe up your spilled water/sweat;

- Fence anyone that asks you to fence. OK, if you're not in the same "league," or want to get more practice in, make it a short bout, but we all stepped on the strip for the first time, and it is a measure of respect for those that came before you to leave the sport better than you found it;

- Wash your gear. Please;

- Don't store your cup in your mask;

- If a club weapon fails while you are using it, at least make an attempt to fix it; If you can't, ask a coach to show you how rather than just leaving it for him to deal with;

- Never *ever* take anyone for granted. Sure, you might have beaten them last time, but maybe, just maybe, they've been practicing;

- Learn to direct. Appreciate others that do;

- Call the coach "coach" or "maestro" or "sir;"

- Breathe;

- A salute before and after a bout has a specific meaning; look at the person you are saluting when you do so;

- Consider buying your own weapons if you are going to compete. Yes, I will loan you my weapons if you have an emergency, but you're incessant "can I borrow a weapon?" at every tournament is annoying, and I feel bad about saying no;

-No one likes stinky gear. Please wash yours;

- "Close of registration" is a time no one heeds. Except you. Alway be on time, and don't complain about those that aren't. Volunteer to help run the tournament if you want to complain about start times. "Registration is now closed, fencing begins in 5 minutes" is something rarely heard at a fencing tournament;

- I have lots of advice for other fencers that I don't follow myself;

- There are only two bouts you *must* win: world cup gold medal, and olympic gold medal. All other bouts are practice;

- The time will come when you are no longer able to fence. Do it now. Now doesn't ever come again, and life is not a practice run. But fencing is a great metaphor: stay between your heels, and stay balanced. Remember, life is like an analogy;

- Hug a veteran fencer now and then;

- Please wash your gear.

Any others? Chime in.

[pkt]

I love your 'Hug a veteran' suggestions among others.

Good work.

PK

[retardedspleen]

- "touche" this dosnt mean bash...


- be creative, thinking of new ways to execute an action, or a new action that hasnt been done yet, are the best way to define yourself from all others.

- Dee Effell is really Baz Lurhman....so...Respect your Elders.

- your feet and strip are there for a reason, use them

- take all advice, even if you think its wrong. sometimes even the worst people have the best things to say (unless its jupiter)

- you can beat anyody, the same way anybody can beat you.

- control, nobody likes it when a person is charging down the strip, and runs into them

- what happens on the strip stays on the strip, never take things personaly

- always read what Edew, Epeemike and Inquarta say...they almost always have something worth while to say

- when in doubt, just fence. thats all your there to do.


yep...yeah...i guess


Chris Triplett

[jeff]

I'll add:

- Don't whine about calls.

- Be gracious and polite whether you win or lose. It will pay off.

- Learn every time you go out and fence; in fact, learn every time you successfully hit somebody, or somebody hit you. Try to figure out what you did right or wrong.

- Watch and emulate what the really strong fencers do.