Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

WoodsideDr · 10-01-2003, 06:08 PM

Just wondering what gets older folks (like myself) into the sport. Is it the exercise, the fun, the glamor (?), the competiton? Just curious.

Are you prepared for competition as well, or is it more about just getting better within your club/salle?

The Red Feather · 10-01-2003, 06:22 PM

For me, I have to say I got into fencing for the same reason I got into computers: for the chicks.

CarlKnoch · 10-01-2003, 06:36 PM

Chicks sounds like as good a reason as any. I think I got into this sport because at 36 and in my area there are no other kewl sports to be a part of.

Talen · 10-01-2003, 06:50 PM

Well, it definitely wasn't for the "chicks" - though I must admit my wife sure looks good in a fencing jacket!

I'd have to say it's both the exercise and the competition. At 41, I'm getting a little too old for some sports, but I need to stay in shape. I fenced for a few years back in my early 20s but I never competed. Now that I'm older and hopefully a bit wiser, I'm actually looking forward to competing. I've started beginner's lessons with my wife at a club about an hour away and I just placed an order for my first electric foil & lame. I know that the youngsters have me beat on reflexes, but I'd like to think I can outsmart them most of the time

Peach · 10-01-2003, 07:27 PM

In the order of the motivations I have had:

1. hitting people is fun
2. hitting people while wearing a fencing jacket feels cool
3. if you actually do what the coach tells you to do, you hit people more often.
4. tricking people so you can hit them is fun
5. if you actually do what the coach tells you to do, you make some really cool actions and tricking people is even easier.
6. you have a great thing to do after work so that you forget for a few hours all the things you obsess about all the other times.
7. they actually let grownups compete in local tournaments, and national tournaments, even if they're really really grown up, like middle-aged, and there are lots of people to talk to, and you can watch world-class fencing.
8. you can actually win bouts and get a classification even if you started late
9. you can even win medals, and championships, and get a really good classification if you're willing to work hard and put the time in.
10. you have friends of all ages
11. you get a second chance to live your fantasy life and be a real athlete.
12. Wheeeeee!!!!! You get to hit people!

Inquartata · 10-01-2003, 08:43 PM

"Glamor"?

"Chicks"?

You guys sure this is fencing we're talking about???

Kodiak Kid · 10-01-2003, 09:22 PM

Peach's answer number #4 is it in a nutshell, whether it be in club or competition or wherever.

But I have to add that sharing what little I can with my little charges is pretty satisfying too. When the little boogers start beating me up It is a bit humbling, and that's good for me as well.

Oh yeah, and of course, the chicks.

Wazza matter Inq? Not working for you? Maybe it's the bend in your foil...

JEC · 10-01-2003, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kodiak Kid
Wazza matter Inq? Not working for you? Maybe it's the bend in your foil...

LOLROF. Kodiak/Hawaii Kid, this is best quote in a while. However, Inq. is a sabreur. My reason is Peach's #12. In my club, I see many other parents who look at me as some kind of freak, but I am in much better shape than any of them.

Zelda · 10-01-2003, 10:56 PM

Its got to be the fact its that its a legit way to hit people. Imagining its your worst enemy behind the mask is the best motivation I know.

cowpaste · 10-02-2003, 12:58 AM

I am old. I am 20. I figured I'll probably never go to nationals or anything since I didn't start at 2, and I lose to those arrogant 18 year old young arrogant peoples, but it sure is fun! Also, everyone one in a while, a hot girl walks in and becomes interested in fencing for 2 weeks!

Talyn · 10-02-2003, 01:17 AM

I think its quite simple...

When you WIN a bout... you WIN ...

not "oooo I scored my goals and etc".....

Its far more personal every hit on you or the other guy is more than just a point. Anyway - about the chicks comment... most fencing chicks are pretty buff.... I mean fencing isn't the sport to get lean and athletic or anything hehehe

2Sirius · 10-02-2003, 01:42 AM

The hitting people thing is definitely good, but I would add that getting to hit (and beat) those arrogant young punks is SOOO satisfying. Hey, I'm 42, I don't get to hit young punks often.

Oh yeah, and the exercise, the glamor, the glory, yada yada.

cowpaste · 10-02-2003, 01:44 AM

Pffft, what are you talking about? I am super lean and athletic. You should see Inq. He is freaking hot!

MyraTrue · 10-02-2003, 01:46 AM

I have to agree with Talyn. I've only been fencing a little over a year and a half, and winning a bout isn't something to be second guessed.

I lose an awful lot of mine, but when I win, I know its mine. Ane one of the most amazing things to me was having lost to a certain fencer in my first epee tournament, and coming back 6 months later, and having gotten good enough that I beat her. I knew I fenced better, which was a mile marker.

I remember learning feeling like everything was strange. My body didn't understand how I could ask it to do what I wanted it to, but then suddenly my body decided, "Weee, this is fun. I can HIT YOU!" And soon, everything feels right when you fence, like you "belong" doing this. Win or lose, its amazing to me.

Talyn · 10-02-2003, 02:27 AM

:P

I wasn't talking about guys... but for girls who want to get thin you know what i mean... the "hollywood fit" look fencing won't do that for you. It doesn't just make the muscles firm it makes them BIG and FAT

MyraTrue · 10-02-2003, 03:02 AM

You mean the big muscle-y calves and thighs, and the lopsided arm and... *grin* Fencer's knee... male fencers in shorts usually exhibit this when they lunge... wait, I've NEVER seen that muscle built except by fencing...

big poppa · 10-02-2003, 08:14 AM

great answer Peach and you pretty much sums up why i fence except for the chicks. Yes the women alone is a major reason for a guy to fence. Women in whites are so hott. iv'e been looking at them for 30 years.

lochinvar · 10-02-2003, 09:18 AM

I started because I wanted to be Basil Rathbone.

I continue because:

1. It's unique.
2. I've met many fine people and made friends.
3. I don't feel self-conscious about competing, even though I'm not good. (Hey, somebody has to be the scrub.)

Oh, yeah...did I mention the chicks?

graham · 10-02-2003, 10:23 AM

I started a year ago (at age 44) so I could help out a bit at my son's club. I also figured that, since I am going to all these tournaments as a driver I might as well see what it is all about, so I took some lessons. My intention was to learn enough to get a better appreciation of the rules and actions so I could referee at local tournaments for the younger age groups. After my first tournament I couldn't believe how much fun I was having - now I wish I had started 20 years ago. I love this sport! I now have my Level 1 coaching certification and am working (slowly) on Level 2. My most fun (aside from tournaments) is in teaching the beginner classes at our club.

My intention now - to continue with my coaching education, my own development as a fencer, and to have as much fun at tournaments as is humanly possible for the next 20 - 50 years (hey, I can dream, can't I?).

GT

Ramrod · 10-02-2003, 12:19 PM

I'm with Peach - you get to hit people. Woo Hoo!

I love the competition aspects. Even picking up the sport late in life I was able to get pretty good in a short time and do reasonably well in competitions. Very, very few other sports would I be able to compete in on a national level.

Since fencing is an individual sport, win or lose, it's all yours. There is also no judge making subjective decisions about your performance, you either score the point or don't.

Oh yeah, and you get to hit people!

Where else can you say, "c'mere boy, hold this while I hit ya!"