New to fencing...help needed!

[chris010987]

hey, i'm new to this forum and i'd like advice on some stuff....

'll be picking up fencing after my major exams in 2 weeks or so. i was wondering if doing strength training(weights) and cardio exercises for stamina would help significantly in getting adapted to fencing?

i hope to compete in college next year, but i've got no idea about what weapon to start with. would a beginner like me be suited to the foil, epee or sabre?

also, how much would a reasonably good set of fencing equipment (sword, masks etc) to last me through a year or so set me back by?

please advice!

chris

[mhoneth]

I only started fencing 2 months ago, so I thought I'd share my experiences with you;

Fencing is one of the most physically strenuous sports I've tried (the closest being squash). In my experience though, strength training is not very important - my focus has been on building stamina through cross-country running (swimming would work well too) and using a jump rope (a favourite in European training).

The rest of my training is fencing-specific and focusses on footwork (2 hours with a coach per week, and another 2 by myself).

I have no idea what the equipment would cost you in Singapore, but a crappy but servicable beginner's set here in North America would be about US$200 after shipping and handling. I would recommend using your club equipment, and slowly buying the best that you can afford one item at a time.

[chris010987]

thanks a million mhoneth!

i was reading through the various posts by the other users on the forum, and most users have recommended starters to use the foil?

i'm pretty confused on the various stuff that can be found hanging around in the market..from entire swords to blades alone...and i'm pretty stuck on what to get exactly. also, there aint much options to choose from for the vests and shoes etc with all their specs mostly the same?

lastly, does height come into play when choosing the weapon of your choice? i.e do people of various heights gain advantages using different weapons? i'm about 5.8" with a pretty strong build (for an asian at least) and i was wondering what options do i have open?

thanks again!

[mhoneth]

According to most people, the foil is considered to be the best weapon for beginners, and everything you learn will apply to the other weapons with only a little modification.

After the first month of lessons, we got a crash course in saber, and all the basics from foil still applied. The switch was easy. I have heard that epee is more challenging, and I look forward to trying it out in a few weeks.

As for equipment. I purchased a practice (non-electric) foil with French grip to practice at home. I think I would have done better to buy an electric complete to start with, as I can use it for practice as well as bring it to tournaments. All adults should buy a #5 (the longest) blade. There are many different opinions on the grip, but I agree with my coaches about getting used to a French grip first. It teaches you the benefits of finger play better than any other. The pistol grips do give you more power in your parries, but as a beginner, technique is more important.

I haven't decided on what clothing to get, but I'm leaning towards stretch nylon as opposed to cotton for a better fit, and it seems to look cleaner longer. In either case, you can always take your jacket to a tailor to get it fitted right once you have received it.

[JC Fedorczyk]

Be sure to include in your equipment a very large, very absorbent towel. I spent 14 years in martial arts and I've sweat more in the 2 months I've been fencing then I did in martial arts.

[Inquartata]

Originally posted by mhoneth
According to most people, the foil is considered to be the best weapon for beginners, and everything you learn will apply to the other weapons with only a little modification.

Once again I take the field to dispell this myth.

That's right---myth.

The foil is the most widely fenced weapon. Naturally, foilistsare going to recommend starting in foil. Duh! So going by a consensus of "most people" in this case is misleading at the very least.

The foil is NOT in any way inherently superior in training beginners. It is not inherently better as a teaching weapon. It IS inherently better if you wish to fence FOIL. Again, duh.

This argument has raged for a long time, and no on has been able to come up with an irrefutable argument for starting in foil if you think you may end up doing anything other than foil. You can learn the basics of fencing with any of the three weapons in your hand. And if you want to get good as fast as possible in epee or sabre you should start in epee or sabre, and not have to unlearn or relearn or alter anything three or six months in.

[chris010987]

hmmm but does that mean that all three weapons have largely different skills involved? i used to think (and still pretty much do ) that epeeists were pretty cool esp with those toe touches which look uber cool but as an observer, i'd say that the large target area does make fencing with an epee look much tougher. so i was wondering if it'd be much cooler to start with the foil and try other weapons once i'm familiar with the footwork, techniques etc?

thanks a bunch guys. really appreciate the advice and all

and 'll certainly remember to get a towel!

[KShan5[PrFC]]

Yes it does mean that there are a large number of differences between the weapons. But, the basics can be used for all three.

I agree with Inquartata completely,and because I fence sabre, I say fence sabre.

In regards to strength programs, they do help. See thread: http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthr...&threadid=8596 and you will understand a bit more in this subject area.

All in all, welcome to the sport of fencing, you will eventually find what weapon fits yo best, and good luck.

[chris010987]

THANKS KSHAN =))))

its really gonna help me quite abit. i used to do alot of bicep curls and running/swimming..but i guess 've gotta orientate my training now then =P

does anyone have any idea how to train back/shoulder muscles using free weights besides the occasional chinning bar exercises etc?

[morael]

Personally, I wouldn't invest in a lot of equipment esp electric until you're sure which weapon you prefer. Also, you probably wouldn't need electric until you're actually competing and meanwhile can use your club/college electric stuff. But a face mask is a first. When you put on a stinky "club" mask, you'll know why. Also get your own glove so it molds to your hand. If your hand are smaller than avg, the club gloves will fit you about like oven mitts. Do make sure your glove has a channel/hole for electric use.
When you decide which weapon you like, get one so you can do "target practice" etc, at home. Also, if you're left-handed, you might need to get a foil (oops, I mean, your weapon of choice) if your club doesn't have enough lefty weapons to go around. As far as jackets, knickers, shoes, etc., I've found it's best to wait a bit and try on other peoples jackets, talk with fellow fencers, etc, so you can pick one that works for you. Your coach can probably recommend a good vendor.
I'm not sure if someone addressed this, but adult weapons are all the same length. Don't get a kid's weapon--especially if you're shorter than average. It just puts you at a disadvantage, ie, shorter reacher.

[I_luv_saber]

SABER RULES!!! *ahem* Now that that's out of the way...
1. My belief (for the "start with foil" issue) is that you should start with foil, but only for about a month, maybe less, mainly until you get the basics.
2. Equipment: Wait until you pick a weapon. If your club has a lot of electric fencing going on, get electric stuff. If not, get dry, and wait on the electric. Find someone to help you in buying equipment for the first time, maybe your coach would offer a helping hand. Be sure and take VERY good care of your equipment (especially electric) and it (aside from possibly the blade) should last you a very long time. In closing I will say this: GOOOO SABER! Good Luck!

[chris010987]

thanks everyone =)

've decided to stick to using club equipment until i do get a feel of the stuff. not too sure about my personal weapon preferences either...so i'll stick to the foil =P

they should get more fencing clubs going in singapore though. i think there are only 2 clubs in the whole of singapore presently..which pretty much blows =(

oh btw. do the weapon lengths vary much? and wouldnt one usually choose a longer weapon (greater reach)?

[KShan5[PrFC]]

yes they do...in foil at least. But I fence sabre, so I don't know anything about them, or why they do extra (except that youths have to use smaller weapons)

[morael]

Yeah, ignore what I said about weapon lengths being the same. I meant...ahhh, never mind.

Many fencers are passionate about their weapon of choice--epee, foil or saber--and will try to lure you one way or the other. But choosing a weapon is like falling in love. It will take hold of you and you'll "just know."

[arcon]

Yes, weight training and cardio are great for fencing.
Dont over do the weights though. You should lift light to medium
dont go heavy. You need toning ,flexibility and moderate
strength improvement instead of working out for bulk.
I believe all ages can and should work out when fencing.Im assuming youre not 5 years old.
They all dont of course. In a former club of mine very little real attention was paid to the extra conditioning that competitors need and should have for competing. You expect this from (most )of the Vets. theyre the worst
the heaviest and the laziest about fitness and training.A vet once told me i was exercising to much during club fencing time. Most of the younger fencers are well aware of the need for proper conditioning. When in full training for competion my personal
program runs this way. (1.) 4 to 6 hrs a week on weigts not including stretching time
(2).2 or 3 hrs a week Cardio.(3).6hrs a week fencing.


Weight training and cardio completed in the (am)
Club exercise time 30 to 40 minutes including footwork
Most Fencing done in the( PM)excluding tournaments

This is my scedule. It doesnt mean its best or right for you.
If you have the resourses id suggest you hire a trainer for at
least 2 or 3 sessions. Pay close attention to the tecniques in
volved in weight lifting. Have him/her write you up a workout
scedule that meets your individual needs. Ask questions about
proper diet and the proper times to eat when working out.
Dont forget to hydrate.

A lot depends on your goal and what you are seeking from the sport. Are you fencing for fun?
Are you fencing because its a challenge for you to compete and you want to do your best ?
If its the latter then to have the best chance for success and know
at the end of the day youve done the best you could possible do
I for one think a serious training program is a must.
A good coach is always a plus.

Go for it!
arcon