Rreturning to fencing

I would be interested to know if there is anyone out there who has
returned to fencing after a long break, I.e. 20 years. To compound the
subject; also with minor disabilities and a change of circumstances. I
would like to get back into fencing, but apart from the expense of
equipment, there are breathing problems and back problems. Am I just
being hopeful, or should I just be glad I have enjoyed it as a sport when
younger and enjoy the memories.
--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

> I would be interested to know if there is anyone out there who has
> returned to fencing after a long break, I.e. 20 years. To compound the
> subject; also with minor disabilities and a change of circumstances. I
> would like to get back into fencing, but apart from the expense of
> equipment, there are breathing problems and back problems. Am I just
> being hopeful, or should I just be glad I have enjoyed it as a sport when
> younger and enjoy the memories.

You will develop into an excellent fencer. The breathing difficulties and
bad back may force you to focus on parries and ripostes (and stop hits),
which will ensure you'll be able to thrash most of those fit young things in
the club, despite their fancy footwork and attacking mentality. The old
duffers in a previous club used this underhand strategy on me and it is very
effective. I'm always a bit shocked when my opponent not only does a
quality parry, but actually ripostes as well, that I kind of stand there
marvelling at their skill before I'm brought back to reality but the
thudding of the blade into my body (or mask if they're feeling a bit cocky).

Of course I fence at a university club so the standard is not all that high.
Worryingly I could probably make the team.

Regarding the equipment, most clubs will provide the stuff. I was after a
sword until I found that my clubs weapons were far better quality than
anything I could afford (I'm a poor student). The only bit of kit you may
wish to buy is a glove as many of those in the club are more sweat than
leather. Maybe a fencing jacket too if you are of a significant size. And
a mask as club ones can be a bit ucky. Ok, maybe it can be expensive then
:-) Remember that battered kit makes you look a better fencer (only the
pros have shiny new stuff [1] ) so if you are buying consider the second
hand market.

[1] Apart from those show off Sabreurs.

Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in
news:MPG.1a1b132cf17ef7cc98968f@News.Individual.NE T:

> I would be interested to know if there is anyone out there who has
> returned to fencing after a long break, I.e. 20 years. To compound
> the subject; also with minor disabilities and a change of
> circumstances.

I haven't had personal experience with coming back after a long
break, but I do know quite a few fencers who didn't start in the
sport until their 40s or 50s, both recreational and high-level
competitive fencers - it seems that if you at least had some
experience 20 years ago, you'd have a good starting point to take it
up again now. I'd definitely say, go for it!

As for the disabilities: this might affect which weapon you choose,
or the tactics that you use in a bout, but I certainly wouldn't let
it stop you from fencing :-) Just be aware of what your body is
telling you, point out anything relevant to your coach/teacher, and
make an effort to use correct posture and form.

I knew, going into fencing, that I had bad knees. One consequence of
that is that I was *very* attentive to learning how to lunge
correctly, so as not to put any unnecessary strain on my knee. This
has paid off in the long run, as I've internalized the good lunge
posture and I think this has definitely helped keep my knee working
without injury.

> I
> would like to get back into fencing, but apart from the expense of
> equipment, there are breathing problems and back problems. Am I
> just being hopeful, or should I just be glad I have enjoyed it as a
> sport when younger and enjoy the memories.

Fencing is actually not as expensive, in terms of equipment, as you
might think. When you first start, if you take a class, you can
probably use the club's equipment for free; then, a full set of
practice gear will probably only cost a bit over $100 if you shop
carefully. If you compete it will cost more, but even so it's not too
bad if you consider that (with proper care) the equipment has a long
life-span. My ongoing replacement equipment expenses are quite modest
- anyone who competes less often than I do would spend even less.

Go for it! :-)

--Holly

wow I'm thinking specificity would help! What medical problems do you
have?

unless yer a quadriplegic you can fence...thats my opinion.

But no one just wants to 'fence' but would rather fence well.

So, heres what i suggest.

get to the point where you can run, rtreadmill, stairmaster, or
whatever cardio you can do for 1/2 hr a day at yer target haeart
rate..

get a prescription for an inhaler

and add ben gay, ibuprofen/prescription pain killers, wrist/ankle/knee
wraps, back brace to your list of must have equipment.

Increase yer athleticism and all will be well.

STRETCH! before doing anything.

Magni






Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in message news:<MPG.1a1b132cf17ef7cc98968f@News.Individual.N ET>...
> I would be interested to know if there is anyone out there who has
> returned to fencing after a long break, I.e. 20 years. To compound the
> subject; also with minor disabilities and a change of circumstances. I
> would like to get back into fencing, but apart from the expense of
> equipment, there are breathing problems and back problems. Am I just
> being hopeful, or should I just be glad I have enjoyed it as a sport when
> younger and enjoy the memories.

I only had a ten-year "paternity leave", but I've found the return
invigorating. Of course, it takes a little longer to get he legs moving again
and get in shape to get through your bouts (especially if you've been doing
martial arts in the meantime). But you may have better coordination and focus
than you had before.

(I switched from saber to epee after 12 years of doing nothing, and thanks to a
great coach and a wonderful club have been able to claw my way back up to a D
rating since my first tourney in August.)


Gimme one more year...


Chris

In article <23e9ba68.0311111532.7889a37d@posting.google.com >, The
Absolutely Amazing michael_lichtstrom@yahoo.com says...
> wow I'm thinking specificity would help! What medical problems do you
> have?
>
> unless yer a quadriplegic you can fence...thats my opinion.
>
> But no one just wants to 'fence' but would rather fence well.
>
> So, heres what i suggest.
>
> get to the point where you can run, rtreadmill, stairmaster, or
> whatever cardio you can do for 1/2 hr a day at yer target haeart
> rate..
>
> get a prescription for an inhaler
>
> and add ben gay, ibuprofen/prescription pain killers, wrist/ankle/knee
> wraps, back brace to your list of must have equipment.
>
> Increase yer athleticism and all will be well.
>
> STRETCH! before doing anything.
>
> Magni
Hi Magni,

Just to elaborate on the health problems.

I have asthma and I am already on three inhalers and a nebuliser which is
used twice a day. As part of my monitoring tests for asthma, I had to run
on a treadmill for five minutes so they could do the usual checks.
Unfortunately I couldn't keep it up for more than 2 as my legs wouldn't
keep up with the conveyor belt and were going from underneath me, so the
test was abandoned. To me it would have made sense to have the speed set
slower to give me more of a chance of completing the time. Instead I got
criticism off the nurses saying "You should have no problem doing it at
your age." Rather silly in a Lung/Heart Unit don't you think? When
everybody should be assessed on their own merits.
The back problems are a slight scoliosis, and a form of Spina Bifida
called Spina Bifida Occulta which isn't anywhere as bad as the former.
Some days I am just fine and just like anyone else, just taking more
precautions with things like lifting, dusty atmospheres etc. Other days I
can't get out of bed until I have had a pain killer. So you can see with
having up and down days, it doesn't help. I go to college for 3 hours a
week to do City and Guilds Design and Craft. But a few times I have had
to come home as I can't keep going. (Also have ME)
Don't like going on about health problems as there are people far worse
than me out there, but just giving a fuller picture, as I don't like life
to get in the way of my doing things. Even though I have to allow for
getting older (45) and limitations. I have found if I "stretch" myself to
do things I shouldn't it only re bounds on me later sadly.

--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in
news:MPG.1a1c5f2d3924e850989692@News.Individual.NE T:

> I have asthma and I am already on three inhalers and a nebuliser
> which is used twice a day.

I know there are fencers out there with asthma, so I imagine some of
them can give specific advice on how to cope with it while fencing.

One of the characteristics of fencing (as opposed to, say, long-
distance running is that the "encounters" are short. A practice
session can be seen as a series of bouts (or sets of free-fencing
touches) with breaks in between, and even a bout is a series of
touches with little breaks in between. So there are built-in breaks,
which you can extend if you need more time for recovery.

It strikes me that epee might be the best choice for you - a very
tactical game, and thus very interesting, yet not as vigorously
athletic; there's a lot of waiting and patience involved, so someone
with lesser stamina can still do very well indeed. Sabre is generally
considered the most athletic/fast-paced, but frankly I find foil a lot
more exhausting than sabre - foil phrases take a lot longer to play
out, and with the inclusion of off-target hits, a bout also takes a
lot longer than in sabre.

Epee also has the advantage of requiring the least amount of extra
equipment to compete, which is a big plus if you are short on funds.

--Holly

In article <Xns943188DE736685439754hjkgfdjio5408@216.196.97.1 36>, The
Absolutely Amazing OUTordwayWITHTHIS@comcast.net says...
> Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in
> news:MPG.1a1c5f2d3924e850989692@News.Individual.NE T:
>
> > I have asthma and I am already on three inhalers and a nebuliser
> > which is used twice a day.
>
> I know there are fencers out there with asthma, so I imagine some of
> them can give specific advice on how to cope with it while fencing.
>
> One of the characteristics of fencing (as opposed to, say, long-
> distance running is that the "encounters" are short. A practice
> session can be seen as a series of bouts (or sets of free-fencing
> touches) with breaks in between, and even a bout is a series of
> touches with little breaks in between. So there are built-in breaks,
> which you can extend if you need more time for recovery.
>
> It strikes me that epee might be the best choice for you - a very
> tactical game, and thus very interesting, yet not as vigorously
> athletic; there's a lot of waiting and patience involved, so someone
> with lesser stamina can still do very well indeed. Sabre is generally
> considered the most athletic/fast-paced, but frankly I find foil a lot
> more exhausting than sabre - foil phrases take a lot longer to play
> out, and with the inclusion of off-target hits, a bout also takes a
> lot longer than in sabre.
>
> Epee also has the advantage of requiring the least amount of extra
> equipment to compete, which is a big plus if you are short on funds.
>
> --Holly
>
Hi Holly,

Unless things have changed(which they probably have) Women could only do
foil here in the UK, but possibly that has changed now. I do remember
though having a go for fun at epee and sabre. One very disapproving
instructor when he came back from the toilet! I found the epee quite
heavy after foil, the sabre while very stylish seemed to be a bit of a
cut and slash free for all. I agree though, that the short bouts would be
an advantage over other sports. I did do some karate in between (semi-
contact) but unfortunately even that was hard going. One of the other
girls nearly had me in tears with her attacks. She was only 13 and very
delicate looking, but with very hard muscles. She didn't mean it and was
quite mortified my blocks to stop her brought my arms up red raw after 2
or 3 blocks :-0 Everyone here has been very encouraging though, so thank
you everyone, I shall certainly make a start and at least enquire to cost
of weekly subs and yearly membership, and hopefully give it fair trial.
--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in
news:MPG.1a1c926aadc149c989693@News.Individual.NET :

> Unless things have changed(which they probably have) Women could
> only do foil here in the UK, but possibly that has changed now.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Things have changed - hip, hip, hooray! :-)

I can't speak for the UK, but in the US there are loads of women's
epeeists and a substantial (and ever-growing) number of women's
sabrists. You can choose whichever weapon suits *you* best.

--Holly (sabrist)

Asthma...i have it too. Some days I suck on my inhaler like a kid on a
bottle. Others I dont breathe all day and am fine....(well that may
explain the craziness...not breathing!!)

Anyhoo. If you cant do 5 mins on a treadmill then i suggest walking
for 10 minutes at your normal pace, then walking just a bit more
briskly for 2-5 mins.

Then stretch. When i say stretch I mean do yoga or stretch for a good
hour. Reall get those quads, hams, glutes calves, and yes, serratus so
that they become more supple so you can breathe better.

Then walk 3 mins briskly, real brisk. then rest for one.(Keep yer
inhaler handy)

Do this 3 or 4 times then call it a day. After 2 weeks of doing this
daily Youll find you can increase the intensity of the 'brisk' portion
to a powerwalk or even jog.

In the mean time take lessons and watch good bouting...hopefully
youll get enough inspiration to keep you moving: speaking of
inspiration.. get a portable cd player and listen to some fast paced
pop music. No enya or loreena mckennitt for YOU!!!

Ideally, youll consider HOW you breathe also...is it that shallow 1/3
chest heaving breathing.. or is it deep pushing yer back and stomach
out as you fill your lungs and sucking the gut in to push the air out.
The latter(bellows or opera breathing) is far more efficient and is a
great technique for us asthmatics.

Finally, after a month or 2 try the ultimate in bodyshaping for women.
Jumprope.
Nothing lifts saggus maximus like jumping rope. Good for the heart and
lungs too. Also good for teaching you how to jump and move lightly on
yer feet.

In 6 months youll be doing matrix-like flicks on the backs of all yer
enemies...er opponents...hee hee. Oh...ooops... a freudian slip i
spose. Just plain ignore anyone, even the lovely Ms Ordway, when they
say do epee or saber.

Foil is just plain more exciting....and I would never (IMHO) want to
rehabilitate myself just to do epee or saber. Foil is the greatest
combination of both speed and precision...a perfection marred only by
that person who gives voice to what the box reads... the director. Now
when you become as healthy as you decide to be...do epee and saber as
well. Why not. They are fun and are fundamentally extensions of the
foils mechanics. Go explore. Have an affair with epee/sabre.. just
dont fall in love. Nothing could be more abominable than that!

:-) hahahahah

Youll be a fencer...i'd bet my house on it!!!

May His blessings be upon yer new found journey.
Magni



Sue Doo Nym <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in message news:<MPG.1a1c5f2d3924e850989692@News.Individual.N ET>...
> In article <23e9ba68.0311111532.7889a37d@posting.google.com >, The
> Absolutely Amazing michael_lichtstrom@yahoo.com says...
> > wow I'm thinking specificity would help! What medical problems do you
> > have?
> >
> > unless yer a quadriplegic you can fence...thats my opinion.
> >
> > But no one just wants to 'fence' but would rather fence well.
> >
> > So, heres what i suggest.
> >
> > get to the point where you can run, rtreadmill, stairmaster, or
> > whatever cardio you can do for 1/2 hr a day at yer target haeart
> > rate..
> >
> > get a prescription for an inhaler
> >
> > and add ben gay, ibuprofen/prescription pain killers, wrist/ankle/knee
> > wraps, back brace to your list of must have equipment.
> >
> > Increase yer athleticism and all will be well.
> >
> > STRETCH! before doing anything.
> >
> > Magni
> Hi Magni,
>
> Just to elaborate on the health problems.
>
> I have asthma and I am already on three inhalers and a nebuliser which is
> used twice a day. As part of my monitoring tests for asthma, I had to run
> on a treadmill for five minutes so they could do the usual checks.
> Unfortunately I couldn't keep it up for more than 2 as my legs wouldn't
> keep up with the conveyor belt and were going from underneath me, so the
> test was abandoned. To me it would have made sense to have the speed set
> slower to give me more of a chance of completing the time. Instead I got
> criticism off the nurses saying "You should have no problem doing it at
> your age." Rather silly in a Lung/Heart Unit don't you think? When
> everybody should be assessed on their own merits.
> The back problems are a slight scoliosis, and a form of Spina Bifida
> called Spina Bifida Occulta which isn't anywhere as bad as the former.
> Some days I am just fine and just like anyone else, just taking more
> precautions with things like lifting, dusty atmospheres etc. Other days I
> can't get out of bed until I have had a pain killer. So you can see with
> having up and down days, it doesn't help. I go to college for 3 hours a
> week to do City and Guilds Design and Craft. But a few times I have had
> to come home as I can't keep going. (Also have ME)
> Don't like going on about health problems as there are people far worse
> than me out there, but just giving a fuller picture, as I don't like life
> to get in the way of my doing things. Even though I have to allow for
> getting older (45) and limitations. I have found if I "stretch" myself to
> do things I shouldn't it only re bounds on me later sadly.

In article <23e9ba68.0311121514.59230b4@posting.google.com> , The
Absolutely Amazing michael_lichtstrom@yahoo.com says...
>
> Youll be a fencer...i'd bet my house on it!!!
>
> May His blessings be upon yer new found journey.
> Magni
>
Whew! Thank you Doctor Magni! all taken on board, along with Holly's
little piece too:-)
--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

"Sue Doo Nym" <aw@hod.aarg.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1a1b132cf17ef7cc98968f@News.Individual.NE T...
> I would be interested to know if there is anyone out there who has
> returned to fencing after a long break, I.e. 20 years. To compound the
> subject; also with minor disabilities and a change of circumstances. I
> would like to get back into fencing, but apart from the expense of
> equipment, there are breathing problems and back problems. Am I just
> being hopeful, or should I just be glad I have enjoyed it as a sport when
> younger and enjoy the memories.
> --
> He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

Although I did not return to fencing after a long period, I did START
fencing in my late thirties. I also smoke and have for quite some time. I
also have back problems.

I fence with people half my age and in top shape, but also very cocky, and
impatient. They know how old I am and that I indeed smoke. They expect a
decrepit old man. I let them think that and it works to my advantage. If you
wait for the opponent to come in, they will. You just have to be quick
enough to parry and repose. It works well. Especially when you get to know
your opponent.

I fence for fun, not competition.

Wisdom and patients can do wonders.

Polymorph writes:

>They know how old I am and that I indeed smoke. They expect a
>decrepit old man. I let them think that and it works to my advantage.

There's nothing quite as fun as throwing a teenager off his game. I got two to
curse in frustration at the last meet that I went to - a definite moral
victory, even if they did end up beating me!

In article <20031124092251.11708.00000670@mb-m22.aol.com>, The Absolutely
Amazing jdzik@aol.com says...
> Polymorph writes:
>
> >They know how old I am and that I indeed smoke. They expect a
> >decrepit old man. I let them think that and it works to my advantage.
>
> There's nothing quite as fun as throwing a teenager off his game. I got two to
> curse in frustration at the last meet that I went to - a definite moral
> victory, even if they did end up beating me!
>
Now that sort of thing has brought back memories.

The so called top players who automatically assumed that everyone in the
earlier rounds would be thrashed by themselves. Not always so. One of my
best results when I got to the semi finals of the Shropshire Open was
after beating a couple of girls who were very aggressive fencers, and
always got fairly high up due to just thrashing about.(Obviously the more
refined fencers at the top level dealt with them accordingly with neat
skillful fencing.) These girls just couldn't believe that they had been
beat and the mutterings, glowering dirty looks etc were enough to kill.
Despite my achievements on that day and the glowing praise of the top
coach at one of the clubs I went to, he still hardly ever gave me a
lesson. Preferred to bestow that favour on his favourites. How many
fencers out there could have been top standard with the right coaching if
they had had it. Quite a lot I imagine.
--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

Sue Doo Nym wrote:

>
> Now that sort of thing has brought back memories.
>
> The so called top players who automatically assumed that everyone in the
> earlier rounds would be thrashed by themselves.>
: deleted material
> and the glowing praise of the top
> coach at one of the clubs I went to, he still hardly ever gave me a
> lesson. Preferred to bestow that favour on his favourites. How many
> fencers out there could have been top standard with the right coaching if
> they had had it. Quite a lot I imagine.

There is particular issue for most fencers over the age
of 30 (fencers seem to peak about 27) and even more so
for vets. Most coaches are in the sport for something
more than money. At least all the ones I've met.
Figure it takes five years for a person to be competitive and
then a couple of years to season them out. The coach has x number
of hours each day/week to spend. Somewhere I remember reading that
20 minutes for an individual lesson is about optimal and competitive
fencers like to take 3 or 4 lessons a week. It is really a difficult
situation not just for the fencer but for the coach who has to decide
how to best spend his time. As a vet-60 I have to live with the constant
competition for the coach's time. I see and sympathize with the difficult
tradeoff, take my moments of instruction when I can, and still
chafe at knowing it's more in the coach/club's interest that some
youngster get the time.

Could this be a part of the problem you were expressing?

J.

In article <20031124092251.11708.00000670@mb-m22.aol.com>, jdzik@aol.com
(JDzik) writes:

>There's nothing quite as fun as throwing a teenager off his game. I got two
>to
>curse in frustration at the last meet that I went to - a definite moral
>victory, even if they did end up beating me!

Sounds like the participants in this thread would appreciate something that
happened to me.

In the 1999 USFA Summer Championships two MIT collegiate Sabre fencers, Phil
Miller and Evan Efstathiou, needed a third for a team in the Open Team
championships. Now this is not the Division I team, but the Open team, so it
did not include the really elite fencers.

Without me, Phil and Evan couldn't have fenced. They needed someone from the
New England Division and I was the only one available.

I had one of my best days. In all of the matches before the Gold Medal match, I
got my 15 touches. We won't say how many they got against me.

For the Gold Medal we fenced the New York Athletic Club: Ari Diacou, Alex Igoe
and Brian Purcell. In this match they got about 30 touches off me but I did get
12 touches myself. Evan Efstathiou started the last bout behind 40-37 but
pulled out a 45-43 victory.

Not bad for a 63 year old Sabre fencer.

Bill Hall

Mark, I think the person who OP'd the phrase "it is finished" was
quoting Jesus.

Jesus said It is finished. The 'It' refers to his life, the various
prophecies he fullfilled, etc.

May the lord bless ya with a bible!!!

O Magnum Mysterium,.,,,,,


Magni





"Mark Thompson" <pleasegivegenerously@warmmail.com (change warm for hot)> wrote in message news:<bpuck5$1td$1@news7.svr.pol.co.uk>...
> > > >They know how old I am and that I indeed smoke. They expect a
> > > >decrepit old man. I let them think that and it works to my advantage.
> > >
> > > There's nothing quite as fun as throwing a teenager off his game. I got
> two to
> > > curse in frustration at the last meet that I went to - a definite moral
> > > victory, even if they did end up beating me!
> > >
> > Now that sort of thing has brought back memories.
> >
> > The so called top players who automatically assumed that everyone in the
> > earlier rounds would be thrashed by themselves. Not always so. One of my
> > best results when I got to the semi finals of the Shropshire Open was
> > after beating a couple of girls who were very aggressive fencers, and
> > always got fairly high up due to just thrashing about.(Obviously the more
> > refined fencers at the top level dealt with them accordingly with neat
> > skillful fencing.) These girls just couldn't believe that they had been
> > beat and the mutterings, glowering dirty looks etc were enough to kill.
> > Despite my achievements on that day and the glowing praise of the top
> > coach at one of the clubs I went to, he still hardly ever gave me a
> > lesson. Preferred to bestow that favour on his favourites. How many
> > fencers out there could have been top standard with the right coaching if
> > they had had it. Quite a lot I imagine.
>
> On the flip side, my greatest ever fencing moment was thrashing three old
> hands (and one younger thingy) some of whom had GBR stencilled on the back
> of their jackets (I'd guessed they fenced for the junior team in their
> younger days, but you never know). They fenced down on the 'keen' side of
> the hall, and nabbed me as I was passing, with an eye to turn me into a pin
> cushion for a bit of a practice (I was well known for having the reactions
> of a dead sloth). I absolutely murdered them, with my worst score being
> 3-5. I even made one of them walk off in a huff - he didn't even shake my
> hand! The best bit was that nearly all my points came from well timed stop
> hits, so they couldn't even claim they'd been beaten by a superior fencer.
> Of course the fifth person in the group had fought me a lot before and
> comprehensively demolished me (blasted parry and riposte!) but hopefully it
> stopped them being too dismissive of us social fencers.
>
> > He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."
>
> Now, the real reason for my post. Who said that, and what was finished?
> It's been bugging me for a while now.
>
>
> Mark.

In article <23e9ba68.0311242229.6a224a7@posting.google.com> , The
Absolutely Amazing michael_lichtstrom@yahoo.com says...
> Mark, I think the person who OP'd the phrase "it is finished" was
> quoting Jesus.
>
> Jesus said It is finished. The 'It' refers to his life, the various
> prophecies he fullfilled, etc.
>
> May the lord bless ya with a bible!!!
>
> O Magnum Mysterium,.,,,,,
>
>
> Magni
Spot on Michael,

You have got it in one. So many people thought that was the end, but not
so, only what was prophesied and fulfilled in the Old Testament.

Hope that has put you out of your misery now Mark:-)

--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

In article <3fc2cc05$0$9402$2c56edd9@news.cablerocket.com>, The
Absolutely Amazing jonathanjefferies@alamedanet.net says...
> Could this be a part of the problem you were expressing?
>
Hi Jonathan,

Very similar, but at the time I was in my early twenties. The coach in
question had actually encouraged me to go to that particular club which
was seen as the best in the North West of England. I was already going to
two other clubs for practice,one of which was where I met this particular
coach. He knew that I was getting two buses and a train to get to the
club he had encouraged me to go to. This was after working long hours in
an underpaid job. At the time I thought it was worth it as I thought to
get lessons off this coach would help me really improve. Sadly this never
really happened. When I found the courage to bring this up with him he
flew off the handle. Basically saying something similar to you, that he
could choose whoever he wanted to coach as he was a skilled person in
coaching fencing. This I didn't dispute, but it was he himself who had
initially said, "Come down to ***** Fencing Club and I will give you
lessons. He also knew what was involved in the journey to get there. I
would never underestimate anyone who has undergone training in anything,
but it was wrong of him to state that he would give me lessons at that
particular club if he wasn't going to carry it out.
Going there though certainly opened my eyes to how improvements and
keeping up the standard is kept with the right coaching and fellow
fencing partners.
--
He said, "It is finished." Not "I am finished."

Sue Doo Nym wrote:
> jonathanjefferies@alamedanet.net says...
>
>>Could this be a part of the problem you were expressing?
>>
> Hi Jonathan,
> Very similar, but at the time I was in my early twenties. The coach in
> question had actually encouraged me to go to that particular club which
> was seen as the best in the North West of England. I was already going to
> two other clubs for practice,one of which was where I met this particular
> coach. He knew that I was getting two buses and a train to get to the
> club he had encouraged me to go to. This was after working long hours in
> an underpaid job. At the time I thought it was worth it as I thought to
> get lessons off this coach would help me really improve. Sadly this never
> really happened. When I found the courage to bring this up with him he
> flew off the handle.Basically saying something similar to you, that he
> could choose whoever he wanted to coach as he was a skilled person in
> coaching fencing. This I didn't dispute, but it was he himself who had
> initially said, "Come down to ***** Fencing Club and I will give you
> lessons. He also knew what was involved in the journey to get there. I
> would never underestimate anyone who has undergone training in anything,
> but it was wrong of him to state that he would give me lessons at that
> particular club if he wasn't going to carry it out.

I certainly sympathize with your experience. While I've been blessed with
three excellent coaches in my fencing career, at one point I felt
that my current coach was shorting me on time. We had an honest
conversation and it's worked out well for both of us.
My personal experience in other sports is limited to
team activities, fencing is the only sport that I've been involved
with where the coach<->student relationship is so close,
one could almost say intimate. I should put a caveat to that statement
in that it applies to my first and current coach. The middle one was
excellent but so bound up in national level activities and personally
handling a top rung fencer that we other students only got to work
with him on occasion.

I'm assuming your experience happened some time ago. Actually I
wouldn't know how to handle such a rebuff. Perhaps to ask what
he/she had intended and compare that to what I needed. But
finding the right coach is certainly a difficult experience. As
I indicated I've been extremely lucky but I
have had at least one salle mate who was prepared to change jobs
and cities in order to follow his coach. Fortunately that wasn't
necessary as circumstances changed.

> Going there though certainly opened my eyes to how improvements and
> keeping up the standard is kept with the right coaching and fellow
> fencing partners.

Excellent, even in adversity one should try to learn. Or am I mangling
another quote from Musashai? But best wishes finding the right
environment for yourself.

Jonathan