Newbie

[MichaelHalliday]

SOrry if this is in the FAQ somewhere. Did not see this questions (although I am SURE it has been asked) is a quick search of this forum.

I am 38 YO, and just started to get back in some sort of shape. (I.e. go to the gym to lift and run 3-4 times a week, and lost 20 pounds)
While I am enjoying the workouts, I have always been one to enjoy a workout with more of a purpose to it than just getting fit. That is, Raquetball, tennis, etc... some sort of sport.

Anyway, in college I attended a few fencing slasses and never really got past some simple foot work drills, but really seemed to like where it was headed, and thought someday, I will get into this further. Well, that desier , couple with your average every day, run-of-the-mill mid-life crisis, has brought me here.

Looking for the standard guidance for the beginner:
1) I like to sound of epee, but should I start with Foil?
2) Shoudl I get private lessons, or just sign up with a club of enthusiasts?
3) Anybody from Georgia (particularly Atlanta area) with some guidance specific to this area?
4) Am I too old to start this now?
5) whiel I can afford to buy equipment, I hate to do it until I see if I will stick it out for a while. Can I start with very imited equipment (i.e. just a weapon? This owuld obviously assume classes can provide the protective gear)
6) ANything else I sould know or be asking that I just don't know to ask?

...it looks like fun, is it?

[wflaschka]

Hi!

Many fencing clubs offer beginner's classes. These classes typically show you the basics, and let you use club equipment. This is a good low-cost way to test the waters. The classes almost always start you with foil as the initial learning weapon, but this will only help you when/if you make the jump to epee. Also during class, you can scope out the instructors, and see if there are any coaches that seem appealing to you.

If fencing seems fun to you, you can sign up as a club member, and then you can start buying equipment. If you buy equipment and then quit, you can sell it at used prices to another fencer. This is a good way of helping the sport, since a barrier to entry is the cost of equipment.

In Atlanta, Gene Gettler runs the Atlanta Fencer's Club (link). I visited the salle a few months back -- it's quite cool.

Finally -- 38 is not too old! You may find that your actions are not as reflexive or adaptible as those of younger fencers' (or this may not be an issue at all)... but you will certainly have the edge when it comes to thinking. In my personal experience, older fencers are always smarter than younger fencers, without exception. Also, I've never found a young fencer who agreed with this.

[Albatros]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Great that you wanna start fencing. And you are not too old. Maybe you won't fence Olympic , but don't be sad, most of us won't.

I hope you will enjoy the sport. Don't be disappointed if you make no great strides from the beginning. You will need some lessons to get a feeling for the sport.

Have a graet fencing year 2004!

Albatros

[jeff]

I second wflaschka's recommendation of the Atlanta Fencing Club - Gene Gettler is a great person and instructor. Just make sure you warm up properly and pace yourself, and you'll do fine!

[Ramrod]

You can also contact Kathy Vail at the Dunwoody Fencing Club for info on group beginner lessons.

www.dunwoodyfencingclub.freewebsitehosting.com

[Capt. Slo-mo]

Originally posted by wflaschka
In my personal experience, older fencers are always smarter than younger fencers, without exception. Also, I've never found a young fencer who agreed with this.

LOL! Too true. I can see the bumper stickers now: "My 13 year old fencer is smarter than your 40 year old fencer!"

Michael: You're never too old to start. It is indeed a good idea to start with a club "Intro to Fencing" class, so you can re-visit the sport without having to invest a lot up front. Watch your knees, especially on the lunge leg the first few weeks, and pay very close attention on the footwork drills. Do your footwork slowly and carefully until you've gotten the techniques down.

If you're interested in sabre--and hey, who isn't? --there is also a nationally famous sabre club near Atlanta, Nellya Fencing.

Good luck!

[Millamber]

when it comes to the Atlanta area, here's some options and locations.

Atlanta Fencer's club is in East point, south of the city.

Dunwoody Fencing club is in Dunwoody, North of the city loop.

American Fencing Academy is in Snellville, east of the city, past Stone Mountain.

Nellya fencers is in Forest Park, A good drive south of Atlanta.


Also, check out http://www.gafencing.org/clubs.asp for more information on clubs in Georgia.

[earlie]

Atalanta Central yes it has the Cubin coaches of Georgia it has the Cubans coachinh in Gorgia, the is epee and is foli also some saber also. The Cubin coach is good in the foli the is , like think about Elvis Grzegory, yeah no not like Elvis Pressly

[GGK]

Originally posted by MichaelHalliday

1) I like to sound of epee, but should I start with Foil?

Most clubs do start with foil. But it is not necesary to start there. Most places have introductory classes in foil and many have an intro to epee and saber during.

2) Shoudl I get private lessons, or just sign up with a club of enthusiasts?

You definitely want some training. Like the introductory class I noted above. Those ussually run 8-10 weeks. After that, if you decide fencing is for you get the best lessons you can -learn the best habits you can early

4) Am I too old to start this now?

Not even close. I had a 62 y.o. student kickin 18-20 y.o. butts in club. He understood the basics of the game, used his head and applied lessons v. well.
I also had a 30 something student go into local events and regularly place quite well.

5) whiel I can afford to buy equipment, I hate to do it until I see if I will stick it out for a while. Can I start with very imited equipment (i.e. just a weapon? This owuld obviously assume classes can provide the protective gear)

Most clubs have equipment for beginners. Ask when you call.

6) ANything else I sould know or be asking that I just don't know to ask?

probably...ask later

...it looks like fun, is it?

[Joan of Ark]

The club I fence at is only epee (may start foil soon) we are about 45 minutes to an hour away from Atlanta, in Swanee. Unfortunatly, latley things haven't been going to well in our club so usually we don't get lessons. We just get together and fence. May pick up a few pointers here and there, but for most of the time we don't do anything but fence just to fence...

[MichaelHalliday]

Well, Thanks to all for all fo the info. I have contacted kathy Vail (as her locations are close to my office.) and will plan on siging up for some of their group lessons that start in January. Cool. I am fired up.

Joan-of-arc.... i live in gwinnett (lawrenceville), I might enjoy trying out some of the things I lean from kathy when and where in Swanee do you folks gather?

mike