Starting Fencing - (with swords, not fences)

[markmullen]

I really want to take up fencing as a sport and have arranged to go for a trial lesson on Friday to see how I get on.

Does anyone on here fence and have any tips?

[968]

markmullen said:

I really want to take up fencing as a sport and have arranged to go for a trial lesson on Friday to see how I get on.

Does anyone on here fence and have any tips?

Yes, I fence, not competitively anymore though and I used to teach it. If you want some info you can send me an email. It's a great sport, but it does take patience and a lot of practice as there's a tremendous amount of technique involved, as well as strategy and physicality.

Edited by 968 on Monday 19th January 00:09

[EDLT]

Being poked in the nipple all day isn't much fun imo.

[markmullen]

EDLT said:

Being poked in the nipple all day isn't much fun imo.

Some people would pay good money for that

[968]

EDLT said:

Being poked in the nipple all day isn't much fun imo.

Neither is getting slashed across the bks, but it doesn't happen that often but the sport is fantastic fun.

[Mattt]

markmullen said:

EDLT said:

Being poked in the nipple all day isn't much fun imo.

Some people would pay good money for that

Well, I suppose it's better than your glory hole days.

[markmullen]

Shameless bump to see if the daytime folks have any views

[trumpet600]

yes, get yourself a gun. They are much more effective in getting rid of your opponent.

[camgear]

trumpet600 said:

yes, get yourself a gun. They are much more effective in getting rid of your opponent.

[Gargamel]

markmullen said:

Shameless bump to see if the daytime folks have any views

I used to fence to a reasonable standard, then one night I went to a competition and my opponent was a junior member of the olympic squad. There was a bit of a difference in quality, I first noticed when he leapt into the air about foour feet and hit me between my shoulder blades....

Anyway - great sport really gets the adrenalin pumping, don't lose your cool.

The biggest lesson, is all about spacing and movement and in my opinion less about the sword. In that respect it is like many many martial arts, boxing, karate etc

[markmullen]

trumpet600 said:

yes, get yourself a gun. They are much more effective in getting rid of your opponent.

Funny you should say that, I previously competed internationally at rifle shooting

[markmullen]

Guam said:

Mark are they going to teach you to slide one handed down curtains and swing on Chandeliers as well?

I think that might be the second week

[trumpet600]

markmullen said:

trumpet600 said:

yes, get yourself a gun. They are much more effective in getting rid of your opponent.

Funny you should say that, I previously competed internationally at rifle shooting

Was that during the war?

[markmullen]

trumpet600 said:

Was that during the war?

I don't think shooting at the enemy counts as competitive!

[Mattt]

It does if you hit them.

[The Hypno-Toad]

My last girlfriend did it so therefore so did I eventually.

Great fun actually but just watch your knees as you use them a lot with weight distribution. A good warm up and warm down are essential.

Haven't got the girlfriend anymore, therefore kinda lost interest in the fencing.

[markmullen]

I'm really looking forward to it now, thanks for the email 968, much appreciated.

[XB70]

Tried kendo a few years ago but was very unimpressed with the way we were being taught (or lack of!)

Came home one day to find that my little brothers had used the bamboo sword (cannot remeber what it is called) to beat the living daylights out of each other - at least they used cricket helmets and faceguards!

Always wanted to try fencing - may see if there is somewhere around London

[968]

XB70 said:

Tried kendo a few years ago but was very unimpressed with the way we were being taught (or lack of!)

Came home one day to find that my little brothers had used the bamboo sword (cannot remeber what it is called) to beat the living daylights out of each other - at least they used cricket helmets and faceguards!

Always wanted to try fencing - may see if there is somewhere around London

There are loads of clubs in London, some very serious and professional, others a bit more laid back and appropriate for beginners. I used to teach at a place on the Fulham Palace Road. Lovely people who run the club with a good attitude and a good mix of people with ability and complete beginners. It's also quite a social place. There are other very good clubs, however, so let me know which one you are choosing, or whereabouts in London you are, and I might have a suggestion.

It is a great sport. Lots of kit to tinker with, lots of strategy and it's exhilarating. I only wish my schedule was a bit more settled and less busy and I'd be going more regularly again....

[texasjohn]

I've got a quantity of slightly warm...

Ah sorry, fencING!