Any fencing participators?

[rickg]

No, not the kind around your yard
I've never been interested in the usual sports (football, basketball, ect). Have no use for them. Long story I won't bore you with.
But I've often thought it would be interesting to take up fencing. (football fans would probably find it boring ). It looks like a "thinking mans sport" to me, and was wondering if anyone here does it, and could give me some ideas about it. Is it expensive? Is it very physically demanding? My joints are getting kinda creeky now, and had to give up the weight lifting I used to do. (Seems most of my moms side of the family come down with some flavor of arthritis early in life).

[JCE]

I took a foil fencing class in college. It required fast reflexes, smooth and coordinated body motions, the ability to plan ahead during the activity, and the ability to instantly drop a plan and capitalize on an opponents mistake or opening. I wasn't very good at it, so never continued after the first class. It required pretty flexible shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand movements so arthritis might interfere. It was fairly physically demanding, especially the longer matches. I understand saber fencing is more of a workout.

I found road bike racing to be a good physical work out, and the racing events require a lot of thinking and planning, and fast reflexes to exploit a leaders mistake or avoid a wayward rider. Thinking is required in knowing when to make a break, when to draft the pack, knowing the road course and where you do better (climbs, descents, sprints, etc). Even on the same course each event is different, with decisions and mental activity required througout the race. And there are a wide variety of race events such as time trials, individual or team pursuits on the velodrome, hill climbs, etc.

Also, while you can always ride by yourself, fencing alone is tough - your shadow is sooo predictable!


Good luck with the sport!

[rickg]

Thanks for the input John. You made some points I kind of suspected about the sport. Still may consider it.
I also considered bike riding. Mountain biking is way big here in the NW. I've several friends that are into it alot, and there's alot of competition events in this area. But I've this thing about activities out in our never ending rainy season. A wussy attitude, but oh well. But I still will consider it.
I'm also kind of searching for an activity I can involve my 20 year old son in along with me. I've never been one to "go out and play catch" with him, or anything like that. Not sure if fencing is anything he'd be interested in, but he may give it a try if I did.

[BENZ-LGB]

...road bike racing is the way to go. And if you are not into the whole racing scene, then try mountain biking.

I find it really challenging trying to pick a line while riding on a singletrack. Mountain biking is fairly demaning--if done right it requires strength, concentration and agility. If you like tinkering with gear and if you like the outdoors, mountain biking is a kick!

[Eberhard Weilke]

Fencing is a lot of fun.

I did it for years when I was young.

Go for it

Kind regards
Eberhard

[Saaz]

Wow, I was surprised and pleased to see this thread! I did a lot of fencing in college, for about 5 years. Not a team, just a club doing it for fun. Went to a couple tournaments, did ok. I haven't done any fencing since I graduated, which is... um.... about 10 years. I've actually been thinking I'd like to get back into it, but just haven't really pursued it yet.

Ok, on to the questions... Like you rickg, I've never had any interest in the usual sports, but I loved fencing. So that might be one mark in favor of fencing for you.

I would say it can be a bit physically demanding, but it doesn't have to be. Depends on how you do it. I heard someone describe it as a fast-paced chess game, where you don't have to wait your turn. For example, the best fencer I ever sparred with: Probably 60 or so, not in incredible physical shape, not especially agile, etc, but I would swear he could read my mind. I don't think I ever got anywhere near hitting him, he just always knew what I was going to do. I've seen some great fencers with various physical disabilities too. There's a lot of flexibility to take advantage of whatever you've got, compensate for your weaknesses.

I'm surprised you didn't ask about safety, that's usually the first question we got from new people. I heard that statistically, fencing is safer than golf. Sore muscles, sprains if you're careless. Oh yeah, it's not a bad idea to wear a cup, if you find it comfortable enough. I've heard of a couple freak accidents, but never saw any serious injuries myself. Good protective gear is essentially a lightweight bulletproof vest/mask. We used to joke that there aren't many injuries in fencing, but when there are, they're spectacular.

Cost... I bought my own equipment, on a college student's budget. If I remember right, it might be 100-200 for a good mask, same for a vest, and 20-50 for a weapon. Clubs will often have stuff you can borrow too.

If it intrigues you at all (and obviously it does, if you bothered to post the question) I'd definitely give it a try. You may be able to hook up with a local school club, or find a commercial club.

BTW, If anyone in the Atlanta area knows of a good place to fence around Marietta, Roswell, or Alpharetta, please let me know.

[rickg]

Thanks Saaz & Eberhard!! That's what I was looking for. The saftey issue I just kind of assumed was pretty much taken care of with the gear you wear.
I've only ever seen fencing on TV, but looks very intriguing. I think I'll see what's going on in my area and go watch a few times and see what it's all about. May not be able to get into it right away, but I'm gonna move it up my list a few notches

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Rick,
If you want an indoor activity for rainy days and an outdoor activity for sunny days try Racketball for rainy days and fourwheeling for sunny days. Your son will enjoy both. Especially if you fourwheel with a Unimog

[rickg]

Hey Frank!
I tried racketball when I was younger, and didn't do that very well. Things that involve a bouncing ball I don't do very well I did play handball a bit and enjoyed that. For some reason the addition of a racket in my hand totally messed me up. That may be a bad omen for wanting to try a sport involving long sharp instruments of death
I'd love to go 'Mog-ging! (I have several pics I use as my computer wallpaper at work.) But for now my big 'ol Dodge Power Wagon will have to do. But it's a crew-cab, and has a bit of a high-centering problem if I get in real tight. So I don't take it out too often.

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Rick,
I gave up racketball years ago also. I get out with the dogs and walk. There are a number of Moggers in Washington that would be willing to give you a ride

[rickg]

I'll have to try and connect with that crowd here. My brother isn't much of a Mercedes fan (thinks diesel engines in a CAR of all things is stupid ) but he drools over Unimogs. We'd like to go in together and buy one someday and fix it up together. There's been a few for sale around here, but you know the 'ol budget thing always gets in the way. Can't seem to break the wife of all her bad habits, like living in doors, having food on the table, ect

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Rick,
Let me know when you want to go look at one and I'll get you in contact with someone. The 404 model has a gas engine so that might be the one for your brother. A nice 404 you can get for less than $9,000 and a fixer-upper for less than $4,000. Just tell the wife it's her new grocery-getter You just want to borrow it on weekends

[jsmith]

Originally posted by rickg
...
I've only ever seen fencing on TV, but looks very intriguing. I think I'll see what's going on in my area and go watch a few times and see what it's all about. May not be able to get into it right away, but I'm gonna move it up my list a few notches

the only thing i want to point out is that fencing focuses on one side of your body depending on which side you favor. the arm, hand and wrist movements as well as the footwork are all asymmetrical (i don't think there is any point practicing lunges on your left side if you're right handed). it's also much faster than any racquet sport and will depend a lot on your reflexes and ability to execute technique. i am a student/fan of various fighting arts both eastern and western and looked into fencing at some point and these are just my observations.

[rickg]

Originally posted by jsmith
the only thing i want to point out is that fencing focuses on one side of your body depending on which side you favor. the arm, hand and wrist movements as well as the footwork are all asymmetrical (i don't think there is any point practicing lunges on your left side if you're right handed). it's also much faster than any racquet sport and will depend a lot on your reflexes and ability to execute technique. i am a student/fan of various fighting arts both eastern and western and looked into fencing at some point and these are just my observations.

Thanks Joe. Ya, being realistic, it may not be for me. I'll see if I can find a club or something and go watch and talk to someone. I'm not in the best of shape physically, which is kind of why I'm looking for something, but this may be reaching for the stars. I just get bored with the usual aroebics, jogging, ect. I guess I'm going thru my midlife crises thing. I've got the Mercedes, but can't get the young blonde to go with it(Narrow minded wife ), so I'm looking to wake up my life somehow. This is something I've actually thought about for 10 years or so now, so it's not like I've all of a sudden decided on it. In another 10 years, well, at the rate I'm going my ass will be attached to the armchair too much

[rickg]

Originally posted by 123c
Rick,
You're going to have to get a Unimog now, because I saw you drooling over those two yesterday .

Hey, and I'll bet it's a workout driving one too! Need to talk to the wife again..........
BTW, nice siggy change