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Table of Contents
How do I Start ?
You have already taken the first steps by visiting this web site. Simply turn up at the club on one of our training nights and have a go, or watch from the sides. The only real way to find out if fencing is for you, is to try it.
Where can I find the club ?
Priestnall Recreation Centre, Heaton Mersey, Stockport. (See the location details page). If the club isn't convenient for you contact Andy who will try to point you in the direction of a suitable club.
How much does it cost ?
A small nightly fee (A few pounds) initially, which includes tuition and equipment use. If you like the sport you may wish to buy your own equipment. This typically costs £35 for a sword, £50 for a jacket, £60 for a mask and £15 for a glove.
Does it hurt ?
Not if done properly. Although executed with appreciable energy, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. Reckless and overly aggressive fencers can occasionally deliver painful blows, however. You should expect minor bruises and welts every now and again. They are rarely intentional. The most painful blows tend to come from inexperienced fencers who have not yet acquired the feel of the weapon. The primary source of injury in fencing is from pulled muscles and joints. Proper warm-up and stretching before fencing will minimize these occurrences. Fencing is often said to be safer than golf. Whether or not this is true, it is an extraordinarily safe sport considering its heritage and nature.
What qualities make a good fencer ?
There are many.
On the athletic side, speed and endurance must rank foremost. Other traits that can be exploited are strength, precision, and flexibility. Quick reaction time is extremely important.
On the intellectual side, a good mind for strategy and tactics is essential. The ability to quickly size up your opponent and adapt your style accordingly is essential.
Psychologically, a fencer must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and emotional level-headedness under intense conditions of combat. Stress management, visualization, and relaxation techniques are all helpful to putting in winning performances.
As far as body type goes, it is always possible to adapt your style to take advantage of your natural traits. Even so, height seems to be useful in epee, but not necessarily in sabre. Small or thin people are harder to hit in foil. A long reach helps in epee, and long legs are an asset in foil.
It should be noted that left handers usually enjoy a slight advantage, especially against inexperienced fencers. This may account for the fact that lefties make up 15% of fencers, but half of FIE world champions.
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