r/Fencing • u/bigaccountfrogs • 3d ago
Sabre Is fencing fun?
I want to get into fencing after watching the mask of zorro, the fact that my dream school is a school with quite a strong fencing team and culture, and me wanting to find another fun sport. The idea of swordplay has always interested me as a kid, but now after watching some professional and distinguished video clips of fencing, it seems actually like something that I’d like to learn how to do as it is fun.
Just some questions
- How restrictive is the white fencing levush on the body
- How to learn safely (as the main toy of the sport is a freaking sword)
- Is it worth the time
Thank you!
🤺⚔️🗡️
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u/SirLordSupremeSir Foil Coach 3d ago
- Well-fitting equipment you'll barely notice on yourself, and it gets easier as you get used to it. The issue is when you get stuck with stuff that doesn't fit you, which is often the case with beginners who have to borrow stuff initially.
- Any reputable instructor will prioritize safety absolutely first. As long as you wear the proper equipment, respect the rules, and be extra careful around naked people, the worst injury that could happen is someone tripping on their own foot and falling.
- I'm biased but yeah
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u/cmhbob Foil 3d ago
I'm 60 years old, and I'm in my third year. I'm having a blast. I'm the oldest person in our club by 40-ish years. Several of the kids have been fencing for 6 or more years, and they're very good. I'm probably never going to compete, but it's great for getting me up and moving.
The jacket isn't at all restrictive, nor really is the mask. Sure, you lose some of your peripheral vision, but your opponent is always in front of you.
Any club should have some intro classes that you can try out, and no club worth their salt will be upset if you visit a couple of times and find out you don't vibe with them. Thank them for their time and try another club.
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u/OrcOfDoom Épée 3d ago
1 - It's fine. It might be annoying to find your specific size. The best way is probably to join a club, and borrow gear. You can likely try on a bunch of sets, and then when you decide to commit, you can purchase your own gear.
2- The sport is extremely safe. People still fence in their 80s. I recently witnessed a fencer have a heart attack due to a blockage in his arteries. I thought I watched him die, but I heard that he survived. The doctor credited the fast action of the other fencers, doctors and nurses were present, and his strong body/fitness level for his recovery.
I always advocate that adults should really consider fencing because of how safe it is for us. The rate of broken ankles, wrists, twisted ankles, and other injuries are much more likely when your feet get tangled up with your opponent. That doesn't happen with fencing. The rate of concussions in many sports is present. It probably is possible, but the likelihood is extremely low with modern Olympic fencing gear. The history of injury with Olympic fencing is well documented, and it is extremely safe.
3 - Is it worth the time?
That's hard to say. Ultimately, I think it is one of the most entertaining things you can do. I recently did a community even and demonstrated it with people who were interested. Kids as young as 4 were excited by the idea of playing with swords. I fenced with a teenage MMA kid who was definitely much more fit than I am that outsized me by a lot. He quickly realized that his practice gave him a lot of skills that would help, but that he was out of his league.
It is one of the few sports where you can witness real David vs Goliath battles, except they aren't armed asymmetrically with a ranged weapon against a melee weapon. They are equipped with the same gear. My kids are 5 feet tall, and when they go up against someone who is over a foot and a half taller, everyone is captivated by it. Rarely can you ever see similar competitions. It's equally captivating when you see a 45 year old barely able to keep up with a 14 year old, and yet, manage to win by 1. It's incredible when you see a 65 year old down by 2 with 12 seconds left move like he was 20 years younger, and tie the match up only to win it in priority.
I think it is extremely easy to get into at any fitness level, and it rewards increases in skill and athleticism at every level. Due to the short periods of interaction - 3 minutes - you are able to dictate the speed of the match, so you aren't completely gassed for long periods like someone who gets into sports like soccer.
It is a sport you can challenge people of nearly any age. An agile 12 year old can be extremely difficult. A 70 year old that doesn't move nearly as well as you can show you what 40 years of fencing experience looks like.
Ultimately, you can't really justify the sport with things like a potential professional career making millions, or the idea that one day it will help you in the streets. Those ideas are really out of reach, and unrealistic for most sports though.
The fencing community is generally very friendly. It is a great community to network with. While it isn't something where networking is actively done, like golf, you never know who you're fencing with. I recently realized I knew a guy who was on a board of directors for a big company. My friend had liked their LinkedIn post. I recognized him from fencing.
If you ever loved the idea of sword fighting ... if it ever captivated you ... if you ever thought you loved the idea of trying to do it, trust me, you'll love it.
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u/Saddle-Destiny-9107 3d ago
Fencing is fun, good exercise, and great stress relief. It takes most people about 6 months (a college semester) to really get a feel for the sport and know you want to keep doing it. I am a certified instructor (retired) and have seen fencing for over 40 years and I still love it!
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u/pushdose 3d ago
The whites are very comfortable if they fit properly. They just feel like thick athletic clothing. The mask can get a bit sweaty but there’s ample opportunity to remove it for some air. Fencing is in the top 5 safest sports in the NCAA all sports list. Maybe even number 1.
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u/Economy_Mobile_6160 Épée 2d ago
Fencing is nothing like the “sword fighting” you see on film. If that’s what you’re expecting you’ll be quickly disappointed.
That being said, I’ve been fencing for 25 years and I love it deep in my heart. It’s a blast.
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u/chowcats 3d ago
Take lessons at a fencing salle. They’ll have proper equipment and safely teach you how to fence.
Since you’ve watched some sport fencing, you realize it’s not the same as Zorro, but it’s a great sport.
I started in high school and am still fencing many years later.
Good luck and have fun!
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u/HonestShyster 2d ago
When sized to fit? Not restrictive at all.
Learning safely should be the paramount goal of any reputable coach and salle. Listen to your instructors and familiarize yourself with rules/guidelines regarding safety and proper fencing technique and you'll be good. Please do not engage in swashbuckling horseplay: you may be safe but those around you may be at risk.
If you are having fun and enjoying the journey then yes. To me it is a worthwhile hobby and sport that pushes me to pursue relevant functional fitness. There's a lot of awesome and interesting people out there who fence.
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u/capo_anfibi_locale 2d ago
Nah man, I hate this sport. That's why I've done it for 15 years and frequent r/fencing
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u/Guessicantjoin 2d ago
What could be more fun than hitting someone with a sword?
As long as you get the proper size, fencing clothing is not restrictive, at least not for fencing. Most of the modern materials are somewhat stretchy and will not impair your ability to fence.
If you are learning fencing at a reputable fencing club you will learn safety very fast. When proper precautions are taken and appropriate protective gear worn, fencing is one of the safest sports. You may still get a few bruises or welts, but significant injuries are very rare.
Only you can answer if “it is worth the time” (and, I will add, the money).
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u/Hot_Commission6257 2d ago
Just do historical rapier
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u/weedywet Foil 1d ago
Or buy a codpiece and a Robin Hood costume and get a job at a renaissance faire.
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u/PsychologicalLight65 3d ago
I mean this community is biased bc we all fence, but to answer your questions:
1. The fencing gear (pants, hard chest protector, plastron, jacket, lame (in 2 out of 3 weapons), glove, and hard metal mask make fencing a lot safer than you’d think. There’s an old study out there that ranked fencing as safer than badminton. Without the proper equipment it would ofc be dangerous, but if you’re following protocol you’ll be fine
Despite that lengthy list of gear, it is actually very non-restrictive on the body. As long as you’re wearing gear that fits, you should have full range of motion.
Fencing is very fun, and theres enough levels to learning in fencing that it stays fun and exciting even as you progress. Highly recommend trying it out