Have you ever wished you could fight with a sword? While it may seem incredible, fencing is a very popular sport. The rules are quite complex and electronics play a very important role in this sport. Furthermore, fencing schools exist in all countries of the world. It is an exciting Olympic sport that combines traditions dating back hundreds of years with modern technology. Fortunately, the age of sword fighting is over, and you can have as much fun as you want with fencing, without risking your life.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Before You Begin
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want to go fencing
To stay fit, to compete or because you are a history buff? These are all valid reasons and each of them leads to a different type of training and fencing. Fencing is an ancient art, steeped in tradition and culture, so you may appreciate it more if you get involved. It is also an ideal activity for learning mental and physical discipline and skills. But you can have just as much fun and get fit as an amateur fencer too!
Step 2. Research the different types of fencing
Fencing has a very rich tradition and many schools with different styles and approaches. The Italian, Spanish and French schools, which date back hundreds of years, are the dominant schools in the world of fencing. The differences between the schools are not marked, and they focus on the details of the specific weapons, but they are worth knowing before starting.
- The first book on fencing, Treatise on Arms, was written by the Spanish Diego de Valera between 1458 and 1471.
- By doing some research, you can learn the history of fencing, and find inspiration to take up a sword.
Step 3. Find a fencing club or school in your area
To continue, you will need to find a place to learn the basics. You may find more schools than you imagined, so research the clubs in your area. Keep the following criteria in mind when choosing which club to join:
- Does the club meet your goals? If you want to compete in tournaments, or even the Olympics, you need to find a high-level club. If you just want to have fun, turn to a more relaxed one.
- Does the club have sufficient security measures? Are fencers allowed to shoot without masks? Avoid clubs where this unprofessional behavior is allowed.
- Is it easy to get to the club? While this has nothing to do with fencing, remember that you will need to reach the club regularly.
- Do you know anyone who practices fencing? Find out where they go and what they think about their training location.
- Does the club have a good mix of experts and beginners? When starting out it is very useful to have other people of the same level. Some difference in levels indicates that a club has good longevity and regularity of attendance.
- Are there enough coaches to attend regular private lessons? Private lessons with a trainer are essential for beginners (but also for fencers of all levels).
- Does the trainer use the weapon you want to learn to use? Many schools and clubs only use one or two types of weapon, so make sure they have the type you want before you start.
Part 2 of 6: Joining a Club and Taking the First Steps
Step 1. Join the club
When you have decided which club to attend, apply for a trial period. You can also attend a class to get an idea of what you will need to do and evaluate the techniques and style of training.
Step 2. Start attending group classes
Train passionately, but pay attention to your teaching style, be respectful and listen. Fencing is a combination of physical qualities and mental acuity, accompanied by great self-discipline. Be prepared to focus on what you will be taught, whether it is theoretical or practical concepts.
The rules of fencing are complex, so don't be afraid to ask for clarification on what you didn't understand well
Step 3. Find out who is the best manager in the club
He will usually have hours available to give you private lessons. Sometimes, however, it will not be possible and you will have to take group lessons. Try to adapt to the offer, but remember that private lessons are always a better option.
Part 3 of 6: Mastering the Basics
Step 1. Learn to use foil correctly and safely
It is important to learn how to hold the gun. Do not move it at random and never point it at the face of the person not wearing the mask. Always keep it towards the ground. If you have to move with the sword in hand, hold it by the tip and not by the handle. If you have to take off the mask with both hands, put down the sword first.
You should always check the condition of the sword and make sure the tip cover is intact and in good condition
Step 2. Learn the most important technical terms
You will need to understand the jargon of fencing. Here are some of the most important terms to learn: En garde, Attack, Block, Response, Counter Response. The attack is an offensive action, the parry is a defensive one. The response is a counter-attack that follows the parry and the counter-response is an attack that follows a parry of a response.
- Take the time to read a glossary of fencing terms to learn them well.
- Remember that some people use French terms to describe the actions of this sport.
Step 3. Learn basic footwork
Footwork is fundamental to fencing, so it is important to develop smooth and simple movements. You will need to learn guard stance, retreat, and simple advance. The guard position (En Garde) is the starting position. You will have to keep one foot in front of the other, with your dominant hand forward, the front foot pointing towards the opponent and the back foot oriented approximately 90 °. When you step forward, you will need to move your front foot first and, in retreat, the rear foot first.
- Try to keep your body in perfect balance and your weight on your toes to move quickly.
- Over time, you will learn more techniques, such as lunge attacks.
Step 4. Learn the right grip for your weapon type
Before you start learning fencing techniques, you will need to master the grip and learn how to hold the sword correctly. There are many different styles and your instructor will have preferences. Each sword also requires a different grip, so you will need to ask for information to find out which one is best for you.
A common mistake made by beginners is to hold the sword too hard: the wrists must be flexible and mobile
Step 5. Learn the first fencing techniques
Once you have learned how to hold the weapon, you can start using it. Your training will depend on the weapon and your instructor, but often you will start with the "straight hit" and simple parry. These are simple offensive and defensive moves that you will modify with variations and additions.
Step 6. Decide what weapon to use
After learning the basics, you should choose a weapon to focus on. Your trainer will likely present you with a choice of weapons (foil, sword, or saber), but he may also give you a foil without offering you any other choices. Many fencing instructors and experts believe that foil, sword and saber is the correct order in which to learn the use of weapons. In some cases, you will come across instructors who will ask you to start with the sword or saber, especially if the school did not have students in those categories.
- Others think it is better to start with foil, because according to them this path allows you to develop the control of the weapon necessary to correctly progress the technique and to improve the understanding of priority, which is a very important aspect of sword and saber fighting.
- Others argue that this is valid for the sword, while you can learn the technique and priority perfectly even using the saber. The choice is yours.
Part 4 of 6: Get the Equipment
Step 1. Find out the equipment you need
Fencing is a sport that requires a lot of equipment, so find out which special protective clothing you need and which swords. The protections to wear are different for the two sexes and for left and right-handed people. Before deciding whether to buy equipment, ask your school if it is possible to rent it.
Step 2. Use the club equipment
Many clubs have practice equipment, so rent them out for your first few lessons to make sure you're passionate about the sport. Rental equipment is often old and worn, the mask will stink from all the accumulated sweat, and the weapons will be bent and crooked. Eventually wear and tear will also affect the equipment you buy, but it won't happen for a few years.
Even if the club's equipment is old and worn, treat it with respect and don't spoil it further
Step 3. When you are ready, purchase your equipment
It can be a hefty expense, up to a few hundred euros, so make sure you really want to get on with fencing before tackling it. Ask your instructor about which products to choose before heading to the store.
Part 5 of 6: Improve
Step 1. Practice a lot
Most fencers find training boring, but recognize their contribution to improving technique. To make training less tedious, imagine using a real weapon against a man (but only if you have a bit of a macabre taste). As in all things, practice makes perfect.
Step 2. Observe the pros
Watch high-level competitions to study the best technique. Observing the experts can inspire you to train more and increase your love of fencing. If you have the opportunity to witness an important competition live, take advantage of it!
Step 3. Read some books on fencing
You may think that only a fanatic would do this, but fencing books can be useful. "On Fencing" by Aldo Nadi is a book full of exercises, workouts and tips and Rudy Volkman's "Magnum Libre d'Escrime" is a fantastic resource for beginners.
Step 4. Improve your fitness
Although an inexperienced observer might not notice it, fencing is a physically demanding sport. Try to improve your general fitness to have more stamina and alertness.
Part 6 of 6: Entering Competitions
Step 1. Prepare for competitions
Competitions are an important component of fencing, and the best way to test your skills and evaluate your progress. Before competing, participate in competitions as a spectator, to breathe the atmosphere of an event.
Pay attention to the score and try to learn by studying the athletes
Step 2. Join the tournaments
It is really very important. When you enter a competition, you will feel under pressure. This can bring to light your weaknesses, which you can work on with your coach. Don't join a tournament before your manager thinks you're ready. There is a certain level of preparation that should be achieved before entering a real tournament.
Step 3. Win Matches
When you've developed your skills and confidence in your means and your instructor has given you the green light, it's time to put your hard work into practice and win matches. Competition requires great mental strength, so make sure you stay calm and always respect your opponent and the referee. Dignity and humility in victory and defeat are essential.
Advice
- If you want to learn something, make sure you learn from a coach or at least someone who is delegated to teach.
- When you start with fencing, don't try to make attacks that are too complicated. Try to keep it simple or the error rate will increase astronomically.
- Treat your gear well. This way it will last longer and your opponents will have more respect for it.
- Always point your sword down, if your opponent is not wearing the mask, to avoid risks.
Warnings
- Watch out for the spectators! Sometimes those unfamiliar with fencing do not understand how easily a sword can be lost during a competition. Try your best to prevent someone from getting hurt.
- Practicing fencing without masks is dangerous and stupid. Never raise your gun on someone without the mask and don't let anyone point a gun at you if you don't have the mask on. If this happens more than once, find new mates or a new club. You only have two eyes.
- Damaged equipment can be dangerous. If a sword falls (and it does!), Keep in mind that it can be very sharp. A damaged mask or suit can lead to injuries. Make sure your equipment is in top condition.
