# Fencing! What do I need to know before signing up for classes? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 11, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503 "2016-08-11T23:38:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/1 "2016-08-11T23:38:32Z")
Ok, as to not hijack ThelmaLou’s thread, here is this one. A bit of background, I’ve taken various forms of martial arts from the time I was 18 up until about 33. I haven’t stepped foot in a gym/dojo in almost 10 yrs and I’m…less than…in shape anymore. My friend and I have been talking about taking up fencing for years now, but neither of us had the time or the money at the same time to ever coordinate it. She’s now moved away so i guess I don’t need to worry about her schedule of finances anymore. SO…Here’s some questions for any Fencers or fencing instructors that might be around… 1)How much equipment do I need to buy right away, generally? and approx how many american dollars should such things cost? 2)What do I look for in a gym/teacher? 3)How tough of a physical workout is it for someone like me, who is out of shape, but knows how to move vs. my wife who is out of shape and clumsy as an ox? 4)Any other info you think i might need to know… Thanks! (mods, if you think this is better suited to games or cafe society or wherever, feel free to move) ---
**Author:** ![Vicsage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e68b1a/32.png) [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/2 "2016-08-11T23:49:45Z")
Your legs will hurt and hurt bad. I took fencing when I was in college and I was in basketball/tennis shape. After my first class, I could barely do stairs the nest day. But its worth it. A good work out. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/3 "2016-08-11T23:52:49Z")
When I joined the college fencing club, all equipment was provided for practices. I believe if I had made to the going-to-meets part, I would have been encouraged to buy my own foil, jacket, and mask. Like **Vicsage** said, it’s a workout for the legs. They had us squat-walk around the room as a warmup. In terms of the actual fencing, it isn’t physically taxing, but you will find out _very quickly_ how talented you are–or aren’t. A go or two at your instructor will teach you what real speed is. I didn’t stick around long enough to find out if one’s reaction time can be improved through practice. I know muscle memory can be developed, but damn. The real fencers were just _fast_. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/4 "2016-08-11T23:59:18Z")
I haven’t had a good leg workout in…well…a decade or so like I said, but In high school I was a high/long jumper and holy shit, I know about noodle legs. I had to drive home in 2nd gear after some work outs because I couldn’t work the clutch. Good times. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/5 "2016-08-12T00:00:12Z")
Just a warning: I had a friend who fenced in college, and when he came to visit one time, I asked him if he wanted to go skiing, and he said no, fencing had wrecked his knees. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/6 "2016-08-12T00:28:06Z")
Make sure you know how to bleed. And don’t show your face here until you have a decent Heidelberg scar on your cheek! ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/7 "2016-08-12T00:31:04Z")
I ain’t got time to bleed. Or If I bleed, you can kill me ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/8 "2016-08-12T00:52:34Z")
Ok another question. Besides being a leg workout and hard on the knees, is it a good cardio workout? ---
**Author:** ![Tierce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tierce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tierce)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/9 "2016-08-12T01:26:05Z")
Fencing coach of 18 years chiming in… > [@snfaulkner](#): > > 1)How much equipment do I need to buy right away, generally? and approx how many american dollars should such things cost? Different clubs have different policies. Most tend to have beginning class fees include use of the club equipment. The club equipment tends to be a little grungy, but you don’t have to buy it until you’re sure you want to continue. Other clubs will follow a dojo model and make you buy everything up front, or at least your own glove and/or mask since those get grungiest. A typical beginner uniform might run you about $150 give or take. > [@](#): > > 2)What do I look for in a gym/teacher? Do the coaches have certification as coaches? Anyone can call themselves a fencing coach, but a degree from the US Fencing Coaches Association is at least some evidence that they know what they’re doing. Also look at their competitive results. If they claim to be miraculous but haven’t had anyone finish in the top half of a local novice competition, maybe they’re not all they claim. Oh, and unless you really want style with no substance, avoid historical or “classical” fencing clubs. The modern clubs point-and-laugh at them a bit. They’re pretty, but ineffective. (Think a classical Marquess-of-Queensbury boxer vs. Muhammad Ali.) > [@](#): > > 3)How tough of a physical workout is it for someone like me, who is out of shape, but knows how to move vs. my wife who is out of shape and clumsy as an ox? Legs definitely. Cardio pretty good when you get going. Hard on the knees, somewhat, but emphasizing proper form in your footwork will minimize that. I like to say that you don’t have to be an athlete to become a fencer, but being a fencer may convince you to become an athlete. It’s also a tactical, thinking game. If you just go harder and faster with an obvious action, it won’t work. The kids hate that part when they fence experienced adults. 😃 > [@](#): > > 4)Any other info you think i might need to know… There aren’t as many fencing clubs as, say, karate dojos. But they are out there, and they’re hungry for new beginning fencers. Don’t be shy. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/10 "2016-08-12T01:37:16Z")
Awesome! thank you , sir! ---
**Author:** ![Kedikat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed655f/32.png) [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/11 "2016-08-12T02:03:09Z")
If you still have body memory of your martial arts stances ( particularly karate ). You might have a bit of extra effort to break that. But I would think your previous training will come in handy. I did a tiny amount of fencing mid high school. Aching legs and hips, even as a kid. I found Karate less intensive on specific body parts. Personally, I’d go back to martial arts, non contact Shotokan Karate preference. Fencing is definitely cool as hell and a real tough sport. But I feel Karate is a better all round exercise, and skill. ---
**Author:** ![Oukile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@Oukile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oukile)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/12 "2016-08-12T02:58:10Z")
7 years of fencing… Fencing practice consists of a mostly sparring, plus some time drilling technique and tactics with an instructor. Look for a club with lots of sparring partners and as much drill as possible since you’ll need to get your technique as fine as you can. Expect 3 to 6 months to get a proper level with basic technique. The great thing with fencing is that you can get a real nice fight. In martial arts (I did karate and aikido), you must always restrain yourself somewhat or you may injure your partner. In fencing, risks are minimal so you can really get into a fight (at least once you have s minimal technique). You’ll have to choose your weapon. Sword, foil or sabre. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/13 "2016-08-12T21:32:13Z")
Awesome, thanks everyone! Now I just need to get off my couch and go…and not to the bar…_looks around_ dammit! Too late for today. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/14 "2016-08-13T03:25:33Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > Just a warning: > I had a friend who fenced in college, and when he came to visit one time, I asked him if he wanted to go skiing, and he said no, fencing had wrecked his knees. My knee still turns kinda funny after fencing in college 40 years ago. And I wasn’t all that good at it really. ---
**Author:** ![cormac262](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@cormac262](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cormac262)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/15 "2016-08-13T03:47:31Z")
Fenced back in college. But have fond memories. The previous posters are right about the legs. It is a good workout, but the actual “cardio” won’t be more until you have actual bouts. You will also be doing a lot of wrist work. So your grip and forearms will fatigue as well. A couple tips: - if you wear glasses, this will be a disadvantage/annoyance. You will heat up and sweat pretty good inside the mask which means glasses fogging. I tried all kinds of de-fogging stuff, and it only lasted a short term. - the college provided all the gear. But there was a definite advantage to being the first class of the day to put on the jackets ! Masks, too. They can get grungy. - you probably won’t need to purchase your own gear. When the time comes, though big tip: pawn shops and swap meets (or flea markets). For some reason, pawn shops end up with a lot of fencing gear. I bought my first foil at one. And found a mask at a swap meet. Obviously quality is whatever you can find. But for practicing at home, it worked well enough. Fencing is a GREAT sport. You will really notice an improvement in your reflexes. Enjoy !!! ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/16 "2016-08-13T04:47:09Z")
> [@Tierce](#): > > Oh, and unless you really want style with no substance, avoid historical or “classical” fencing clubs. The modern clubs point-and-laugh at them a bit. They’re pretty, but ineffective. (Think a classical Marquess-of-Queensbury boxer vs. Muhammad Ali.) Ineffective at what? At preparing for Olympic-track competition, no doubt. But for those who aren’t going to be doing that anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/17 "2016-08-13T14:16:35Z")
Stick 'em with the pointy end. ---
**Author:** ![Tierce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tierce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tierce)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/18 "2016-08-13T21:28:06Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > Ineffective at what? At preparing for Olympic-track competition, no doubt. But for those who aren’t going to be doing that anyway? Ineffective at winning the game. The whole point is to hit without getting hit. Overly classical technique looks nice but isn’t very ergonomic. Consequently, classical fencers don’t move their feet or their hand very quickly, and they get hit. A halfway decent sport fencer (not Olympic caliber, just a decent local competitor) will land an attack on the classical guy _and_ close out his response _and_ get away, all while the classical guy is standing there looking classical and starting his first action. Check out footage from Olympic fencing of the last, say, 20 years. You’ll see exactly nobody in the classical “scorpion claw” on guard position with their back hand over their head. Why? Because it just doesn’t work any more. Classical fencing is fine if you want to be classical. And historical fencing is fine if you’re more interested in the history. For actually winning the game, ya gotta move with the times. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/19 "2016-08-13T21:55:02Z")
But aren’t there classical fencing competitions, to which the modern sport fencing techniques, or weapons, either don’t translate well or aren’t permitted? ---
**Author:** ![Tierce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tierce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tierce)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503/20 "2016-08-13T23:38:00Z")
Not many that I’m aware of. I don’t really keep up with their activities though. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fencing-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-signing-up-for-classes/762503.md?page=2)