Are fencers usually tall and lean or more muscular? Would someone who is small have difficulty with the sport?

Question

Are fencers usually tall and lean or more muscular? Would someone who is small have difficulty with the sport?

Answer 1

I'm a fencer.  I am the stereotypical fencer body shape: tall and lean.  But the best fencers do have a good amount of toned muscle.  Taller and thinner fencers have a natural advantage when it comes to epee because a leaner, longer arm means less target area and more reach, but that doesn't mean there aren't very good short fencers.  Foilists use their small size to reduce their target area.  Saberists can get away with being shorter and stockier because they need bulky legs to get explosive movements.  So if you're small, I'd recommend trying out foil at first.  Actually I recommend anyone who wants to start fencing to try out foil out first, it's the best weapon for introduction to the sport.