Fencing question?

Question

How much months or years of practice will it take to become a master of fencing? Maybe not even master, but professional...

Thank you

Answer 1

I know someone who went from beginner to coach in 15 or so months but to actually become professional depends on your physical fitness and how your reactions are.

Answer 2

This is a very difficult question - there are very few "professionals", i.e. those who fence solely as a career, and the vast majority of them are instructors at very, VERY high-level clubs (such as Ed Korfanty, coach of the US Women's Sabre team).

The reason it is difficult is that it varies widely by person.  I've met fencers that have fenced for a year and gotten pretty good, and met some who have fenced for a decade and still stink.  It takes several years practice under a good coach to become Olympic/Nationals level, though, and probably at least 6 months before you're ready to enter even local tournaments.