Help? Can anyone help me with Fencing (as in with the sword not the other one)??

Question

I have always been intrested in fencing and archery. I'm already in an Archery program and i've tried finding a fencing program in my area. I've found one and I emailed them. I really want to try it out but I don't know a lot about it. Can Anybody out there tell me more about Weaponry?? I know there's foil, epee, sabre but can u give me more info? Maybe a website where i can find more info??? Full points for best answer :).

Thanks!!

Answer 1

David has already given the best web site to link to if you want to find clubs, tournaments, equipment vendors, etc.

With respect to the sport itself:  The foil, epee, and saber are all light sport versions of the earlier actual "lethal" arms.  

The Foil is an ancestor of the light court sword and training weapon for nobility. Target area is the main torso only (or vital organ area.) Touches may be only scored with the point of the weapon.

The Epee is the descendant of the dueling rapier.  Target area is the entire body from tip of toe to top of head.  Touches may only be scored with the point and the blade is somewhat heavier than the foil.  The heavier cross section makes the blade a little more durable as hits are somewhat harder and will sometimes (not often) leave a little quarter size bruise if your opponent is heavy handed.

The Saber is the long off relative of the cavalry saber.  Therefore the target area is everything above the hips (as you wouldn't want to hurt the horse) and touches may be scored with the point, front edge, and top half of the back edge of the weapon. The blade is very light and actions occur very quickly.

Hope this helps.  Fencing is a very athletic sport and provides great aerobic exercise.  Speed, agility, dexterity, cunning are more important than brute strength; but leg strength is a definite plus.

Answer 2

Why not start with:

The U.S. Fencing Association

http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/

Take a look at the "Find A Club" option for local schools.

(I assume that you live in the USA.)

BTW: You might also be interested in "Stick Fighting."

I practice several different walking stick techniques myself.

(You can carry a walking stick on the street -- you can't carry a foil.)

Answer 3

d**n luna you go for it.