I might take up a fencing class an i would like to know Is fencing painful?

Question

So are the blades in fencing sharp and pointy? do they hurt to get stabbed by? do they cut?

Answer 1

Fencing is a very safe sport.  None of the weapons are sharp, all of them are blunt.  And, when you fence, you MUST wear the proper attire or your instructor will not let you near a sword.

There is a jacket, with is either made out of a very thick nylon or a kevlar material.  That's the stuff they make bullet-proof vests out of.  Then, there is the plastron, which is a half jacket that goes under the first jacket to protect your blade arm further.  You must wear knickers (pants that go to the knee) or full pants.  There is a glove that goes over your sleeve so that the blade of your opponent's weapon cannot reach your arm and there is the mask (the most important piece).

-Men are advised to wear a cup (yes, that's target area in foil), and women are required to wear chest protectors-

The worst injury that I have ever received during my fencing experience is a metal splinter because I grabbed my weapon out of its bag too quickly.

The worst injury I have ever witnessed is a twisted ankle...

The worst you will feel is MAYBE a bit of a sting, and that is only if the people hit hard...and if you are in a beginning class, they will be more worried about getting hit than hitting you.

I wish you the best of luck.  Fencing is a blast!  I hope you take the class.  Maybe we'll end up competing in a tournament together one day...

Answer 2

If you're wearing the right equipment, nothing should happen. Also, fencing swords aren't particualrly desined to cut so you sould be fine.

Answer 3

You should totally take up fencing. No the blades are not pointy. There is a rubber tip on the end of a foil, which is the weapon you will probably start out on, and you wear a mask that protects your face and a glove for your hand and a padded jacket so it doesn't hurt at all. Legs are off target (touches there don't count) so they seldom if ever get hit.