Is Fencing useful in Self-Defense?

Question

It's a question that's been bugging me a long time. I understand the mechanics of fencing [somewhat] and that you simply have to "touch" the other person. Could someone with fencing experience tell me if it's practical? And if it isn't, what modern day sport is useful in self-defense? I'm trying to stay away from martial arts, karate, etc.

Answer 1

Honestly, no. You can score touches by only "touching" the opponent as you said. The point isn't to injure or disarm the other person like you see in the movies. Fencing is actually and extremely safe sport and everything you do is designed to keep it that way. The worst injuries I've ever received were bruises.

A sport that could be useful is kickboxing. I've never done it before, but it seems like you would be able to improve your reflexes, tone up, and learn how to kick and punch well. At the very least, it'll be good cardio.

If you're interested in learning self-defense, why don't you take an actual self-defense class? They teach you how to get out of holds and how to hinder your attacker until you can get away.

Answer 2

No, while it is derived from Renaissance court fencing, it has been very heavily adapt first as practice combat, then solely to sport.  Some of the techniques (flicking!) are impractical in real combat.  Court fencing was even in a mostly controlled environment, and that was before guns.

Besides, it's not like you can carry a rapier for self-defense. :-P

Answer 3

no -as u urself have said fencing is only attack as the points are given only if the tip of the sword has to hit the opponent - most sports are not for self defence (excluding the martial arts)