Fencing

[BadgerFu57]

I'm thinking about taking up fencing for a while.

I'm not asking if it would be the IDEAL art to take for self-defense. I just want to know what the benefits of fencing could be, especially in the area of footwork and dexterity.

[BoarSpear]

Yes, I have found it a valuable asset to overall speed and reaction time for starters. Dont have time now for a detailed answer now but i will give a more in depth answer tommorow. in the mean time check out this link i was just reading on duels. Ive got allotta this stuff just have to pull it together. http://www.fencersquarterly.com/gugler.htm

[thtackett]

There's a lot of fencing theory and techinque in JKD. Just to name a few:
The 5 ways of attack
Some of the footwork
broken rhythm
intercepting
stealing a step
fighting measure
etc

[BoarSpear]

"I stated above that fencers who never faced a hostile opponent's sharp blade are prone to underrate the pervasive effects of self preservation, stress, and anticipation on a fighter's state of mind. I also would like to remind you that the cathartic element of antagonistic combat centers on overcoming that fear."
http://www.koryubooks.com/library/camberger1.html
this quote sums up this link pretty well...its a good article on fear in fighting.

[In this short excerpt, Steinmetz reviews the common protocols of the duel. The similarities between them and the protocols of the fencing match are obvious. Indeed, the principal distinction between the two is the difference between blunt and sharp.]
http://www.cbc2.org/faculty/dabbott/dusteinmetz.htm

another good read ....
more duels...the duel with strange weapons at the bottom is rather unusual..reminds me of Go-ti (horn gore) the Grandfather to Shuai Chaio from China.
http://www.zipworld.com.au/~zebee/duels.html

I realize these are dueling links but a firm grasp of history and reality of the actual use of the art will help you sort out the drivel that slips into all Combat arts with time. Much of what is practiced as fencing today will leave you both horribly butchered and dead.

[BoarSpear]

http://www.fencingmaster.com/history/history_1.htm
this uses a VERY broad definition of fencing..great read

[BadgerFu57]

Much of what is practiced as fencing today will leave you both horribly butchered and dead.

Can you explain further?

[BoarSpear]

Okay. Here are some but not all the pitfalls-the lead leg's toe is usually pointed foward, almost dragging the rear leg.(Leaves the knee an very inviting target) no blocking with left or dead hand, the "proper" stance is wide open...no lateral or diagonal movement...thrust are the only attacks..
by no means are these the only problems just some of the more glaring ones, after a point is struck the contest is over.this is one of the worst..it leaves you open to the violent counterattack of the now wounded,possibly dying opponent who now has nothing to lose as he tries to take you with him. this stop teaches one of the worst habits a fighter can pick up ..Admiring his handywork.
as long as these things are addressed in training it is good for learning blade work. i also recommend kendo and the bowie Knife to get a feel for blade work.

[gregimotis]

Another way of looking at this: Fencing and swordwork would be just plain fun, wouldn't it?

Really if you're interest is pure fighting, then no sword work is worth your time because who is walking around with more than a big knife? Fencing would be fun (I think), and it would broaden a persons 'martial arts horizon'.

[BoarSpear]

Originally Posted by gregimotis

Another way of looking at this: Fencing and swordwork would be just plain fun, wouldn't it?

Really if you're interest is pure fighting, then no sword work is worth your time because who is walking around with more than a big knife? Fencing would be fun (I think), and it would broaden a persons 'martial arts horizon'.

Hopefully you enjoy all your training...it may not always be pleasant but its still fun. But i do think there is plenty to learn from fencing/sword play. You might be suprised at how many people produce 17" bowies in the right crowd. i agree this is rare in "normal" society. Understanding long weapons is critical for self defense though, and fencing is just perfect for that.
there are many lessons to be learned about edged weapon conflict and they have quite a few historical accounts to study. Many myths exist about the stopping power of a knife or sword, reading the accounts of the duels puts those notions to rest. actually getting in there and facing a fencers assault is the best way to learn this Noble Science.

[gungfuhero]

Timing, distance and tempo are found in abundance in fencing and are woefully lacking in many martial arts today. Not that fencing is necessarily well-suited for self-defense, but the abstract lessons and qualities to be gained from fencing are fantastic.

[BadgerFu57]

I took my first lesson yesterday.

The thing that was perhaps the most odd was the footwork. It's completely different from any martial art I've taken. I suppose the footwork is different because your weapon is made to pierce unlike a fist which primarily bludgeons.

Anywho, a lot of it felt upside down. But it seems okay. I'm going to finish out the month and re-evaluate what I want to do.

[BoarSpear]

you nailed it, the footwork is designed with dueling in mind...dueling is different than an assault. Have you ever bone any Bowie Knife work? What about Kendo or Destreza? Each one of these provides a piece to the pie so to speak, no one has the answer but each one has part of it. if you dont have time for all of them then i recommend looking into the bowie next (American Blade Concepts).

[BoarSpear]

here is a pretty interesting article...it sums up many of the points ive been rather sloppily trying to make...
http://www.classicalfencing.com/arti...ordfight.shtml

[BoarSpear]

http://www.classicalfencing.com/articles/bloody.shtml
Whoa...

[Tant01]

"A gun has no defensive capability, only ofensive..." phui. A common misconception, I think my chunk of steel makes a fine (defensive) club.