What about fencing?

[gregimotis]

Anyone ever tried it?

There is a competitive school here and I've thought about trying it out... It seems to me that fencing could either be heck-o-fun or pathologically rigid, depending on the school.

[Thai Bri]

I tried it. The sance was awful for real fighting. The sport of fencing only involves linear movement, forwards or backwards....thats it. There is no sideways movement at all.

Also the feet are in a line, rather than a little staggered at something like shoulder width.

I know Bruce Lee may have used some of the fencing principles...... But I don't reckon they help much for a fist fight.

[gregimotis]

Yes, I can't see it'd have much value for anything except fencing... but it'd be fun to play with swords (okay, rapiers).


So, was it fun to play with swords?

[Thai Bri]

Yes. For a while.

[Nothingness]

I fenced the olympic fence and won some local tournaments. If you want to learn fencing as an MA, learn the traditional fencing; you'd be surprised on how many circles you'll find.

[grubbogoppoly]

While I completely agree that it is horrid that it only has linear movement. It is very good for developing speed, timing and distance.

[Thai Bri]

Yes for speed and timing..... but doesn't the sword itself throw your appreciation of distance out for an unarmed encounter?

[Nothingness]

Anything that's been standardized for safety and competition loses some of its touch with reality, no matter how good the rules are.

[Tom Yum]

Anything that's been standardized for safety and competition loses some of its touch with reality, no matter how good the rules are.

Tell that to Iron Mike Tyson, whom HAS lost touch with reality and safety....

[fcokeefe]

Thai Bri is right about fencing, he hit it dead on. But it is fun for a while, give it a try and see if you find it fun. Just don't count on it to save your a$$ in a fight.

Nothingness, what are some of the differences between the two styles of fencing?

[osopardo]

I never went to any fencing school, just followed the instructions that came with the materials and it all turned out rather nicely. Put up a beautiful one last year along the side of the house; , 6' tall white vinyl panels and post covers.

Now I can work out outdoors with some degree of privacy

[Thai Bri]

Do you walk with a gate?

[Tom Yum]

Now I can work out outdoors with some degree of privacy

You call yourself, a woman and a cameraman private? And what's with all that blaring reject funk music coming from your backyard??

[osopardo]

I do walk with a gate, but let's be clear on something; I only swing one way.





Actually, long, long ago, I did take a few fencing lessons (awfully rigid discipline and I never made it past foil) which came in handy when I later became involved with a group that put on performances at "Medieval / Renaissance Faires". The swordplay there was much looser and "dramatic" (slashing, thrusting, jumping up on tables, cursing, taunting, throwing things at your opponent, etc.). Now that was fun!
We often played for real competition (no scripted, pre-arranged winner), which made it much more interesting for us.
But I couldn't have convincingly done the freeform stuff without the rigid lessons.







Then there were the broadswords...

[Thai Bri]

I train it alot with the guy next door. Do you know why?











GOOD FENCERS MAKE GOOD NEIGHBOURS! HAW HAW HAW!