Have you ever wanted to know how to fight with a sword? Contrary to what some believe, the sport of sword fighting has not yet become extinct. Absolutely not. The rules are made to be so complicated; electrical equipment was invented to help play this sport, and fencing schools are scattered all over the world. The exciting sport played at the Olympics combines centuries-old traditions with modern technology. Luckily, the days of sword fighting are over, so you can have fun fencing without risking life and limb.
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Part 1 of 6: Finding Information Before You Begin
Step 1. Decide why you want to play fencing
Is it for fitness, for matches, or for historical appeal? All are valid reasons, and each leads to a different type and practice of fencing. Fencing is an ancient art that has a rich tradition and culture. So maybe you'll like it better if you dive deep into it. Fencing is great for honing skills and discipline, both physically and mentally. However, fencing can also be a great practice and a lot of fun for the more casual fencer!
Step 2. Find out the different types of fencing
Fencing has a very strong tradition, and certain clubs/schools adopt different styles and approaches. The hundreds of years old Italian, Spanish and French fencing schools are dominant in the world of fencing. The differences between these schools are quite thin, focusing on certain types of swords. But it would be nice to have some basic knowledge before starting.
- The first book on fencing, Treatise on Arms, was written by Diego de Valera of Spain between 1458 and 1471.
- You'll also learn a bit about the history of fencing, which can inspire you to play the sword.
Step 3. Find the nearest fencing club, school or training center
The next step is to find a nearby place to start studying. There could be more fencing opportunities than you think so find out any clubs that are within easy reach. Keep the following criteria in mind when choosing a fencing club:
- Does the club meet your goals? If you want to compete in tournaments, or even the Olympics, you need a very competitive club. If you just want to have fun or have fun, choose a more relaxed club.
- Does the club practice safety properly? Are fencers allowed to wear swords without wearing masks? If playfulness is allowed, avoid the club.
- Is the club location easy to reach? While this has nothing to do with fencing itself, you'll want to be able to get to and from the club on a regular basis.
- Do you have any friends who play fencing? Find out where they usually practice fencing, and ask their opinion about the place.
- Does the club have a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced level fencers? When you're just starting out, it's great to have people on your level. The existence of various levels of ability shows the club has stability and is able to last a long time.
- Are there enough trainers for regular private practice? Private lessons from a coach are essential for beginner (and intermediate to advanced) fencers.
- Does the club teach the type of sword you want to learn? Many schools and fencing clubs only teach one or two types of fencing. So make sure these places train the type of sword you want before joining there.
Part 2 of 6: Join a Club and Start Learning
Step 1. Join the club
Once you've decided where you want to practice, arrange a trial period or trial session to find out what you think. You can also just sit in class watching how the whole process goes, and begin to understand the technique and style of giving the exercises.
Step 2. Start taking group classes
Follow the class with enthusiasm, but be sure to pay attention to the way the class is run, be respectful, and listen carefully. Fencing combines physical skill and mental acuity, and has a lot of self-discipline. Be prepared to concentrate heavily on what you are learning, both theory and practice.
The rules are quite complex, so study them carefully and ask anything you don't understand or confuse
Step 3. Find out who is the best coach in your club
Generally, they can devote several hours a week to private practice. Sometimes, that's not the case. Like it or not, you are obliged to follow the group exercises given by the coach. Take private practice opportunities if offered, but also try to find other trainers who can provide private training.
Part 3 of 6: Mastering the Basics
Step 1. Learn to use the blade of the sword correctly and safely
How important it is that you know how to wield a sword. Do not swing to and fro, and never point the tip at someone who is not wearing a protective mask. When holding a sword, keep the tip of the sword always pointing at the floor. When moving while holding the sword, hold the tip, not the handle. If you need both hands to put on or take off the mask, be sure to put down the sword first.
You should always check the condition of the sword and make sure the tip has a cap that is securely fastened and is in good condition
Step 2. Recognize important terminology
You should have a good understanding of the basic terms in fencing. Some important ones to learn to get started are En Garde, Attack, Parry, Riposte, Counter Riposte. Attack is an attacking move, parry is a defensive move. Riposte is a counterattack after parrying, and counter-riposte is an attack after parrying a riposte movement.
- Take some time to read the glossary of fencing terms to get used to it.
- Remember, some people may use French or Italian words.
Step 3. Master the basic movements of moving the foot (footwork)
Footwork is essential in fencing, so it's important to develop easy, fluid moves. But the basic movements that need to be learned are the En Garde position, as well as simple forward and backward movements. The En Garde position is the starting position. Standing sideways, point the hand holding the sword in front, with the foot on the same side facing the opponent, while the foot in the back is pointing out at a 90-degree angle from the body. If moving forward, the front foot will step first. If you move backwards, it's the back foot that goes first.
- Try to keep your body balanced and always on tiptoes so you can move quickly.
- As you progress, you'll learn more techniques like attacking in a lunge.
Step 4. Learn to grip the sword properly
Before you start learning sword techniques, you must master how to grip and learn to hold a sword properly. There are many styles of wielding the sword and your instructor will probably have a preference for his or her students. Each type of sword also has its own way of gripping, so you should learn all of this with an instructor.
A common mistake beginners make is gripping the handle too tightly. The wrist should not be stiff and should be flexible
Step 5. Learn the first sword technique
Once you can grip your sword steadily and comfortably, you can learn the first elements of swordsmanship. This may depend on your trainer and choice of weapon. However, you'll definitely want to learn the simple direct and parry stitch first. They are both simple offensive and defensive moves which can then be improved with various variations and additions.
Step 6. Determine the type of sword
Once you start, you should choose to focus on one type of sword you want. The coach may give you a choice: Floret (Foil), Degen (Epee), or Sabel (Saber); or give you one type of sword directly without any chance to choose. Many fencing experts and trainers believe that the correct order for learning the sword is floret-degen-sabel. Sometimes you meet coaches who start training their students with Degen or Sable swords (this is generally what high school coaches do in the United States because they need to quickly produce fencers who can use all kinds of swords).
- Some prefer to start with the sword Floret because, according to them, Floret trains the point control (controlling the tip of the sword) required in Degen. The right way ensures you learn the right technique, and the right way is an essential aspect of Floret and Sabel.
- Others argue that although it is mostly associated with Degen, you can also learn the correct techniques and methods perfectly from Sabel. In the end, it's all up to you.
Part 4 of 6: Preparing Equipment
Step 1. Find out what equipment you will need
Fencing is a highly geared sport, so find out about specific protective clothing as well as the different types of swords. Some protective suits are gender-differentiated, and are available in both right- and left-handed versions. Before buying any equipment, do some research and see if you can borrow club gear.
Step 2. Put on the club gear
Many clubs stock equipment, so borrow gear for the first few lessons, just to make sure you like the sport enough and want to continue. Club equipment is often old and worn out due to prolonged use. The unpleasant smell of the mask from the sweat of the previous wearers, and the sword that was bent to the point that it was no longer shaped like a sword. This is also what will happen to your equipment. But at least you still have a few years to wear them all in good condition.
Club equipment may be old and a little shabby, but treat it with respect and be careful in its use
Step 3. When you're ready, buy your own kit
Fencing equipment is quite expensive, around several million rupiah. So you have to be absolutely positive about playing fencing for some time before buying it. But be sure to talk to your coach about what to buy before going to the store. In the United States, the USFA fencing association provides a list of its stores.
Part 5 of 6: Improving Abilities Outside the Class
Step 1. Do a lot of exercise movements
All fencers agree that drills are boring. But there is no denying that these exercises will improve fencing skills. A tip for getting rid of boredom is to visualize yourself wielding a real sword against a real opponent (but only if you're a scary person). But, like all things, practice makes us better.
Step 2. Watch professional players
Take the time to watch the pro competitions to learn more about high-level fencing. Watching the experts in action can also inspire you to practice more, as well as increase your love for fencing after seeing it practiced so well. If you get a chance to see a big competition nearby, go for it!
Step 3. Read books on fencing
It may seem like taking fencing to the point of fanaticism, but books on fencing are often useful. Aldo Nasi's book, On Fencing, contains a variety of exercises and instructions, and Rudy Volkman's Magnum Libre de Escrime can be a fantastic resource for beginners.
Step 4. Improve fitness
Although the untrained eye may not be able to see it, fencing is a fairly strenuous physical exercise. Improve your overall fitness outside of class to strengthen your stamina and speed at swordplay.
Part 6 of 6: Entering the Competition
Step 1. Ready to enter the competition
An important part of fencing, and the best way to test your skills and measure your progress, is to enter official fencing competitions. Before actually competing, it would be better if you come to the competition as a spectator to feel the excitement and atmosphere of the event.
Watch how the scoring is done, and try to learn from what you see
Step 2. Enter the competition
This can be really stressful! When you enter a competition, you are under pressure to perform well. This pressure can bring out a budgeting weakness that your coach can fix. However, don't enter the competition if the coach feels you're not ready. There is a certain level of readiness that must be reached before entering the actual tournament.
Step 3. Win multiple matches
Once you've honed your skills and confidence, and the coach gives the go-ahead, practice everything you've trained in tournaments and win some matches. Competition demands serious mental strength, so make sure you stay calm, and always respect your opponent and the referee. Maintaining dignity and humility in victory and defeat is crucial.
Tips
- Whatever it is you're trying to learn, make sure you try to learn it from a coach, or at least, from someone assigned to it by the coach.
- When you start fencing, don't try long, complicated compound attacks. Just do simple, direct attacks, or you'll drastically increase your chances of making mistakes.
- Treat fencing equipment well. It makes the equipment more durable. Also, pay attention to the reel terminals and light boxes, so that club people are not always reminded of damaging club equipment.
- Raise the sword down if the opponent is not wearing a mask because it can be dangerous.
- Always join a club with the following human resources: assistant coaches, at least one armorer (one who builds, repairs, and supplies fencing equipment), and a good competition team.
Warning
- Be careful with the people around! Sometimes people who are not fencers don't understand how easily a sword can be knocked out by an opponent. Do your best not to injure anyone who gets too close to the fencing match.
- Fencing without wearing a mask is crazy and stupid. Never point a sword at someone who is not wearing a mask, and never allow anyone to point or swing a sword at you without wearing a mask. If this happens more than once, find other people and places to fencing. You only have two eyes, period.
- Damaged equipment can be dangerous in its use. If a sword breaks (and this can happen), the fracture has a sharp edge. A rusty mask or jacket with holes in it can do terrible things. Make sure all equipment is in good condition.
Things Needed
- Note: It's a good idea to talk about purchasing equipment with your trainer before buying your own. They have more experience with it, measurements, quality of equipment, and places that sell equipment.
- Note: All fencing outfits are specially designed for right or left handed users! Always wear the correct type. For example, if you wear a jacket for the left hand, the zipper will be on the wrong side, and the jacket can't really protect against a broken fencing blade.
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For fencing practice, you will need this equipment:
- Fencing jacket
- Mask. If you're sable, be sure to buy an electric mask if you intend to enter a competition or play electric fencing, as the head is the target area. It is cheaper to buy an electric mask than to buy a non-electric first, then buy an electric one.
- Gloves
- Plastron (armpit protector). Although many people practice without a plastron, it's not a good idea. Plastron specifically protects one vulnerable point on the jacket. Moreover, accidents can happen, both while practicing and competing in tournaments.
- Protective metal bra or plate coaster for women.
- Lightweight fitness clothing that covers all parts of the body. Don't play fencing wearing shorts.
- Shoe. Running shoes can be used, but indoor court shoes for sports such as badminton, squash, indoor soccer, etc. are more ideal.
- A training weapon or dry weapon, namely a fencing sword without an electric blade that has a rubber tip, not an electric button.
- Tournament matches are very different from training. All official tournaments are played electronically. So you must have a complete set of electrical equipment. In addition, all official tournaments require complete fencing from head to toe. In other words, it is forbidden to wear jeans or sports trousers.
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For a fencing tournament you will need all of the above plus:
- Fencing pants (knickers)
- Long socks (about knee height)
- Electric or lame jacket (for florets and sables only)
- Cuffs or cuffs (only for sabels. These are more electrically related equipment)
- Mask cord, a kind of electrically clamped cable for the mask part (only for florets and sabels)
- Two electric swords – at least! If you break one sword in a tournament, and don't get hold of a replacement immediately, you are disqualified.
- Two body cords (electrically clamped cable on the jacket), minimum. Dagen wears a different type of body cord with a sabel or floret. So make sure to have the right type for your sword.
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Optional, but recommended:
- Special fencing shoes.
- Protective pubic (groin cup) for men. Yes, "that area" is a legal target in degen and florets. If you don't wear protection, don't complain if you get hit in that part.
