Learning Fencing
I can only answer your first two questions because I never tried to fit fencing into a lifestyle. I should get back into it, though. Thanks for the reminder. 😉 1. You can fence as much or as little as you want. It’s still great fun either way. 2. As far as I can tell, the only valid reason not to take up fencing is that you tried it and chose not to pursue it. Taking up golf or tennis instead is a subconscious attempt to avoid having as much fun. (‘Tis my opinion only; no offense to golfers or tennis players.
IANAFencing Master, but my husband owns his own fencing club and goes to Coaches College every year (none this year in an Olympic year!). You sound like you will be a perfect fit–fencers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. At 6’3″, and lean, you scream epee, so do not be surprised if a coach tries to steer you in that way. (I know you did not ask for weapon description, but you should be forewarned that with your build, epee will more than likely keep coming up). Mr. Oflinkey laughed when I read the “too old to start”. Not even close. Fencing 1-2 times a week is not at all a problem as long as you are PATIENT with yourself. This isn’t a race, right? This is fun. He thinks the learning curve is comparable to other sports with one special note: Learning even the most basic techniques can take some time and a few sessions, so depending on the coach you many not actually fence anyone (other than a hanging tennis ball or a dummy) for quite a while.
There is a guy in my son’s fencing club that started a few years ago at age 70ish, so you are fine at 23! My son is 14. One of the really cool things about fencing is that a 70 year old and a 14 year old can compete on equal terms. The local fencing clubs will run regular beginner’s classes in which you will be able to borrow their equipment for the class. Also, as a member of a club you can usually use the club’s equipment on site. So don’t worry about spending any money on equipment yet. Usually you have to buy your own glove and plastron (chest protector) but they will take care of that in class with a group order using the club’s discount.
Fencing is brilliant! Starting “late” is only a problem if you are in it to win competitions (which you don’t seem to be), as you’ll inevitably bump into someone who’s been fencing since the age of 6. It’d take quite a few years before you got up to the standard of people your age. I’ve been fencing for 7 years, twice/thrice a week. It does tend to spread out into weekends, especially if you get into the competitive side of it, but if you don’t want to go to competitions there’s no need to. Oh, and it’s not cheap (at least not in the UK). It costs about £300 to get all of your kit, and parts continually need replacing. You can rent from a club for a few years to get your bearing though.
A not so minor point about the cost of equipment. Europe requires FIE (the international fencing org) certified equipment for competitions. The US does not. The price mentioned above from the British fencer would only apply in the US if you were outfitting yourself with FIE equipment. A basic beginner’s kit for electrical fencing is usually sold as a package in the $120-$150 range. If you find you are going to fence 2-3 times a week I would recommend skipping the intro level weapons and getting higher quality. I spend a lot less time repairing faulty tips now that my son is using German tips and a near FIE quality blade.
