Does anyone teach fencing anymore??? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Metallica_Band · 07-02-2003, 09:45 AM

Hey there...FIRST of all WTF happened to Tilted Advice??? Did it split or something??? Second of all is fencing taught in the USA??? I think it's like a sport in Britain and other countries...I've always thought that fencing looks really fun...I odn't know why...just wondering...THANX
C'YA ?:-D

P.S.: If you don't know what fencing is then CLICK HERE

Charlatan · 07-02-2003, 09:51 AM

There are a few fencing clubs in Toronto that I know of... My son expressed an interest in joining a fencing club but we found out that they have a size restriction (they don't have fencing for kids).

I can only imagine that there are more than a few fencing clubs in the US. Try doing a Google search fencing + the name of your city or town. Also try the local university. They likely have a fencing group.

Metallica_Band · 07-02-2003, 12:36 PM

Can you be too young/old to start learning how to fence??? I live in Memphis, TN and might wanna look into it to see how hard/easy it is...anyone know HOW to fence??? Gimme ur thoughts about it...

Slims · 07-02-2003, 01:01 PM

Check out:
http://www.usfencing.org/
They have all kinds of info on all the fencing clubs in the US.

Fencing is a big sport in the US, with more than ten thousand fencers.

If you let me know where you live, I might be able to give you some more specific advice.

I go to six or seven public fencing tournaments every year in north carolina alone, and I miss most of them. There is a lot of fencing in the US, it's just pretty low key.

bermuDa · 07-02-2003, 10:18 PM

I've met some fencers every here and there, but it is very low key. Interest seems to be pretty lax in the US, but it does look pretty fun.

I'm thinking about checking out some local kendo classes though

ForgottenKnight · 07-02-2003, 10:47 PM

I'm a Fencer! I fence in Colorado. I started at a club called Fort Collins Fencers (FCF) and now I'm part of the Univerity of Colorado's fencing club. Other places in Colorado to fence are the University of Northern Colorado's club, Denver Fencing Center, Mile High Fencing Club, Northern Colorado Fencers, Pierre Le Chat Fencing Club/CFA, and Pikes Peak Fencing League.
To find out information on fencing clubs in your area, then you need to go to the United States Fencing Association's website:
http://www.usfencing.org/
On the left side, there is a list of links. Click on the "New to Fencing?" link and a red list will open up. Click on the "Where can I fence" link (fourth down in the red list). Click on your state on the map it opens up, and it will show you a list of the clubs in your state.
You can never be too young or too old to start fencing. If someone told you that you can't fence as a kid at one club, then they merely don't have the equipment in kid sizes at that club, and I'd recommend finding another club in the area that does. Fencing is a fun sport, but it can cost! I've been fourtunate enough to find great deals at the clubs I fence at, but that's rare. Most clubs are very expensive to join and fence at, especially if you have private lessons and a personal coach. Personally, I've never had a private coach. I fence for the fun of it.
Fencing is low key in the United States, at least in the Western US. I hear it's very popular along the east coast.

I hope that helps.

Slims · 07-02-2003, 11:59 PM

You shouldn't have to pay much to fence.

About 30 dollars for a USFA membership, and 120 dollars for a starter set w/ an electric weapon, mask, jacket, body cord, etc.

Don't bother paying for private lessons, most of those are scams unless you are already a really good fencer trying to get an edge.

My fencing team (in Boone, NC) holds several tournaments each year, and if you get into fencing, it would probably be worth your while to drive over to them. Our fencing community is really nice and hospitable. Other clubs put us up and party with us when we go to their tournaments, and we are more than happy to return the favor.

Damnfinn · 07-05-2003, 06:27 AM

My best friend learned to fence at the U. of Washington. A few years later he had the opportunity to fence with the Grandmaster of Finland. He said it was fun but he didn't last long.

manalone · 07-06-2003, 04:59 AM

I used to fence near My home.
It's a tremendous sport. Highly athletic but with a great deal of thought...

I recommend you see if you can find a Maitre D'Armes from the United States Of America Fencing Association, or at least an FIE (Federation Internationale D'Escrime) certified person.

It makes a big difference.

GakFace · 07-07-2003, 08:42 PM

I know IU has Fencing Courses... My Second Cousin teaches it Down there. And if they teach it on a College Campus, and go to tourny's with what they learn, its bound to be everywhere

JStrider · 07-07-2003, 09:54 PM

this summer i started going to the fencing club at Texas Tech... its a blast... just a ton of fun... and you dont have to buy your own gear... and if you want once youve gotten pretty good you can get registered with a fencing association... but im not that good yet...

The_Jazz · 07-10-2003, 08:58 AM

Greg700 - I'm going to respectfully disagree with your advice. Here in Chicago, we have a pretty good fencing community. My fencing sal is lucky enough that we have a 2-time world champion that gives private lessons. The secret is to find someone with a good pedigree. My club is run by a couple of guys who have been Olympic Trials finalists for the Modern Pentathalon (fencing is 1 of the 5 sports), and they've done a pretty good job of attracting a good sized crowd.

Most clubs in good sized city will have gear that you can borrow, but I bought my own pretty quickly once I realized that fencing is something that I really enjoy. I didn't like the idea of wearing a mask and glove that someone else has already sweated in.

If anyone is in Chicago and wants to give the epee a try, let me know. There are 3 or 4 different clubs in town, but there are only a couple that are really worth anything.

The_Jazz · 07-11-2003, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaelin
Fencing is something that I would love to do and I bet Id be good at (Ive fought with friends with plastic swords before and Ive never lost). Ive looked but theres nowhere around where I live that teaches fencing.

If you want to do something a little more exillerating, check out the SCA. Forget foils - your using big-ass hand held weaponry.

http://sca.org/

Sorry, but SCA doesn't count as fencing. There are elements of it in sabre, foil and even epee, but fencing is an Olympic sport. SCA is a lot closer to a Civil War re-enactment group than it is to fencing. People don't train for SCA, and there aren't professional SCA coaches. Not that it isn't fun or there's anything wrong with it, but it's like comparing Scrabble players with the NBA. I know one sabre guy that can pretty much clean the clock of any SCA guy with any weapon of their choice. He's been doing it for 25 years, and he's been to 5 World Championships and the Olympics twice. I do imagine that the SCA guys have suffered through NBC's Olympic coverage a few times, though.

I don't know where you're located, but I'll bet if you look hard enough, you can find fencers. Colleges, especially on the East Coast are a great place to start, and you can also check with gyms and other sport organizations. Someone probably knows someone else.

Mongolguy · 07-12-2003, 10:27 AM

Quote:

I know one sabre guy that can pretty much clean the clock of any SCA guy with any weapon of their choice.

How about greatsword?

There are diffrences in olympic fencing and sca fencing. Olympic fencers compete in-line, with only thrusts, to the head and torso, and one sword. SCA fencers fight in the round, thrust and draw cuts to anywhere on the body, and can have a weapon or buckler in their off hand.
Which would you rather do?

ForgottenKnight · 07-15-2003, 06:44 PM

Being a fencer, I'd rather do the thrust. Whenever I used fight anyone else (my friends) I won and they get mad because I can reach them from further away with my thrust than they can. I could also get in close and get out faster. Besides, all I had to do was modify my moves to keep them in front of me when they moved out of a straight line. Besides, SCA is more theoratical than sport. It's much more like movie swordfighting than a deul. I'm not saying it isn't fun though, because I think all swordfighting is fun, sport or movie-style. If you want to see good, realistic fencing in a movie, watch "The Prince's Bride."

Slims · 07-15-2003, 08:09 PM

Ahem, don't forget that there is a difference between Strip Fencing, SCA fencing, and SCA heavy fighting. The person who started this post should be looking to learn strip fencing NOT SCA fencing, since they don't teach actual sword skills (our first semester strip fencer win SCA tournaments when they go for fun). SCA heavy fighting is a different horse altogether.

Mongolguy · 07-15-2003, 08:18 PM

I've never done any fencing. But I have done heavy since 1982. That's why I suggested greatsword.

But as for teaching sword skills, It depends on where you are at. Our fencing master also teaches at the collage. But they pay for it.

ForgottenKnight · 07-16-2003, 06:05 PM

I recently learned that there is a "league" of "Midevil Foam Sword Fighting" too...I went to check out one of their practices this week, and to kick some @$$ with my fencing sword fighting skills, but due to the weather, nobody showed up....the cowards...I guess their @$$ woopin' will have to wait...

gonadman · 07-16-2003, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mongolguy
How about greatsword?
There are diffrences in olympic fencing and sca fencing. Olympic fencers compete in-line, with only thrusts, to the head and torso, and one sword. SCA fencers fight in the round, thrust and draw cuts to anywhere on the body, and can have a weapon or buckler in their off hand.
Which would you rather do?

I don't know much about sca fencing, but olympic fencing techniques and target depends upon the weapon. Foil is thrusting and parrying and the target is torso. Sabre is slashing and the target is above the waist, while epee is much more rigid than foil and is also thrusting but the target is the entire body.

Here in the Philly area there are many good clubs with nationally ranked fencers. Seems to me that the fencers who improved most dramatically took private lessons from others who had participated at the national level, so I wouldn't pay anyone not experienced at that level for private lessons.

Draken · 07-17-2003, 12:24 AM

im a fencer myself i live in South California and theres fencing gyms all over. i have a personal trainer that has taught many people who've gone to the olympics and its not hard to find fencing places if your looking for them...otherwise they are easy to miss. thank you and good night.

baudot · 07-22-2003, 09:04 AM

I had no difficulty finding a fencing instructor in St.Louis. There's actually 3 or 4 teachers here.

orangeaidcow · 02-21-2004, 08:26 PM

I was i was in colo. i know the coach from North Colo. Fencers and he is a good coach. some of his kids coming up are some of the top in the nation. And i live in Wilmington and i know i travel to chapel hill to get lessons from the head coach at UNC. And all i know is i just like the travel and fun of it. but now i am sad i aged of juniors last week.

pendragon1122 · 02-25-2004, 09:40 PM

I take fencing at my local college and enjoy it greatly. It's a fun sport, but you rarely see it any more. I just wish there was more competition. It is hard to find anyone to fence against where i live.

StephenSa · 03-01-2004, 02:37 PM

I'm thirty six and just started fencing eight weeks ago so I don't think any age is a problem. I find it to be a lot of fun. You get a good aerobic workout and you get to poke people with swords, what could be better?

irateplatypus · 03-01-2004, 08:36 PM

in the off-chance that someone reading this lives in the Tulsa, OK area... I know of a local Lutheran church in south Tulsa that offers a fairly lively club. It is probably best if you call around to various civic groups or colleges to see if they have a program you can join. Never had the time to give it a try myself, though I'd like to.

07-02-2003, 09:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
Metallica_Band Loser	Does anyone teach fencing anymore??? Hey there...FIRST of all WTF happened to Tilted Advice??? Did it split or something??? Second of all is fencing taught in the USA??? I think it's like a sport in Britain and other countries...I've always thought that fencing looks really fun...I odn't know why...just wondering...THANX C'YA ?:-D P.S.: If you don't know what fencing is then CLICK HERE

07-02-2003, 09:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	There are a few fencing clubs in Toronto that I know of... My son expressed an interest in joining a fencing club but we found out that they have a size restriction (they don't have fencing for kids). I can only imagine that there are more than a few fencing clubs in the US. Try doing a Google search fencing + the name of your city or town. Also try the local university. They likely have a fencing group. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

07-02-2003, 01:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Slims Eccentric insomniac Location: North Carolina	Check out: http://www.usfencing.org/ They have all kinds of info on all the fencing clubs in the US. Fencing is a big sport in the US, with more than ten thousand fencers. If you let me know where you live, I might be able to give you some more specific advice. I go to six or seven public fencing tournaments every year in north carolina alone, and I miss most of them. There is a lot of fencing in the US, it's just pretty low key. __________________ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

07-02-2003, 10:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	I've met some fencers every here and there, but it is very low key. Interest seems to be pretty lax in the US, but it does look pretty fun. I'm thinking about checking out some local kendo classes though __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

07-02-2003, 10:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
ForgottenKnight Jesus Freak Location: Following the light...	I'm a Fencer! I fence in Colorado. I started at a club called Fort Collins Fencers (FCF) and now I'm part of the Univerity of Colorado's fencing club. Other places in Colorado to fence are the University of Northern Colorado's club, Denver Fencing Center, Mile High Fencing Club, Northern Colorado Fencers, Pierre Le Chat Fencing Club/CFA, and Pikes Peak Fencing League. To find out information on fencing clubs in your area, then you need to go to the United States Fencing Association's website: http://www.usfencing.org/ On the left side, there is a list of links. Click on the "New to Fencing?" link and a red list will open up. Click on the "Where can I fence" link (fourth down in the red list). Click on your state on the map it opens up, and it will show you a list of the clubs in your state. You can never be too young or too old to start fencing. If someone told you that you can't fence as a kid at one club, then they merely don't have the equipment in kid sizes at that club, and I'd recommend finding another club in the area that does. Fencing is a fun sport, but it can cost! I've been fourtunate enough to find great deals at the clubs I fence at, but that's rare. Most clubs are very expensive to join and fence at, especially if you have private lessons and a personal coach. Personally, I've never had a private coach. I fence for the fun of it. Fencing is low key in the United States, at least in the Western US. I hear it's very popular along the east coast. I hope that helps. __________________ "People say I'm strange, does that make me a stranger?"

07-02-2003, 12:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Metallica_Band Loser	Can you be too young/old to start learning how to fence??? I live in Memphis, TN and might wanna look into it to see how hard/easy it is...anyone know HOW to fence??? Gimme ur thoughts about it...

07-02-2003, 11:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Slims Eccentric insomniac Location: North Carolina	You shouldn't have to pay much to fence. About 30 dollars for a USFA membership, and 120 dollars for a starter set w/ an electric weapon, mask, jacket, body cord, etc. Don't bother paying for private lessons, most of those are scams unless you are already a really good fencer trying to get an edge. My fencing team (in Boone, NC) holds several tournaments each year, and if you get into fencing, it would probably be worth your while to drive over to them. Our fencing community is really nice and hospitable. Other clubs put us up and party with us when we go to their tournaments, and we are more than happy to return the favor. __________________ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

07-05-2003, 06:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
Damnfinn Crazy Location: WI,U.S.A.	My best friend learned to fence at the U. of Washington. A few years later he had the opportunity to fence with the Grandmaster of Finland. He said it was fun but he didn't last long. __________________ I was told to get a life, but all the good ones were taken.

07-06-2003, 04:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
manalone Once upon a time...	I used to fence near My home. It's a tremendous sport. Highly athletic but with a great deal of thought... I recommend you see if you can find a Maitre D'Armes from the United States Of America Fencing Association, or at least an FIE (Federation Internationale D'Escrime) certified person. It makes a big difference. __________________ -- Man Alone ======= Abstainer: a weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure. Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary.

07-07-2003, 08:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
GakFace Go Ninja, Go Ninja Go!! Location: IN, USA	I know IU has Fencing Courses... My Second Cousin teaches it Down there. And if they teach it on a College Campus, and go to tourny's with what they learn, its bound to be everywhere __________________ RoboBlaster: Welcome to the club! Not that I'm in the club. And there really isn'a a club in the first place. But if there was a club and if I was in it, I would definitely welcome you to it.

07-07-2003, 09:54 PM	#11 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	this summer i started going to the fencing club at Texas Tech... its a blast... just a ton of fun... and you dont have to buy your own gear... and if you want once youve gotten pretty good you can get registered with a fencing association... but im not that good yet... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

07-10-2003, 08:58 AM	#12 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Greg700 - I'm going to respectfully disagree with your advice. Here in Chicago, we have a pretty good fencing community. My fencing sal is lucky enough that we have a 2-time world champion that gives private lessons. The secret is to find someone with a good pedigree. My club is run by a couple of guys who have been Olympic Trials finalists for the Modern Pentathalon (fencing is 1 of the 5 sports), and they've done a pretty good job of attracting a good sized crowd. Most clubs in good sized city will have gear that you can borrow, but I bought my own pretty quickly once I realized that fencing is something that I really enjoy. I didn't like the idea of wearing a mask and glove that someone else has already sweated in. If anyone is in Chicago and wants to give the epee a try, let me know. There are 3 or 4 different clubs in town, but there are only a couple that are really worth anything. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

07-15-2003, 06:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
ForgottenKnight Jesus Freak Location: Following the light...	Being a fencer, I'd rather do the thrust. Whenever I used fight anyone else (my friends) I won and they get mad because I can reach them from further away with my thrust than they can. I could also get in close and get out faster. Besides, all I had to do was modify my moves to keep them in front of me when they moved out of a straight line. Besides, SCA is more theoratical than sport. It's much more like movie swordfighting than a deul. I'm not saying it isn't fun though, because I think all swordfighting is fun, sport or movie-style. If you want to see good, realistic fencing in a movie, watch "The Prince's Bride." __________________ "People say I'm strange, does that make me a stranger?"

07-15-2003, 08:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
Slims Eccentric insomniac Location: North Carolina	Ahem, don't forget that there is a difference between Strip Fencing, SCA fencing, and SCA heavy fighting. The person who started this post should be looking to learn strip fencing NOT SCA fencing, since they don't teach actual sword skills (our first semester strip fencer win SCA tournaments when they go for fun). SCA heavy fighting is a different horse altogether. __________________ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

07-15-2003, 08:18 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mongolguy Crazy Location: My own little world. 'Cause they know me there.	I've never done any fencing. But I have done heavy since 1982. That's why I suggested greatsword. But as for teaching sword skills, It depends on where you are at. Our fencing master also teaches at the collage. But they pay for it.

07-16-2003, 06:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
ForgottenKnight Jesus Freak Location: Following the light...	I recently learned that there is a "league" of "Midevil Foam Sword Fighting" too...I went to check out one of their practices this week, and to kick some @$$ with my fencing sword fighting skills, but due to the weather, nobody showed up....the cowards...I guess their @$$ woopin' will have to wait... __________________ "People say I'm strange, does that make me a stranger?"

07-17-2003, 12:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
Draken Upright	im a fencer myself i live in South California and theres fencing gyms all over. i have a personal trainer that has taught many people who've gone to the olympics and its not hard to find fencing places if your looking for them...otherwise they are easy to miss. thank you and good night.

07-22-2003, 09:04 AM	#21 (permalink)
baudot Tilted Location: Today: St. Louis.	I had no difficulty finding a fencing instructor in St.Louis. There's actually 3 or 4 teachers here.

02-21-2004, 08:26 PM	#22 (permalink)
orangeaidcow Tilted Location: Durham	I was i was in colo. i know the coach from North Colo. Fencers and he is a good coach. some of his kids coming up are some of the top in the nation. And i live in Wilmington and i know i travel to chapel hill to get lessons from the head coach at UNC. And all i know is i just like the travel and fun of it. but now i am sad i aged of juniors last week. __________________ Killing is not an answer, its a solution.

02-25-2004, 09:40 PM	#23 (permalink)
pendragon1122 Upright	I take fencing at my local college and enjoy it greatly. It's a fun sport, but you rarely see it any more. I just wish there was more competition. It is hard to find anyone to fence against where i live.

03-01-2004, 02:37 PM	#24 (permalink)
StephenSa Psycho Location: Dallas, Texas	I'm thirty six and just started fencing eight weeks ago so I don't think any age is a problem. I find it to be a lot of fun. You get a good aerobic workout and you get to poke people with swords, what could be better? __________________ Thousands of Monkeys, all screaming at once. Pulling God's finger.

03-01-2004, 08:36 PM	#25 (permalink)
irateplatypus can't help but laugh Location: dar al-harb	in the off-chance that someone reading this lives in the Tulsa, OK area... I know of a local Lutheran church in south Tulsa that offers a fairly lively club. It is probably best if you call around to various civic groups or colleges to see if they have a program you can join. Never had the time to give it a try myself, though I'd like to. __________________ If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. ~ Winston Churchill