So who fences?

Personally it's been a while, but I've done some foil fencing and spent some time doing Kendo.

I took a fencing class back in college, but I stunk big time. I still remember one of the last classes, where we all squared off against each other for extra credit. My record that day? Something like 1-17. As in I only won one match and lost the rest. Pathetic. Don't get me wrong; I still had fun in that class. I think I prefer saber to foil. Foil's too...boring. Saber's a lot more fun.

There is (or was) a fencing academy in Philly; I was tempted more than once to join, but didn't have the money.

Ok..semi-related to the topic.. I haven't fenced in years and when I did I found it fun but a little limiting given my background in the Filipino Arts (I kept wanting to check the hand and such! *grin*). But the other day I heard an interview on CBC Radio with this group:

http://www.academieduello.com/

It sounds like a LOT of fun! They try and practice "realistic" swordplay not fencing! How cool would that be for a bunch os swashbuckling Martial Artists!?!?! *evil grin* They have a sister school in Washington as well:

http://www.italianswordplay.com/

How much fun would that be to try! *evil grin* Wonder if a bunch of us could get a discount rate?

Rob

Ok..semi-related to the topic.. I haven't fenced in years and when I did I found it fun but a little limiting given my background in the Filipino Arts (I kept wanting to check the hand and such! *grin*). But the other day I heard an interview on CBC Radio with this group:

http://www.academieduello.com/

It sounds like a LOT of fun! They try and practice "realistic" swordplay not fencing! How cool would that be for a bunch os swashbuckling Martial Artists!?!?! *evil grin* They have a sister school in Washington as well:

http://www.italianswordplay.com/

How much fun would that be to try! *evil grin* Wonder if a bunch of us could get a discount rate?

Rob

That's pretty cool; *real* European swordplay is VERY different from today's fencing, which does have roots in rapier fighting. I don't know if there are any WMA schools in my area, though.

I started fencing in college as well, I love the sport though I am not very good, too many years in contact sports made me too agressive. Oddly enough my favorite weapon was the epee which is usually taken by the most finesse oriented fencers, but I really wasn't that bad at it. I have not been able to pursue it much in years because of money, and being in the navy really does not help much either but I would definitely get back into it again if situations permitted it.