start fencing again

I did sport fencing training for a few months in late 2005 and LOVED it, but had to stop due to financial reasons. I’d really like to be in a financially secure position so I can do it again.

This job seems to eat my life, but I love the way fencing makes me feel and I’ve missed out for sheer laziness. And I’m a pretty natural epeeist too. The center’s a mile from me; I can rock this, awright?

This has been fun; however the instructor is starting a club of his own soon, so the community course ends with next Monday’s class. Not sure when he’ll open the club, bit of a mystery at this point. The next nearest fencing club is forty-five minutes away. I’ll just have to wait till the new fencing club opens.

Time to sign up for the second session. This is going well enough, though I have some residual bad habits to break. And then there is the fourteen year old boy, with quick reflexes, in the class. Curse him. Age and cunning will overcome his youth and speed- at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

As there are only three students in class, someone usually has to double up in bouts. And rather than forcing the fourteen year-old, whose boundless energy would carry him through, the instructor has me bout both other students.

Legs and shoulders are sore. We only meet once a week, but the sport works the body differently than everyday moving and working.

Having fun so far, but am reminded how slow I am- designed seemingly for distance, not sprints. And fencing is all quick-twitch muscles.

There are only three students: a fourteen year old boy, an older woman, and myself. As a result, the instructor really pays attention to form, which is nice.

Signed up for a local class on foil after some prodding by Waterfall Nymph. Looking forward to this. Going into this with a different focus, wanting to learn and instill good habits through muscle memory. First class is next Monday.

a class through the community center, once a week. Haven’t done so as yet because of all the work being done around the house and yard. I’ve been insanely focused on completing those several projects. Now, perhaps, I could look into that.

finally started again, and will be rejoining USFA shortly. Thoroughly rusty, but it’ll come back… Definitely recommended.

Y’all can find a club here:
http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/category/7/325/80/

or, perhaps more readably organized, on your division and/or section websites (links to those also from usfencing).

I took a class when I was in grad school, but now I live in a different part of the country. I need to take lessons, since I don’t feel confident enough to just dive into a competition or something.

My mom gave me lessons one year for my birthday, and I spent a summer learning with a Russian instructor (Alex, I think his name was) who also coached at American University. I was really surprised I did it; I’ve never been one for any sport, really, much less one where people might see me or I have to compete. But I loved it! And talk about a workout … thank god for spinning class or my thighs would’ve turned to jello after the first hour! I would really love to get back into it, and advance my practice to competition at least, and perhaps epee.