Today was my third private lesson at the fencing studio. Fencing has proven to be far more difficult for me than just learning footwork and form – it requires a confidence that I am still piecing together. I’m nervous and shy when interacting with my teacher, and building up the aggression to lunge is difficult. However, since this ties in with my personal growth, I know that I can be nervous yet still do my best. Just because I’m terrified right now of lunging at my teacher doesn’t mean I always will be.
Beyond being shy, it really is quite fun. I can advance and retreat much better now, and I keep my stance and balance well. It really is quite a workout of the legs as well as good cardio. Through advancing lunge practice, I was gasping and sweating, my heart was racing and my legs felt on fire. But that was great, and I like knowing I’ll get stronger and faster.
My teacher is very bubbly and kind. She is young and has been fencing for more than half of her life. But while that is intimidating, she doesn’t carry herself as someone who thinks her skill makes her better than anyone. She is open and nonjudgmental, patient and nurturing. I’m sure that factored into my early hesitation to hit her with my foil, but because she is so friendly I have grown to trust her and so I know when she says “Lunge – hit me harder!” that it is okay.
I’m looking forward to my next lesson, and until then I need to practice my advancing and lunging, and do arm exercises and wall sits to get in better shape. I can’t wait to find out what I’m going to learn next!
How to learn to fence
How I did it: I used one of my 4 required phys ed classes at McDaniel College where I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree. I am strove to not keep sleeping when the alarm went off at 7:30 am which was probably my biggest obstacle...and I also learned the beauty of a nice warm shower first thing in the morning to wake you up along the way.
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Fencing is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember, but the training and the equipment costs add up to become pretty expensive. I need to stop putting it off, before I’m 90 with plastic knees, and I CAN’T.
For the past several years I have driven by the fencing studio almost daily, and today was the first time I walked through their door. Something prompted me to immediate action – life called for an enriching class of some sort, and when “Fencing” came to mind, helped by the subliminal scenery from my commute, the spark was lit. Besides, there’s never been a time that I’ve watched The Princess Bride without thinking, “I wish I could Fence.” Well “En Garde” new Goal! The first lesson is free and it begins next week.
I’m finally going to learn how to fence! I’ve signed up for a class through the local university and I’m going to do it.
began when I was quite young and saw a movie with Robert Shaw (the captain from the first Jaws movie) as a pirate. I think the name of the movie was Swashbuckler. My love grew when I saw Michael York portray one of the Three Musketeers. It has also been one of the things for which I just never seem to have the time to devote….I think it is the energy, the skill and the agility that draws me to fencing—also the snazzy outfit:)
Pir84evr Because I live to be free
I can’t take lessons. I was hoping to kinda teach myself by looking up technique and positions and things on the Internet.
Kat_132 because she wants to keep dancing in the dark..
This is something I’ve wanted to try ever since I saw it on the movie ‘The Parent Trap’
Girl With A Jesus Need is letting go and letting God do what he does best.
...on November 3rd, meeting thrice a week, MWF, from 8am – 9am.
Sweet. =)
clavtriplet wants to acomplish 5 things on her list by next year!
SO I started taking lesson on tuesdays nights, and its a little bit of a let down. Its cool to hold the sword but its really all about the footwork- and im not a natural at that.
But i wont give up on it yet.
Clavtriplet
