learn to fence

And I’m not all that great, but I am really enjoying it. Last night, I finally started trying to be more offensive instead of just a master of defense. (Glad learning to fence doesn’t say anything at all about my personality). It’s really fun though the big welt on my stomach really hurts. And last night I realized I’m not too bad right handed either. It was kind of fun switching from my left hand and realizing I wasn’t too bad at it.

and I’ve finally started a class. It was a lot of fun, and I’m really excited about it.

Now it will be harder. But maybe possible.

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!

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:)

I can’t take lessons. I was hoping to kinda teach myself by looking up technique and positions and things on the Internet.

...on November 3rd, meeting thrice a week, MWF, from 8am – 9am.

Sweet. =)