Choosing a Discipline

Choosing a discipline is probably one of the more important things a beginner needs to consider. Most folk have an idea of which discipline they want to focus on and that is good, but many do not understand just what they are getting into. Most of my students really want to learn classical fencing, they think its fun, but most of them never stop to think about the potential for injury. Sure it's all good fun to spar with sword and dagger, but did you know I have gotten bloody noses (multiple times) under my mask doing it? Or that I cracked a good friend's rib in a friendly match? Or the time I got a raised welt in a foil match (from a cut over gone wrong)? The point is, consider what you are getting into. Everything we do in life has a risk/reward factor, we will now look at the aspects of fencing the different weapons that will lay out some of the factors to consider.

Foil: This weapon is light and whippy, even hard hits are relatively painless. It is also the fastest weapon, needing finesse and subtlety to ply it effectively. As a result, this sword is more than ideal as a trainer for any other weapon. Most foilists are highly intelligent people who enjoy the fast paced mind game known as foil. The only real downside to the foil is that at the beginning level, there are a lot of wanna be samurai or Jedi, these individuals (usually young males) find it necessary to hit people with the sides of the foil, especially in a flail like fashion. This leaves them open to a stomach shot, which should be taken as soon as possible to avoid getting painful welts. Foil is also a good choice for women, the light weight and painless hitting of the foil makes for a low key environment to have fun with friends. Most of the women I know who fence, fence foil.

Saber: This sword is light and stiff. proper cuts and thrusts are painless, the action is fast and fun due to the versatility of the weapon, bouts with experienced people are some of the most fun losing experiences out there, it is truly amazing what some folks can do! Saber (or Sabre) takes an active mind, agile arms and a lot of self control. Wanna be Jedi and samurai tend to populate the lower brackets of saber, so watch out. When they hit, it won't create a welt (Thank God) but it will hurt. Thankfully, because the wannabes' tactics and skills suck, they stay in the lower brackets so you will move past them fairly quickly. This discipline is a decent choice for a woman looking to fence, the weapons are light, and it is a fairly safe and fun environment. I have known several women saberists, they enjoyed the experience quite a bit.

Épée: The Épée is the heaviest weapon in competition. It is also the stiffest. If there is one thing I have learned from épées, it would be that people bruise easily. If you are relatively weak or don't manage pain well, skip this sword. If you can, than prepare for one of the most challenging fencing options. Épée sports a full body target and no right of way, every hit counts even simultaneous touches. The large bell guard and the ridged blade make oppositions are much easier than with foil. I have not faced any Jedi/Samurai wannabes in épée, my theory is that sword is a tad heavy for them to get away with their screwing around, unscathed. I have also never met a woman who does épée, but I know that they are out there. My thought is that most women would do much better with a lighter, more handy blade.

Classical: Here we have fencing as it was meant to be: Fast, violent, and loads of fun. Classical fencing is hard and can be painful. Some people use foil for this, but most use at least an épée. Quite a few use musketeer blades (a reinforced, really stiff épée.) or a recreation of a rapier blade (Schlagger, Rapier). Obviously the potential for injury is high, and special equipment is needed to ensure safety. A strong background in sport fencing can produce a skill set that most practitioners can't match. Training in this discipline can double as self defense training. I know women who practice this art, but for most it probably is not a good fit. 90% of injuries I have had or witnessed have been in classical fencing - its not an discipline for the faint of heart.

When you choose your starting weapon or art, just pick one discipline. Even if all of them appeal, choose a specialty that fits your skill set, after you learn it, then you can go to other arts. The initial weapon will dictate how you understand and learn the others if you like. I recommend foil for the beginners, and classical for the pro's. Because foil is so forgiving and at the same time demanding excellent skills, beginners will develop proper form that will lead to greater victories in other disciplines. However, if you are interested in one of the others and foil does not appeal in the slightest, learn what you are interested in. Just be careful to learn correctly and diligently.