Fencing FAQ
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Real fencing questions, straight answers

The questions fencers and fencing parents actually ask, on forums, in club lobbies, on the drive home, answered directly, with the reasoning. No fluff, answer first. 19 and growing.

Parents

Is it normal to come home with bruises?

Yes, small, occasional bruises on the weapon arm, thigh and torso are the normal currency of fencing, especia…

My kid is small for their age, will they get hurt fencing bigger kids?

Size matters far less in fencing than in almost any other combat or contact sport, there are no weight classe…

How do I switch clubs without burning bridges?

People switch clubs constantly, for commute, cost, coaching style, training partners, or just fit, and the f…

Would fencing work for my ADHD / autistic / anxious kid?

Fencing has a quiet reputation as exactly this kid's sport, and it's earned. It's individual (no team dependin…

Training

How many classes a week should a beginner take?

One or two. A brand-new fencer gets almost everything they need from one good group class a week plus one open…

When are private lessons worth it?

Not at the start. Private lessons are the most expensive way to learn things a group class teaches fine: footw…

Is 14 (or 16, or 25) too late to start if I want to be competitive?

Too late for the Olympics? Probably, honestly. Too late to be competitive? Not even close, and 'competitive' …

My club has done nothing but footwork for weeks, is this normal?

Normal, and honestly a good sign, though clubs vary a lot in how they pace it. Footwork is fencing's foundati…

Rules & refereeing

Both fencers hit, why did the other one get the point?

Because in foil and sabre, hitting isn't enough, you have to have the right to hit. It's called right-of-way …

The referee said my attack was 'preparation', what does that mean?

It means the referee decided you weren't attacking yet, you were getting ready to attack, when your opponent…

What do the yellow, red and black cards mean?

Same idea as soccer, with fencing's own flavor. Yellow card: a warning, no touch awarded, for first offenses …

Gear

Can you fence with glasses? Mine fog up under the mask.

You can absolutely fence in glasses, plenty of fencers at every level do, and the mask fully protects them fr…

Do I need expensive FIE-rated gear, or is 350N fine?

For club fencing and local tournaments in the US: standard 350-newton gear is fine, legal, and what almost eve…

How often do blades break, and what does it cost to keep up?

Blades break, it's a when, not an if. A practice blade under regular use typically lasts six months to two ye…

Pistol grip or French grip, and when should I switch?

Start on whatever your club starts you on (usually French for beginners, and always French in many youth progr…

Is used fencing gear safe to buy?

Most of it, yes, with one loud exception. Never buy a used mask sight-unseen, and be skeptical of used masks …

Competing

How do I stop being so nervous before tournaments?

First: you don't need to stop being nervous, you need the nerves to stop costing you touches. Every fencer on…

How long before I'm ready for my first competition?

Sooner than you think: most coaches say three to six months of classes, once you can bout safely with control…

My opponent screams after every touch, is that allowed?

Mostly yes, and it drives new fencers crazy. The celebratory yell after a touch is deep fencing culture, you'…
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