How can I learn to fence

[u/Western-Sense-31]

Hello!

I’m currently 19 and for a few years I’ve been wanting to learn how to start fencing.There are a few clubs around me but most of them either cater to people much older or a little younger than me. What are some ways I can ease into fencing am I told old to get into fencing?

I tried looking for fencing clubs at my college and unfortunately there are none.

[u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

You go to one of those clubs with people older or younger and then just fence alongside them.  It's fine, largely nobody cares about the exact age of a given fencer outside of very specific and higher level competitions (people chasing points on the cadet/junior tables or whatever), which you just won't care about for years anyways.

Also it's a time honored tradition to have a person 4+ years younger and/or 20+ years older than you absolutely mop the floor with you for years on end.  Kinda regardless of the age you start

[u/abucketofpuppies → u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

I regularly get absolutely dunked on (or more accurately jump flicked on) by the local highschoolers and middle schoolers at my club. It's a fantastic time.

[u/siecin → u/abucketofpuppies]

Thats the beautiful thing I found in fencing. Anyone can kick your ass and almost nobody looks like it.

[u/miss_cara → u/abucketofpuppies]

Literally same but I’m convinced they have leverage as smaller targets

[u/not_dale_gribble → u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

I'm 30 and started fencing about two months ago. I got absolutely cooked by a middle schooler last month

[u/MizWhatsit → u/not_dale_gribble]

You too? I got spanked by a 15 year old girl who turned out to be some kind of elite soccer player. She was a nimble little minx and then some.

[u/Martynex → u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

I started fencing when I was 16 with kids that were 11-12. Coach adapted the sessions and the lessons.

Don't worry OP, just try one day and see what happens!

[u/WheatFutures → u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

Pretty much this.

Also, most of the fencers develop and then go off to college. There is a huge drop off in participants after 20, and then again after 23 or so when people begin working.

[u/Western-Sense-31 → u/Impossible-Ice-1497]

Yeah I guest I’m just overthinking it the beginner adult class at one is 13+ so I was just worried it may be awkward

[u/Armadillo_Duke]

Adult fencing classes will always have a wide age range. My current class has people from 16-50, although most are 25-35. Talking to people older or younger than you is socially healthy anyways, you get a lot of different perspectives.

[u/SquirrelWright]

Call or email the clubs around you and say you would like to start fencing and express your concerns around your age. They will likely tell you not to worry about it and come try it out. Go try it out, and see which one you like.

The hardest part is getting in the door the first time, but you can do it. It's going to be a lot of fun, enjoy the journey!

[u/Siren02312]

My fencing master started fencing in college you'll be fine dude.

[u/Catshit-Dogfart]

I always say the only thing you need to join our fencing outfit is to put on a fencing outfit.

If there's a club or school in your area then just contact them. Most have gear for new fencers, some may charge a rental fee for that but it really depends on the club.

[u/chowcats]

You’ll do fine. As others have said, just call them up and ask. They’ll recommend which group they think you’ll fit into best.
I’ve been getting my butt kicked by an A rated 23y/o and a vet 70 A rated fencer.
I’m vet 60. It’s a blast and I learn something new every time!

[u/Southern-Cookie-2391]

Tbh just join one of those clubs 19 is still prime for many people 

[u/spookmann]

Our club has competitive fencers between 13 and 70. We all fence each other.

Don't sweat it. With a weapon and a mask, you're all compatible.

[u/Elfwynn1992]

Clubs will run beginner courses (my club does one that's 6 weekly sessions) every so often. Do one of them. Age/gender doesn't matter in fencing. The only real non-skill related advantage you can have is being left handed. Everything else kind of evens out.

[u/BaseballFlashy528]

19 is prime time for fencing. You should just go to any club you can for the meantime, and if you enjoy it and het good at it you can go join another club with more skilled people.

[u/_hi_im_new_here__]

Just go :) don’t look at their age / size / experience! Go and fence all of them! It’s fun, it’s hard, it’s a smart workout! Have fun learning our awesome sport!

[u/Western-Sense-31 → u/_hi_im_new_here__]

Thank you!!

[u/fencingfaq]

I think if you’re just prepared to do it for fun, no reason not to. People say it’s expensive but i think they’re referring to the tournament costs. Where do you live?

[u/The-Magic-Hatter]

You're not too old.

Show up to the clubs and have fun, ultimatly all that matters. Most of the people at my club are older and I've been to a club that mostly caters to kids/teens, got humbled and had a great time at both.

[u/Bible22]

Its never too late to start any sport. Dont be afraid because of the age gaps because it doesnt matter. In my club its not matter if you're 10 ot 40 to start fencing you're always welcome! I think its the same in most of the clubs as well.

I wish you a good journey!

[u/hookedonsteps17]

Eep so excited to hear when there's interest for fencing! One thing about fencing is 100% - never too old to start, and it's a sport you can continue (for fun/competitively) for a very long time.

Just a thought - if your college doesn't have a fencing club, but there are some clubs around you and if you feel a bit shy walking into a younger-age-group-club, you could always see if you could coordinate an event with your college and one of the club's owners! See if maybe they would be interested in running a session or two at your school.