Let’s have a go debunking the myths of fencing. When I try to explain fencing and it’s benefits to friends and family, or even new members considering taking it up, the usual response is a sceptical glare which segues into a myriad of questions.
- Isn’t fencing dangerous?
- Why do you need so much equipment?
- How does the scoring work? It’s too complicated!
- Is it expensive to learn?
- What the hell is a Lame?
- Do fencers earn much competitively?
Along with with many more. The truth is that many people are deterred from a sport like fencing due to the fact that we stab each other with sharp objects and they believe they to dress like an astronaut to train-so much more tedious than getting your football boots out and strolling to the park, right?
The Truth
Fencing, on the contrary, is an extremely safe sport-there’s no doubt in your initial few lessons you will go home with a few scrapes and bruises: even the very best fencers cannot always avoid that. What fencing instils is discipline and responsibility, and these qualities are paramount to making it a safe and enjoyable sport.
Fencing is not simply a spoilt rich kids sport-although it isn’t mainstream curriculum in schools it is more accessible than most people realise, albeit sadly less popular than we would hope. Let the debunking of myths continue!
What attracted me to fencing when I was younger was the mental aspects of the sport-constantly having to read your opponent, predict his next move and respond in accordance to that. It requires a level of foresight and intuition that you don’t see in many sports. Now I’m certain if you have seen a fencing bout on TV or on the internet, you’ve likely been put off by the constant pauses and buzzes. Or you can’t keep up with how scoring works. We cover this in depth in other sections, but the scoring system in fencing is actually very simple and points are rewarded according to where on the body you tag your opponent.
Maybe I’ve piqued your interest a bit now. If you’re concerned about the costs of learning, then don’t let be a barrier between yourself and fencing. Most fencing instructors and clubs are committed to their craft and are aware that fencing doesn’t get the acknowledgement it deserves around the world-they are always promoting and looking for new members, with many offering free equipment and discounted membership.
If you want to enter the competitive world, the costs will increase-competitive fencers in the US usually have to sign up with the national organisation which incurs a $75 annual fee, and many of the costs will go towards gear and competition fees. You can start with a standard non electric foil (one of 3 bladed weapons) for around £45 here in the UK if you wish to invest in your own weapon. Many who choose to take their craft further will invest in better gear as they progress e.g a FIE grade electric foil used by competitive fencers is around £150. Monthly club subscriptions in London range from £20-£30 a month, but include perks such as one to one mentoring.
Making a Career out of fencing
So as a hobby, fencing is very economical and more cost effective then sports such as archery, horse riding or shooting. If you take a liking to fencing and go the competitive route, expenses will begin to mount-but at the same time competing on club level or even national level brings a form of respect and prestige like no other sport, along with other rewards (trophies, certificates, prize money).Who knows, with enough training and time, maybe even the Olympics? It’s entirely up to you how far you wish to take your fencing journey.
This report contains useful information about the prize money in FIE sanctioned tournaments.
Salary wise, fencing falls into a rather grey area. Fencing can be classed as a professional sport but you only see significant pay if you get to the very top-national fencers can secure contracts with advertising companies and sponsorship, but fencing as niche sport is more about passion for the craft then money. That said, many fencers can go on to coaching or become armorers and referees, and earn a respectable wage from it. Hopefully that debunks some of the myths of fencing and the negative rumours.
And don’t panic, we’ll get to the Lame in due course.
