Help for a Newbie to fencing please!

[Guest]

Hello!

I just started fencing last week and realized that the high-octane, competitve fencing method taught at my current school really isn't my style. Admittedly, the thrill of winning a bout is exciting and exhilarating, but I didn't like the aggresive emphasis placed on the scoring of points and how far the coaches have diverged from the path of classical fencing to win tournaments.

After some, though not much, research I decided that I would be much happier pursuing classical and historical fencing where "a double touch" makes absolutely no sense.

But this is the BIG problem:
I can not find a single school in my area that teaches historical or classical fencing. I have found several schools in my area that are competition driven, and I enjoy swordplay so much that I would continue at my current school if there is no other choice, but I would be overjoyed to learn of place where I could practice classical and historical fencing, preferrably using 17th/18th century rapiers and short swords (my favorites) in combination with the dagger and gauntlet.

Am I asking for too much? Is there a way to learn historical fencing without a professional teacher?

I live in New England, does ARMA have any connections in or events planned for my area?

I would welcome any help. I am truly desperate. I would truly love to learn classical fencing, but I at this time I can see no way to do this. Thanks in advance for any info/suggestions.

Eagerly awaiting your reply,
D. Khan

[Guest]

Hi David,

Welcome to the forum! Many of us have shared your frustration. The simple fact is that although there are more and more historical fencing enthusiasts popping up here and there, they are still few and far between when compared to sport fencers. Schools or instructors are even more rare. Most of us in ARMA started out with nothing more than an interest, a few books and perhaps a like minded training partner or two. Contrary to what some folks may tell you, you can learn a lot from books and learn a lot training on your own. Will you learn more and faster training with someone more experienced or even an "instructor"? Of course you will but I only know of one full time professional teacher of Renaissance Martial Arts and he lives in Houston :^) Look around on the rest of the website, it is an excellent resource. You'll find a lot of good articles, training information, historical manuals on which we base our study, and a list of study groups and training partners. I aslo recommend you get to a seminar if at all possible. There are lots of ARMA events all year long, or you could even organize one where you live.
Good luck in your studies.

[Brian Hunt]

Hi David,

Another question I would ask is what weapon type are you wishing to learn? Are you wanting to study rapier, long sword, cut & thrust? These are questions that will also help you decide where you wish to begin your journey. I would assume, whereas you discuss sport fencing, that you might be interested in Rapier. Anyway, I would start by looking at the period manuals here on the site under the research & reading area. Also, if unsure, ask questions here on the forum. Someone will always be happy to try and point you in the right direction. Welcome, and well wishes on your journey with swords.

Brian Hunt.

[Guest]

If you are interested in renaissance fencing, than you must read JC's "Renaissance Swordsmenship", it will give you the basics in both theory and practice in a simple manner. You can be happy only practicing it for some time, unless you are familiar with it and have decided which kind of weapon and style you want to learn, then go to the manuals.
However 18th century fencing is a totally different matter, in the end of 1600 fencing suddenly changed considerabely, sidesword and rapier left place to backsword, spadroon, small sword, sabre. Edge banging became the way to block, the lunge was added to all styles, stance changed, cutting became to be done in a more "elegant" manner, not to discompose defence.
So 18th cent. fencing does not look like what you see in "Renaissance Swordsmenship" or the average renaissance manual. If you want to learn it go directly to the manuals of the period, your sport fencing background can help you here, if you limit their use to what the manuals describe.
Regards
Carlo

[Ray Brunk]

Welcome David,
What state do you reside in? Check the practice partners link on the Home page. There are ARMA members located in Connecticut,Massachussets,Rhode Island and New York. Attending one of JC's workshops is the way to go. The info available is mind boggling and doubt may creep in as to whether One could learn this on their own. 7 months ago, I was staring at the manuals,completely overwhelmed. I found that all of the ARMA members are glad to help with any questions. Once you understand the basics, the manuals begin to make sense and you can really learn from them.The workshop is the best start, but if you could find an established member near you, they can be a great help in getting started. Even if they are a few hours away, it's worth the drive. I travel 3 hours to the Central NY study group now and again for guidance. The members here are as great a resource as any.
By the way....thank you to all the ARMA members who helped John O and myself at the gathering. Those short conversations on techniques and interpretation were a great help. Extra thanks to Mike & Ben from Provo who we probably drove crazy the first 30 minutes we were there.SO MANY QUESTIONS,SO LITTLE TIME !!
Good Luck
Ray

[Guest]

Thanks for all your suggestions.
I've started browsing the main site and it is incredibly informative.
I have just one more question: Having browsed the practice partners page, and finding someone in my area, how do I go about contacting them?

Thanks again,
D. Khan

[Shane Smith]

David,
There should be either an email address or a phone number for the Study Group Leaders in question on that page.

Welcome to the forum <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Derek Wassom]

Welcome David.
If you find someone near you who isn't in a study group, ask John for an e-mail address or some other way to contact them. I'm sure they will be very happy to hear from you too.
If there is no one near you, don't worry. Training alone is't a bad thing, I have been doing it for a long time. It is a good idea to get yourself to a workshop at some point, no matter how far you have to go (so far I have been to Stockholm, Provo, and Syracuse <img src="/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ). If you have any questions, ask them here! Everyone is very willing to help.