Fencing resolution on its way

Looks like I set the right resolution this year! It must be some sort of coincidence or great planning for I have just been informed that this year around, my fencing club will be shifting to a new place, and with the shift, comes some new programmes, which include regular internal competitions. So that's one resolution that looks set to be fulfilled (to fence in some sort of competition/friendly match). It's a more "serious" kind of prep than the usual sparring/training and still in a safe environment, i.e. not external competition, which I'm obviously not comfortable with since I'm only doing it for recreation (my only form of exercise).  A grading system will be put in place to rank the members and as my coach says, I "can't escape competing anymore". Haha..little did he know of my resolution this year.

Talking about internal competitions, we had a sample of that today and I won! Although I was given an advantage because I was a girl, fencing with the guys (3 of them)...hee...it was a good workout and great session, which really got my adrenaline pumping for fencing, although I was out of breath at the end.
It was a small class today as the rest were fencing in the novice competition elsewhere, but it was great because my previous coach (who's the boss of the club) stood in for my current coach. It's been a while and I think he's still the best coach (the current coach is not bad too lah), giving us tips and such as we fenced.

I Like Fencing!

Fencing is great. It requires one to forget everything else and concentrate on the opponent, and at the same time test your accuracy, agility, alertness and tactical skills. I'm not really good at it, but it's a good workout, both mentally and and physically.
I should train up in my "attacking" skills...am usually a bit on the defensive side. And my accuracy too.

Counter-counter parry

We learnt a new tactic today at fencing and the instructor gave it a really funny reference...he called it the "smell your armpit" tactic. Ok ok, it sounds really crude, but basically, it is a tactic to counter a counter-parry, used only at close distances. Basically, as the opponent does a counter-parry-riposte, you raise your arm to deflect the blade and do a quick attack, "finishing" the opponent off. You've got to get the timing right, or else you'll get hit and lose the point.

Well, learning it is one thing, but whether I can really apply it or know when to use it during a bout is another matter.

Anyway, somehow my legs seemed like the main target area today, coz it was hit so many times! Now I have a few bruises on my thighs. Yikes! Fortunately it can be covered up.

Fencing to de-stress

I started the day with a heavy heart...not sure why, but maybe it's work stress (yes, have been trying to rush something over the weekend...even now!), or maybe it's insufficient sleep, but I felt a burden in my heart weighing me down, making me fatigued.

So when I went for fencing class today (which I had contemplated skipping), I was feeling a little lethargic. But I was glad I went. I discovered that by the end of my class, I felt more relaxed and the burden was lifted (maybe not totally, but it was lighter).

I began to see how fencing can be a good stress-reliever.
No, no. Not in the sense that I envision my "enemy" to be my opponent whom I would try to stab, but rather, during a bout, you've got to be really focused on what's happening and on your opponent, that there isn't room to think of other things. And the workout helps a bit I think, probably generating some adrenaline or whatever it is to get the body (& mind) going.

This is great. I think that's why a sport that requires more than 1 party is better than those that you can do by yourself (e.g. jogging, swimming). It keeps the mind distracted from things that bother you and with fencing (or sports that require sparring), it's more so as you wouldn't want to get hit by your opponent (it can still be a little painful even though one wears all the gear).

My 1st fencing suit

Finally got down to getting my own fencing suit. Chose the Hungarian brand PBT instead of the China one coz it's supposed to fit better. And fitting it is!

Anyway, we're supposed to have a friendly match in Dec. Hopefully I'm up to it.

Restarting my fencing classes

Today, I restarted my fencing classes again. I was already falling into inertia, so it was a good jolt, as I did a "refresher" course. Believe it or not, I was the only adult taking classes! The rest were secondary school kids! My colleagues were not continuing (some only next year).

However, this time round I tried épée for the 1st time. This is different from foil; epee's target area is any part of the body. So I had to remember that I can poke anywhere, and must be quick & swift. The épée, descendant of the duelling sword is heavier than foil with a larger guard. Yes, got an injury on my fencing arm (won't "show it off" this time around). Will need to wear some bandage on my left arm next time for better protection.

On the whole, it was quite exhilarating! Though I need to build up my stamina 1st and train myself to be fitter. Need to train my thrusts too, so that I can hit target accurately.

Fencing wound

Got my official battle wound in fencing last week.

This happened when my opponent (a guy) missed the target area (basically the torso for foil, which is assuredly protected) and poked my arm, which was not so protected as it was not the target area.

Anyway, the first time in real dueling gave me an exhilaration (though I didn't fare that well). I guess I'm not so aggressive & a little slow. But will aim to improve! I will like to continue although it's quite expensive, so I will have to drop archery (can only choose one). Well, after all, left-handers in the fencing field are not so uncommon as compared to archery. And it seems I get to work out my whole body more? Need stamina though.

Parrying

Today, for fencing, we watched a no. of videos of fencing competitions. Well, was informed that half of the world champions are left-handers! Hopefully I can be outstanding too. :)

Anyway, after the videos, we learnt a bit of parrying. There's this 6, 4, 7, 8 number system in parrying. Don't ask me how it's done, but had difficulty trying to remembering the numbers & associating them to the actions. Must we remember the numbers? Can the action just occur spontaneously? Hence, trying to say the numbering & do the action caused me to be slower.

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Have been contemplating if I should continue fencing or archery after this 8 weeks of lessons. Well, fencing will let me work out more, but need stamina & speed. Wonder if I can achieve that.

"Battle" wound

Talking about gentlemanly behaviour, let's talk about the gentleman sport, fencing.

I sustained my first injury...and it's not by the weapon (sword)!


We were practising the importance of priority in foil sparring (you need to show your priority to get your point), hence the instructor gave us gloves to try to hit each other's shoulders (got to partner someone) with the gloves. Priority means showing that you're the one who attacked first.
I managed 2 hits/points with this person, but got this wound after I scored 1 of the points; after I hit, she did a flick of the glove (reflex action) resulting in this welt (probably from the velcro).
Fortunately, it didn't hit my face.

Anyway, I scored the victory. :)

Fencing workshop

Yes! Today I had my 1st fencing class! It was cool! Not to mention the instructor was not bad-looking...haha... :P Anyway, he had actually won 2 bronze medals at the SEA Games.

It's another recreation activity arranged by my organisation. This time it was taught by a instructor from the Blade Club. We were taught some theory, and some footwork. Basically, you've got to keep your body straight, your feet in a L-shape position, your arms lifted & to keep your legs bent. Being the first day, our bodies were not tuned to this yet, so I'm expecting some aches tomorrow. This will be a good workout for my thighs man. And probably a more toned body! However, we will only get suited up on the last lesson, which is 7 weeks later!

What we'll be using is the foil (which is the weapon lah). This is sort of like the "beginner's" weapon I think. The other 2 types are the épée (pronounced "epp-pay") & the sabre. There are different sparring rules for each weapon.

Next week, we'll still practise on the footwork & doing thrusting. Think I will need to get a pair of track shoes.


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