| Fencing is a great sport that sparks the | | | | the "butterfly stretch" and make sure to stretch |
| imagination of young and old and, at the highest | | | | after every session. |
| levels, is very entertaining to watch. | | | | Next, wear comfortable clothes. Don't wear jeans! |
| Each year thousands of people seek out the | | | | You should wear sweat pants that move with |
| sport of fencing and a large number who try it | | | | you - you'll be doing lunges so nothing to tight that |
| out continue on with the sport, as evidenced by | | | | will restrict movement. A close fitting shirt would |
| the growth in fencing clubs around the United | | | | be good also since you'll do some footwork |
| States in recent years. | | | | without a protective jacket, but all weapon drills |
| While fencing is sometimes hard to find, most | | | | will be with protective gear on. |
| large colleges and universities offer basic | | | | Women should make sure that the club has hard |
| instruction in their PE departments, and a few also | | | | chest protectors for you to use. |
| offer it in their continuing education series. Also, | | | | For shoes, stay away from running shoes. Use a |
| many university clubs help supplement their | | | | court shoe or cross training shoe. Basically |
| operating costs by running beginning fencing | | | | anything that provides stability for side to side |
| classes and those are taught by experienced | | | | foot motions. |
| fencers. | | | | Most beginning fencing classes cover the basics of |
| When looking into taking a fencing class, there are | | | | footwork and use of the foil, one of three fencing |
| a few things to consider and a few things you | | | | weapons. Most classes meet once per week for |
| should know to get the most enjoyment out of | | | | 8 to 10 weeks and range in cost from $100 to |
| your first fencing class. | | | | $150 depending on the level of expertise of the |
| First off - make sure to do some basic stretching | | | | coaching and the area of the country you are in. |
| beforehand. In fencing you do a lot of work with | | | | Lastly - bring in a sense of fun and desire for |
| the legs, so stretches that focus on the groin, | | | | learning. You won't be great your first class in - |
| hamstring, and quads are good. After your first | | | | but there is a lot to learn in the sport. After a |
| class you will definately feel it in the groin, so learn | | | | few classes, you just may find yourself hooked. |