I am considering singing up for an adult fencing class at the YMCA. I took fencing in college and 90% of the people who joined were Dungeons and Dragons types - kinda weird. They are the same sort of people who go to medieval fairs, introverted, etc....Are there 'normal' people who like fencing for the sport?
209924
I took it at my YMCA, and yes, pretty much everyone taking the class was normal.  The downside was that I was 29 years old, and the average age of the person in my Y class was probably 16.  Seems to be kind of cool with the kids, not so much the adults.  There were 2 other guys that were of similar ages to me, but they only lasted about 3 weeks.  Then the cheese stood alone.  I lasted about another 3 weeks before quitting, I would have kept going had there been someone closer to my age I think.
387586
Do some research on Wikipedia about swords and arrows. Is this story set in the present day or earlier times, and where? Some writers, such as Michael Ondaatje (The English Patient) do loads of research for their works.\n\nIf you don't have time to research, have you considered choosing an easier topic?
371150
Is adrian paul the main character of the craplander tv show?\n\nIf so I would say absolutely not. \n\n1) from what little I have seen of the show, he holds the blade like a bat not like a sword.\n\n2) his movements are flashy and ridiculous.  To my knowledge \n\n(mostly made up of finding ways to bash a show that went from a cheesy but memorable 80's movie, into a cult phenomenon that created tons of wannabe samurais and "self-trained" sword students and promoted the most outrageous and idiotic ideas and notions about historical sword technique) This man has no real training, if anything he only has forms and training in "fencing".  There actually was an artcile by a sword consultant I came across a few years ago that said that due to production times they simply couldn't teach the actors (because that is all they are) real techniques, so there was a balance between reality, choreography and time. \n\nMovies are not going to have realistic martial arts of any kind because the very idea crucial to martial arts weapons especially, is that you disguise your motions so others (your opponent) can't tell what you are doing- subtlety vs. predictability.\n\nIn movies and theatre the goal is to entertain, and for the audience  that means that they can see what is going on in the fight and be entertained by it.  And there cannot be as much prep time to train the actors in a tv show which is under much stricter time constraints than a movie or play.\n\nAudiences today are generally untrained and unable to understand the distinctions- unlike in shakespeare's time when the actors actually were trained and used legit techniques more than today because the audience knew what they were looking at- and because fightmasters and actors were of a similar social class.\n\nUnless it is a doccumentary a martial arts movie cannot portray real or realistic sword or any other martial art or fighting because the audience would not be entertained.\n\nNo, I do not respect his abilities with a katana, let him show up and spar full-contact with a waster/bokuto or blunt and get some fight footage of him going all out at a legitimate sword organizations seminar or gathering with someone who has experience. Hell I would respect him if he just showed up as a beginner to learn. But learn properly.\n\nLearning to use a weapon in martial arts does not mean doing forms with it. you must learn to use it and defend with it against another weapon or different type. But it must be trained realistically, forms alone is not realistic- although I believe they have thier place with certain weapons more than in unarmed martial arts as they can teach you to properly move with the weapon in the beginning stages getting you used to it.
650639
Whomever told you that was wrong. The Ancient Olympics didn't practive usually cruel sporting events with perhaps one exception called "Pankration"  That would compare to UFC today, so who's being cruel?\n\nHere's a list of Ancient Olympic sports with descriptions:
5107
I study Tai Chi, and if you are loking for one that does not hurt anyone then I would suggest looking into it. It is great for body, mind and self defence.\n\nI know it is not on your list, so sorry if you mean just from those four!
563787
Fencing is a great sport. It takes a great deal of self control of both body and mind. It can be physically tough in competitions and much less so in practice. If you live on the east or west coast areas, you can generally find local fencing clubs. In my many years of fencing, I have met some great people who fence.\n\nA good web site is the USFA, which is our national organization (see link below) where you will find a list of clubs throughout the U.S.. You may find some items of interest on my web site (also listed below).
558303
Congratulations - it's a great sport and you'll be glad you chose it long into your adult life!\n\nThis is probably a bit of a down time for HS XC it being summer season and all... if you ask again in a couple months I bet you'll get lots of responses from people who are really getting into it.  Have fun!
13762
For hand dexterity in fencing, try parrying only with the forte (the bottom third) of the blade.  Basically, think of a parry from the hand, not from the blade.  This will hopefully at least allow your parry to come a little more smoothly.
321935
I love D&D, I'm such a girl geek.\nIs D&D evil? Well, if you'd like to read, then this question has been asked here a dozen times already, and I defend it every time.\n\nEvil- necromancy, demons, Book of Vile Darkness, Book of Erotic Fantasy, the "perfect" stat score is 18 ( 6+6+6 )\nSpells for conjuring and controlling demons, provisions for playing evil characters...I could see how someone who didn't know any better could draw that conclusion, yeah.\n\nIs it a gateway for the occult? I know a lot of people who take their wicca as seriously as their D&D. I know more than one guy who actually thinks he's a vampire. Again, I could see how people might make that mistake.\n\nBut...no. D&D's a game, it encourages teamwork, fighting evil, cooperation, and it's a social interaction & blossoms friendships even for those who are otherwise shy, withdrawn, or just geeks. The benefits (for all) far outweigh the dangers (for a very small few) and yet the media focuses on the minority on slow news days, because well-adjusted normal people...aren't news. And don't bring in the sensationalistic ratings. \n\nBest answer is always to be an "ambassador for gaming" and invite new people- especially those with questions- to sit in and watch a session. Information treats ignorance as a favored enemy. Bet.
110399
They are two entirely different bags of tricks, invented by different individuals with different core materials.  There is a bit of cross-over between the two subcultures due to their similar perspectives -- many Discordians are also Subgenii and vice-versa.  They think of themselves as having something of a friendly rivalry.
355901
there's always the role playing thing.  dirty dice can be a good time.  check out a store like spencer's they always have sexual type games.
439096
I love epee--see your opportunity and go for it!  My club has a katana class that looks interesting, but I don't plan on trying it soon.  That looks cool because there are no parries and a clean cut is required (as opposed to the hacks that count in saber).  It's about finding your moment and exploding!
642305
How refreshing to see that some still hold the same belief I do about "traditional" martial arts!\nWould it be a no holds barred match, or include the increasing in numbers rules doled out in UFC matches that limit more "vicious" tactics? I notice those guys like to wear pads on their fists and roll around on the floor with one another...\nI don't hold any disdain against so-called "mixed martial artists", I mean, after all, most traditional systems are mixed in one regard or another, but I dislike the idea that they take bits and pieces of what would otherwise be "whole" systems to become more "well rounded". But I ask how they can take the best of any one system if they have not mastered it?\nTo them, I say they are jacks of all trades, masters of none.\nLittle old Buddha man wins!
18986
Hey man, we like brothers. I am not exactly skinny, I'm about 170-180lbs. I was on my school's rec. basketball team. I didn't miss one practice. It was fun. I would join and see how it's like. It doesn't matter how much you weigh. Look at Robert Traylor. He was a big man and he played in the NBA for the Cavs. He's a free agent now, but it doesn't matter. He still played the game, and he was successful. If you love the game, then have fun playing it. I'm 13 and in middle school and next year, I'll be going to my high school, and I plan on joining the Fottball team, the basketball team, and the baseball team. I even plan on joining the track team for shotput and discus. All because I love playing sports. I'm a very competitive person. So, join you're basketball team, and DON'T QUIT IT IF YOU JOIN. If you quit, you'll be picked on for quitting and wasting the team's time. So if you feel that you can do it, than join and do it. Best wishes man! PEACE!
477579
I think sparring in class is important, independent of competition, which I don't emphasize. What is the skill level of your attacker in the reaction drills? The more skilled your attacker, the more uncomfortable you will probably feel. Maybe find a training partner & practice reaction drills more.
634539
I think fencing is one.  I know that you only shake hands with your left hand.
429583
I actually have not, but I am rated for double-rapier, which means I can fence (not sport fencing) with two swords. My actual weapon is sabre, and sport fencing will always be my passion, but it's fun to show off at the Renaissance fairs and such with the double-rapier fighting.