Anyone out there in the valley have experience in the sport of fencing, particularly epee? Looking for some instruction and someone to fence with. Thanks.
Bob 206 295 0779 text or call.
Sport of Fencing
Re: Sport of Fencing
I fenced épée as an undergraduate at Columbia University, when Columbia was actually a fencing power. I made it to the freshman varsity but stopped there. We had too many returning Olympic and all Ivy League fencers.
That was more than 50 years ago so I doubt I'd be as good a teacher as a youtube.
That was more than 50 years ago so I doubt I'd be as good a teacher as a youtube.
Re: Sport of Fencing
Believe it or not, I was just talking with Jim Salter a couple of days ago about trying to get some fencing activity established here in the valley.
I used to run a fencing program in Portland that taught traditional Western fencing concepts using homemade “boffer” swords. It was a great way to teach fundamentals to kids who couldn’t afford the gear or memberships required at formal fencing salons. That program leaned heavily into fantasy and medieval weapons — lots of fun, but definitely a different focus than modern sport fencing.
That said, club fencing is actually what got me started, and I’ve always hoped to get back into it. I’ll be running the fantasy fencing program as a Cub Club with the school district starting in January, and I’m hoping to use that as a way to begin rebuilding a broader fencing community here.
Jim mentioned that he also fenced in the past and might enjoy getting back into it if there were a local group. If some of the kids coming through the Cub Club enjoy fencing and want to move toward sport fencing, there could eventually be enough interest to support something local.
And who knows — maybe we could even coax RandySea into sharing a little épée wisdom. I have a feeling he’s being modest.
I’d be glad to stay in touch and see if we can’t build something here in the valley.
— Grant
I used to run a fencing program in Portland that taught traditional Western fencing concepts using homemade “boffer” swords. It was a great way to teach fundamentals to kids who couldn’t afford the gear or memberships required at formal fencing salons. That program leaned heavily into fantasy and medieval weapons — lots of fun, but definitely a different focus than modern sport fencing.
That said, club fencing is actually what got me started, and I’ve always hoped to get back into it. I’ll be running the fantasy fencing program as a Cub Club with the school district starting in January, and I’m hoping to use that as a way to begin rebuilding a broader fencing community here.
Jim mentioned that he also fenced in the past and might enjoy getting back into it if there were a local group. If some of the kids coming through the Cub Club enjoy fencing and want to move toward sport fencing, there could eventually be enough interest to support something local.
And who knows — maybe we could even coax RandySea into sharing a little épée wisdom. I have a feeling he’s being modest.
I’d be glad to stay in touch and see if we can’t build something here in the valley.
— Grant
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SteveNewman
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2024 8:42 am
Re: Sport of Fencing
Somewhat related..........are there any kendo people in the Valley?
Re: Sport of Fencing
I've had about 6 months of kendo training, so I know the basics. I'd love to continue, but I'm unlikely to be of any value as an instructor.
And again, since we're on the subject, any HEMA fencers in the valley? I'd love to give those methods a try.
And again, since we're on the subject, any HEMA fencers in the valley? I'd love to give those methods a try.
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SteveNewman
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2024 8:42 am
Re: Sport of Fencing
Grant, I only ask as I live in japan for half the year and sometimes bring back bokutos (bokken).