I tried Fencing

For some reason I still don't fully understand, I decided I wanted to give fencing a try.
I suppose the start of it was when I saw it on the Olympics on TV when I was 8 years old.

So I found a local club that was reasonably located, and booked a trial class.

It was about an hour away by train and bus, and was located inside a (dying) mall.

It wasn't exactly the most convenient place to get to, but after thinking about trying fencing for so long, I figured I might as well give it a shot while it was still reasonably accessible from where I am.

So, the website was light on details but had a "Contact Us" button, which led to WhatsApp.
I sent my message, and after some slight back and forth, I had it booked for the 29th of July, 2026.

The day arrives, and I walk in.

There was about 7 or 8 regulars, including a kid and an older lady.

Coach was there too, but he let one of the regulars guide me.
(EDIT: It that I have had a misunderstanding and he is also referred to as Coach as well, interesting, so there's the Head/Main Coach and the one who guided me)

I was introduced to the basics of the sport, he explained to me the different types of weapons as well as some other basic info.

We started with footwork.
My legs immediately reminded me that it had been a long time since I had been active in sports. The last time I was properly active was when I did Wushu before the pandemic, so it had been about 6 years since then.

Still, I tried my best to follow, and hold the en garde position. (the neutral ready position)

Then we practiced basic movement, moving forwards, and backwards.

I've definitely made many beginner mistakes such as forgetting to bend my knee (and hence standing up), spreading too wide, leaning too far forwards or backwards, inconsistent distances and more.

We also practiced the lunge, which I'd say I just about managed to handle.

Next up, they handed me an épée, with a pistol grip, and a glove.
We practiced hitting the target on the wall.

I had a lot to learn in terms of judging distance, but I had fun
We also practiced combining movements with the attacks.

After doing that for a while, they invited me over to suit up and try sparring with someone else on the strip.
This was pretty exciting as it would be the first time I've ever put on Fencing gear.

They handed me a jacket, plastron and a mask.
The first jacket they handed me was too small.
The 2nd one was a cozy snug fit.
The jacket feels thick, heavy and hot.
But also surprisingly comfortable.
I could totally see myself falling asleep with it on.

As for the mask, as someone who wears glasses, it was quite frustrating to put it on.
In most videos you see people slide it on/off their face
For us glasses wearers, you have to unstrap and strap the strap at the back.
The mesh does obstruct your view but at the same time you very quickly get used to it.

Anyways, unfortunately no chest protector or breeches were provided.
But I suppose it's fine

After getting suited up, I got onto the piste (that metallic strip thing) and got connected to the scoring box.
Surprisingly, you don't really feel the wire running through your jacket and out the back.
But you do still slightly feel the resistance of the cable spool you're connected to, but it's not something that's an issue.

I had 3 bouts with members of the club.

While clearly they are going easy on me, and have intentionally let me hit a few times.
I was honestly still too overwhelmed by all the things going on lol.

The moment I was on the strip with another person actively trying to poke me, my brain basically panicked and forgot most of what I had just learned lol.
I've definitely hesitated on making some moves, even when they intentionally gave me the opportunity.
And in hindsight, there were certainly things I could have done differently.

They were clearly taking advantage of the fact I'm a beginner, messing with me by constantly moving away or circling their sword.

For the first time being hit, you definitely can feel it. It's not painful, but you definitely know you got hit.
On the other hand, you can definitely tell when you've hit something, there is like a button? switch? on the tip of the blade, and you can actually hear it click when it's pushed in.
Well, if you're practicing, in a bout that gets completely drowned out by the scoring box going BEEEEP.

Meanwhile the kid went for my leg. The coach went "Hey dont hit him there! He doesn't have protection there lol.", since I wasn't wearing the breeches.

But we had good fun. We weren't taking it seriously; the goal was just to get a feel for what it was like to be in combat.

I also totally completely fumbled the salute at the beginning and the end of the match.

I was drenched in sweat by the end of it, but it was fun.
And while at first my arm was fine, after holding the sword and swinging it around for a while, I could start to feel my arm sore.

That concluded the session, I took off the gear, thanked them, paid the fees and went.
And of course, my glasses decided they wanted to follow the mask when I tried to take it off.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Alas, I currently cannot commit to joining the club, due to logistical and financial reasons.
But I would certainly look at it again in the future.
Perhaps more importantly, it has reignited my interest in sports, and I'm seriously reconsidering getting back into Wushu again.

If anything, I've gained much more respect for the sport and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it. It looks simple when you watch it, but it is a completely different experience when you are the one standing on the piste.

So, years after first seeing fencing on TV as a kid, I finally got to experience it for myself.

My arms and legs are still complaining the next day though.