This is a new category – but not the last, by any means! (I have SO many interests…)
I am not sure what gave me the idea that fencing was not only cool (self-evident, really!) but something that I should try. I know I was taken along to watch my uncle Tom teach fencing in the Cleveland area when I was a small child. I recently found out my aunt Amanda (other side of family) competed in fencing while in college, and she’s also a ballet-trained dancer, like me. I was Very Impressed by the femme fatale that Madonna played as a female fencer in "Die Another Day." You could also blame the incessant replaying of "A Princess Bride" on TNT – "I am not really left-handed". At any rate, I want to learn to Do That.
A coplayer in Phoenix Glade who did academy work in fencing lent me his theatrical blade to fool around with, and showed me a beginning drill, to teach distance and start on tip control. I assume a fighting stance, bent knees shoulder-width apart, right toe directed towards my target, left shoulder pulled back out of range, and…extend my arm to poke a tree. Or a Post-It note taped to the wall of my office. That’s it so far, but it’s much harder than it looks.
I need more stuff to continue. First, gloves, to continue the drilling. I think I’ll order these – click on "Fencing Supplies".
With a 4-3/4" cuff, strong enough to protect from a poorly
aimed thrust while still
being light enough to allow full blade control.
White goatskin leather Shown below Available in sizes 8-14 –
$ 18.00/pair
I have short fingers, and not large hands, so getting gloves small enough to fit is a challenge. I think 8 should be okay, and cheap enough to alter if the fingers are too long.
Then, more information. I have these two books on my Amazon wishlist – Fencing and the Master, by Lazlo Szabo (Hungarian!*), and The Woman Fencer, by Nick Evangelista. Hopefully I’ll get one of them in the next month or so.
*Regarding the Hungarian connection – Hungarians are "associated" with fencing – as are the French and Italians. Which are the other two cultures I know a lot about, and the other languages I can muddle through. Funny, huh?
When I get far enough along to need protective clothing, the people at Gipsy Peddlar seem to know about SCA rapier rules and conventions, so I might give them some business. They also seem to sell trigger cloth, so I can make my own stuff.
Can you tell I started at the beginning and am reading through? 🙂
I used to be a rapier fighter/marshal. Had to stop due to health issues. Gypsy Peddler is a good place to start. However, trigger you can buy at any fabric store (possibly even your local Walmart if they still have fabric).
I would, however, HIGHLY suggest looking into Judy Linen. It is a specific type of linen that will pass a punch test with only 3 layers. It is a natural fabric so it will breath better and be more comfortable. And being in southern FL, you do not want to wear something that is going to be like wearing an oven.
I also have small hands and short fingers. I never was able to find anything that fit perfectly (but you are more experience seamstress so you might be able to fix what you get). I would suggest looking at children’s gardening or work gloves and adding your own cuff. Or you could make your own gloves out of light weight leather, suede, or a nice fabric.