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 | When practicing at home, in a club or fencing in a local or national tournament the U.S.F.A. requires that all fencers must wear the following items in addition to your shoes: fencing socks, knickers, under arm protector, chest protector for women, jacket, glove and mask. Most fencing clubs will provide the equipment listed above for beginners as part of their membership fee. As fencing is a contact sport participants assume some level of risk*.
Beginning to Fence - "Dry Fencing"
Many clubs in the United States provide equipment to new fencers along with their monthly membership fee. Though we are in the business of selling equipment we recommend that new fencers use club equipment for a few months. Once you have decided to stick with the sport or if your club has no items to offer then you can begin to purchase your own equipment.
Many fencers start out with a glove and weapon. This allows them to continue to use the more expensive equipment at the club but allows them to get used to the grip and feel of their own weapon.
Next a mask and jacket are added. The jacket can be either front or back zip. Back zip jackets are often provided by clubs as they can be used with both right and left handed fencers. With the addition of the mask and jacket you can now begin to work at home with a stationary practice target.
The last items added, typically in this order, are pants, socks, under arm protector, chest protector and then shoes. Shoes are typically added last as most fencers can not appreciate the difference shoes make in footwork without many months of practice. During the first few months a fencer is still acquiring the basic skills of footwork and the special shoes will make little difference. Shoes can make quite a difference for a skilled fencer.
Competing - "Electric Fencing"
Eventually the fencer's skills will increase and they will desire to compete. Most competitions are scored with electric scoring equipment. A fencer will then have to purchase an electric weapon, body cord and if fencing foil or sabre an electric lame. U.S.F.A. rules state that all fencers must have at a minimum 2 weapons and 2 body cords with them at all times. All of the uniform items above with the exception of special fencing shoes are also required.
*While fencing is a very safe sport injuries including death can occur. Accidents can happen in any contact sport. Weapon blades, broken or not, can under some circumstances penetrate any of the protective gear including F.I.E. gear. |
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