Major-Spamming-Stone posted:
It is a great exercise. Endurance, Muscle control, and focus are what I learned from it. Sadly Fencing is not for people with great muscle strength. Heavy weight training and body building slow a fencer down. But if you want to increase muscle speed, agility, and twitch muscle response fencing is the way to go.
This is so very true. I've been fencing since last June. It's done wonders for my health. It's really improved my muscle tone and endurance. My entire upper body is getting firm and the waistline is staying small (34"

. I'm quite happy with what it's done for my body so far.
I'm not doing strip fencing like most Olympic class fencers are. I'm doing mine within the SCA. Our fencing style involves the full 360. Physically, I think it's more demanding than strip fencing is.
I have't fought with an Epee as of yet. Though I personally would NOT bend / flex a sword across my shoulders like her picture shows her doing.
The cost isn't that bad either. You can get started for as little as $300. That'll get you everything you need to fight. Granted, it'll be basic stuff but you can get started an then start upgrading from there.
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