So you’re thinking about picking up fencing, huh? But there’s that nagging question in the back of your mind: “Does fencing hurt?” Trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, wondering if we’re signing up for a world of pain or just a fun, adrenaline-pumping sport.
I’ve gathered insights from folks who’ve been around the block in the fencing world, and what they have to say might just surprise you. The summary would be this:
Fencing typically does not hurt due to the sport’s emphasis on safety, precision, and protective gear. Injuries are relatively rare, and any pain experienced is usually minimal.
But hold up, don’t just take my word for it. There’s more to the story that you’ll want to hear, especially if you’re serious about stepping onto that piste. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty details, the exceptions to the rule, and the firsthand experiences that paint the full picture. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. Keep reading.
Does fencing hurt when you get hit?
First off, let’s be clear: Fencing is designed to be a safe sport. I mean, fencing has a low 2.5% injury rate. The tips of the weapons are blunted, and you’re decked out in layers of protective gear, from your mask to your padded jacket. But hey, we’re talking about a sport where the objective is to “hit” your opponent, so it’s a valid question.
According to players, most of the time, it doesn’t hurt much. The gear does its job, and the sensation is more of a tap than a painful jab. You might feel it if your opponent lands a hit with a lot of force or aims at a less padded area.
When reading about the people actually involved in this sport, I came across interesting insights.
For instance, one guy has been fencing for just over a decade, primarily focusing on foil. According to him, the hits are generally not that bad. Sure, you might get a solid whack now and then, and depending on the weapon, some bruises are to be expected. But he emphasizes that the soreness from getting hit usually doesn’t last. In all his years of fencing, he’s never experienced a hit that was still causing him pain a couple of hours later.
According to another player, the worst hits usually come when the blade smacks your knuckles, especially on your off-hand. But don’t sweat it; it’s pretty rare. Another thing to watch out for is stepping into your opponent’s attack, especially in epee. You might get some bruises on your bicep or leg, but a sore torso? He says that’s almost never an issue. Take it from someone who knows; a little focus on footwork can go a long way.
And let’s not forget, accidents happen. Even in a controlled environment, you might catch an awkward hit that leaves a small bruise. Like this for example:
Look, this is also very individual.
For instance, a fencing coach was practicing with a trainee using a synthetic 1796 saber that was quite blunt. The student made an error, stepping into his swing while turning her head away. The outcome was an unintentional hard hit to the side of her head, causing her eyeglass frame to jam into her temple. She had to sit out the rest of the sparring session that evening.
This girl is highly sensitive to discomfort; one solid hit and she was done for the night. However, there are others among them who’ve endured similar or even harsher blows and continued to spar.
Finally, I would like to point out that contrary to popular opinion, fencing swords are NOT sharp.
Most common fencing injuries
According to a report from Boston Children’s Hospital, fencing is generally a safe sport, but like any physical activity, it comes with its own set of risks. The most common injuries in fencing include:
Cuts, Scratches, and Bruises: These are almost inevitable given the nature of the sport. The bicep of the arm holding the weapon is particularly vulnerable, but the chest, hands, back, and legs can also be affected.
Punctures: Though rare, broken blades can penetrate the skin. Protective gear like fencing jackets, pads, and masks can prevent most of these injuries.
Sprains: Poor footwork can lead to slips and falls, resulting in ankle sprains.
Fencer’s Elbow: This is an overuse injury similar to tennis elbow, caused by gripping the weapon too tightly. It leads to chronic inflammation and pain at the elbow.
Pulled Muscles: Sudden movements and overextended limbs can cause muscle strains in the arms, legs, and back.
Patellar Tendinitis: This form of knee pain can occur in fencers who overtrain or use improper form, making proper footwork difficult.
So, while fencing is relatively safe, it’s crucial to be aware of these common injuries and take preventive measures.
Epee or Sabre – which hurts more?
Based on feedback from fencers who’ve wielded both epee and sabre, the consensus isn’t exactly unanimous, but there are some trends.
One fencer, who reluctantly fences both, swears that epee hurts more, especially when you’re up against folks who haven’t quite mastered point control. He’s ended up with marks from epee that he’s never gotten from sabre. So, if you’re not a fan of pinpointed, stinging hits, epee might not be your jam.
On the flip side, sabre tends to hurt more when you’re up against beginners. Why? Because they haven’t learned to control their strength and speed yet. But as you climb the ranks, sabre touches get lighter and faster, making them less painful.
So, what’s the verdict?
If you’re worried about those lingering marks and stinging pokes, epee might be the one to watch out for. But if you’re just starting out and end up in a sabre bout, brace yourself for some potentially heavy hits.
Either way, both weapons come with their own “ouch” factor; it just depends on what kind of “ouch” you’re willing to deal with.
