RE: A tough lesson to finally understand the meaning of being HONORABLE
You bring back plesent memories from the 60s , the fencing clubs of the day were mainly visual spotting , 1 judge in each corner and the chief judge in the middle . The real serious , rich , usually unmarried , could afford electric gear , while the newly married used the sport fur fun and exercise . We held ^handicap tourniments where the experianced started with 4 hits and the beginers with no hits , it was a great feeling to get a "big gun" scalp or two . Went to the New Zealand Junior champs , was lucky enough to still be in the competition for day 2 , that night got invited to a uni students house and a few liquid refreshments later , about 3..30 am he explained the story behind the 1812 ovature , next morning it became obvious that a 30 plus with a headach and little sleep couldn't keep up with teenagers who had the sleep of the just . I bombed out half way through day 2 , but I will always remember the story behind the 1812
What a wonderful memory and hello to a fellow fencer.
Yes I understand you so well. my coach was of the 60s days of fencing and when we trained the judging was done with the eye, but still it was pretty much accurate actually.
Fencing as always been an expensive sport, at least to begin with, and for the upper classes, at least in the UK, but I think things have changed somewhat today and it is more open to sports interested youngsters.
Thanks for responding and for sharing your fencing experience.
A salute to you my dear fellow!
I found a standard handle was faster that the oyrthopecic handle ypu 9howed in your picture , the fingers can move faster than the wrist , used to avoid sabre the bruises /welts were sore for a couple of days , and epee hard on tne lesadig foot ,mainly the toe, u fortunally I got posted and the next base didn't have fencing , they had wednesday afternoon fishing not as much energy but better scenery
Ah yes, the handle, my old coach often talked to my about that. He was of the old school and did not like the orthopedic handle.
It was when I moved to the other club, it was this coach who recommended it to me. I was also skeptical but trusted his judgement I guess.
At first you are definitely faster, but when you get to higher levels, them it goes against you, because, as you say, the fingers are faster, so yes I agree.
Unfortunately it is very hard to go back and I had decided to leave the sport anyway. You really do know what you are talking about.
Very refreshing to talk of fencing again!