The Day I Went Saber Fencing: A Few Tips and Fitness Benefits

 I’ve fenced on and off over the years, and I’d rate myself as solidly average—maybe average-minus on a good day—especially offensively. That said, I’m actually not terrible when you factor in how little I practice. My true athletic strategy is simple: do lots of different sports and hope competence emerges somewhere along the way. Sometimes it does and many times it just fizzles.

Saber fencing is no joke for cardio. Your heart rate spikes almost immediately as you bounce back and forth on the strip, trying to watch blades, anticipate attacks, counter, parry, counter the counter, and then wonder how you still got hit. Bouts are short, but they feel like sprinting while playing chess with sharp objects.

Some great warriors in history
were Samuria, Knights, Mameluke, Ninjas, etc.

 Spruce Bruce from the Order
of Elken Pine Nuts 
are not among those great
warrior classes.

Ancient Warriors

We held a small club competition, and I finished just about last—which honestly felt appropriate. Most of the other fencers train four times a week. I show up about once a week, sometimes less, occasionally by accident. Still, I know enough to land a few clean points, which makes me a fun target for more experienced fencers. Every now and then I even surprise myself… and them. Sometimes they run into my blade.

A few nights ago, one seasoned fencer definitely did not expect me to nearly beat her. She did score the final point and win the bout, but for a brief moment, I lived in a universe where I was winning—and that’s what really counts.

I’m also a licensed fitness trainer and yoga instructor, with experience in a few other disciplines. If you want help getting in shape—whether for general fitness or sport-specific conditioning—send me a message and we can set something up virtually. I can’t promise fencing greatness, but I can help you get fitter while laughing at your own progress. En garde!

Fencing can burn around 400+ calories and hour and provides some cardio vascular benefits. Fencing Cardio