I just had my first fencing lesson today. Actually, I was suppose to start this Tuesday but the teacher kicked me out because nobody told me I couldn't wear shorts.

First, the instructor introduced us to the equipment. We learned about the mask, vest and the practice sword called foil. We discovered the word 'pummeled to death' comes from hitting your enemy with the pummel (weight at end of handle) and how it's illegal in fencing. We are however allowed to aim for the crotch. And as one guy found out, it results in excruciating pain ROFLOL.

Next, we went over fencing etiquettes. Before a match, the fencers must bring the hilt up to the face and salute each other and the audience. This we were told is a throwback to the crusades where knights would kiss their sword as if it was a cross. Following a match, fencers must shake each other's hands with the non-weapon hand. Now, you have to realize etiquette is sacrosanct in fencing. Supposedly, people have been disqualified for such audacity as to refuse to shake hands. Them crazy Frenchs...

Surprisingly, we got right into duelling. It was a mess. Everybody was flailing their foil and jumping around. It was a sight to see. But as we got more practice, we started to realize there is a method to this madness we call fencing. You needed to maintain precise distances and to strike with efficient lunges at the right timing.

The lesson was over after dueling but people were welcomed to stay to fence some more along with the club. Most of them left flushed in the face clutching their fencing arm :lol: I think most of us underestimated how tiring fencing can be especially in the restrictive and hot vest and mask not to mention holding your arm and sword in front of you for a long period of time.

Feeling pretty confident having done pretty good in the duels, I faced off against the varsity team coach. OMG, I could feel the jolting pain everytime he stabbed me but my brain could not comprehend how so I basically just stood there deadlocked. The sword was coming in at me underneath my arm, over my arm, over his head down onto my collarbone... I think he stabbed me in the back too but I'm a little hazy since I'm still recovering from my trauma...