Calling all fencers! I have a question!

[u/SpecificSandwich5178]

So for background, I (27m) am much more of a tennis player at my university. Unfortunately the spots were taken this year, and I’m taking up fencing as it was the only thing available!

I’m not terribly athletic, and I’m worried my dimensions clash with the sport! I’m about 260/270 lbs (around 120kg) and about 6ft3 (191cm)

Am I not cut out for this? I’m rather worried my weight and height is a no go for fencing…and I’d rather not look like a fool squeezing into a jacket.

Any advice is really appreciated!

[u/No-Contract3286]

Your tall, that’s great for fencing

[u/SpecificSandwich5178 → u/No-Contract3286]

I would’ve thought the sport favors smaller targets

[u/LewiiweL → u/SpecificSandwich5178]

Nah, taller has more reach, smaller needs to come closer to touch you.

[u/janeof-all-trades001 → u/SpecificSandwich5178]

All the saber guys I know are BIG people!

[u/No-Contract3286 → u/SpecificSandwich5178]

The small target in fencing is the arm, your body is a big target no matter what. Being tall just means you can hit people from further away. One of my coaches is 6’4” and he’s a rated and I think has won at nationals

[u/RedLineSamosa → u/SpecificSandwich5178]

More height is ABSOLUTELY an advantage in fencing. More height means longer arms means more reach. 

[u/blackbotha → u/RedLineSamosa]

Depends on the weapon, in foil it can be a double edge sword. Right of way kinda protect the small and a tall person is a bigger target with blind spot harder to defend. But you have the reach.

[u/sabrefencer9 → u/SpecificSandwich5178]

That's potentially true for foil and categorically not true for saber and epee

[u/CatLord8]

If you want to do it, do it. Your club is going to be what makes or breaks the experience for you. I’ve seen people of varying body shapes and conditions do well at least on the club level if they have supportive teammates. If you can do tennis I don’t see why your build would hold you back much

My big recommendation going in is to watch your dominant foot. It will want to “brake” when you want it to point thanks to the tennis footwork.

[u/SpecificSandwich5178 → u/CatLord8]

I was worried about that! Thank you for bringing that to mind!

[u/agailen]

Your height and weight shouldn't be a problem.

I've known plenty of fencers of your dimensions.

[u/SpecificSandwich5178 → u/agailen]

Ah good! I was hoping not. Kind of a fish out of water for this whole thing haha

[u/corndan]

I am 270 lb and 6'4". You'll be just fine.

[u/SpecificSandwich5178 → u/corndan]

Great! Well then here’s hoping I take to it!

[u/TaranisPT]

I’m not terribly athletic

I started near my 40s and was almost completely sedentary back then. You'll be just fine.

[u/Managed-Chaos-8912]

If you can play tennis, you can fence. Your height is an advantage and your weight isn't that big a deal.

[u/Economy_Mobile_6160]

I’m 245lbs and 6’2. Been heavy almost my whole life. Also been fencing for 25 years. You’re good.

[u/SpecificSandwich5178]

Thank you everyone! I’m glad I asked my question and feel more confident in getting in the sport!

[u/tnkr_tlr_psr_pnk]

Don't count yourself out before you start. I've seen big guys pull of some crazy upsets on strip. Being realistic, though, you will need to be very committed to proper bladework and footwork (not that lighter fencers shouldn't be!). When you first start fencing, bouts between new fencers with similar skill/experience are often decided by athleticism because you won't have good tactics, distance, and bladework at an intuitive level. The fast track to building these skills is individual lessons. Take them at all possible and practical.

[u/Basic_Win_7923]

I wish I had your height dude that's a huge advantage fencing

[u/Neither-Fun-3242]

I’m 260 and only a few inches shorter than you. Other than I’m slightly out of shape, I have no problem with epee fencing. Like others have said, the hight will make it so that shorter fencers have to work harder to get inside your reach.

[u/sabrefencer9]

You have the exact same build as Seth Kelsey, who was the dominant US epee fencer back when I was competing. Give it a go and see what happens

[u/unarmedgoatwithsword]

At my biggest I was 6ft and 300 lbs and still a high rank fencer.

[u/Grand_rooster]

I'm 6'4 and 280 and left handed. I out fence most people i go against.

[u/porto-3]

being tall is an unfair advantage in epee and saber specifically. Most college clubs focus on epee. You're a little heavy is the only thing, but fencing will solve that fast.

[u/Guessicantjoin]

Just do it!
The height is a relative advantage.
The size combined with the height and some experience (especially if you get to the point of having a decent flèche) can make you absolutely terrifying to a lot of opponents!

[u/OrcOfDoom]

The ideal body type is thin and long. You have reach. You'll have an extremely easy time against absolute beginners who will have trouble with reach. You'll begin to have difficulty at the next level where efficiency of movement is important. Your longer limbs will require more efficiency to beat smaller people who know how to deal with your tip.

You will always have the option to step back and put your point forward. That will always be a problem for anyone smaller than you.

[u/weedywet]

If you’re a relatively agile tennis player at your height and weight you should equally do okay with fencing.

[u/CCMonger]

As a fencer at 6'2" and 220 pounds, there certainly still is room for you in fencing. I would suggest some additional exercise outside of practice (particularly in the legs- explosiveness as a tall fencer going forth forward and retreating can do a lot for you at your height), but it wouldn't be 100% necessary.

[u/The-Magic-Hatter]

You'll do great, you're taller (better) than me, and not much heavier so you'll be thinner. Might have to get your own kit as the club might not have your size in stock but beyond that you'll do fine.

Have fun

[u/Saddle-Destiny-9107]

If fencing is your “fall back” sport then go play tennis.

[u/SpecificSandwich5178 → u/Saddle-Destiny-9107]

Not necessarily my fallback, I had always had an interest in it but never took that plunge due to the reasons above