Free Sample
The Purple Guide to Learning Fencing in 10 Days
What you can actually learn in ten days: footwork, blade control, and your first real bouts — no gear, no club, no prior fitness required.
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: First Day
First Day
Let's be clear about what today is: you are not going to learn how to fence. Today you are going to stand in a room (or a hallway, or a patch of backyard, or the space between your couch and the television) and feel what it is like to be a fencer. That's the whole point. By the end of today's session, you will have performed the fencing stance, taken a step forward, and felt your own body react to the idea of holding a blade. That is a real win, not a consolation prize.
Here is what you need before you start. A clear floor space about six feet long and four feet wide, so you can step without knocking anything over. A pair of shoes that let you slide a little — sneakers are fine, bare feet are fine too. A wall or a sturdy chair you can touch for balance when you first try bending your knees. And an object to hold that can stand in for a sword. A rolled-up magazine works. A short broom handle works. A wooden spoon, a spatula, a ruler, or a thick umbrella handle all work. You do not need a real fencing weapon today. You want something about a foot and a half long, light enough to hold in one hand, and not sharp. That is it. That's all the equipment.
Now, stand up. Plant both feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Put your