Starting Off Right : To be more than a "machine" on the fencing strip, new fencers must learn to control their physical movements and think strategically at the same time.

First, fencers must learn the fundamentals of fencing -- the on guard position, the lunge, the recovery and the ability to advance and retreat. Second, fencers must exercise patience. Frustration and haste are counter productive. Lastly, fencers need to perfect offensive and defensive maneuvers via lessons.

Fear of attack is also commonplace among beginning fencers. Over time, confidence grows, and the perception of violence translates into nothing more than movement to be countered.