Quote:
Originally Posted by orlok
Does being a leftie give you any advantage against those used to fencing against mostly right-handers?
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Absolutely. Many fencers (unfortunately including myself) have little opportunity to fence against lefties. I pray that we get another one joining our club here, as there are two very good lefties that fence for Bangkok clubs that I sometimes meet up with at the tournaments. They get to work out together fairly often, but I'm fighting blind when I face them.
One them them is somewhat predictable (at the moment,) so easy to defend against, and I just use counter-attacks to score my points relying primarily upon my reflexes and speed (as I have to do fencing against this Thai boy,) as I have no good direct attacks to use on left-handed fencers these days. The other lefty is a brilliant strategist, remarkable tactician, and usually mops the floor with me when we fence epee...
In Foil I can handle him.
Unfortunately, he also has a VERY heavy hand, and is painful to fence epee with. In fact, yesterday I fabricated a larger chest protector out of heavy vinyl to wear under my jacket with him in mind!
The commercial chest protectors sold leave too much of the area on my upper chest/shoulder area unprotected and are too stiff to be comfortable.
Stitchawl