Fencing is Good for You! We recently (December 1999) enquired of Dr. Raymond Crawfurd, medical adviser for the British Fencing Association, about the possible health benefits and restrictions for fencing.
Though difficult to give a specific answer, the following are general considerations:

Possible benefits:

• one of the pluses of the sport is that it can be continued life long:- there are active fencers well over seventy years of age;
• there is a strong impression that the principal health benefit appears to be increased reflexes (famously there is the story that Polish fighter pilots stationed in Britain during WWII insisted on fencing as a method of maintaining their reflexes at a high level).
• also it seems, from various scientific papers, that left-handers do have an inbuilt advantage.
• it is suitable for disabled people fencing from wheelchairs, or those with only one good arm: see the link to paraplegic fencing.

Restrictions:

• as far as restrictions are concerned, it would be an unsuitable sport for people who have previously suffered from tennis elbow or groin strain as both these conditions may be exacerbated by fencing.

Recent (2003) Health News:

• Fencing can ward off Alzheimer's Disease.
  To quote an article from the British Fencing journal "The Sword" October 2003:- Good news for veterans. Recent studies have shown that older people who engage in mentally demanding pursuits, like fencing, dancing or playing the piano, are 75% less likely to develop Alzheimer's or dementia.
  Susanne Sorensnen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said:
  "This research strengthens the 'use it or lose it' school of thought, which states that complex and precise activity can build up a brain reserve that may protect people from Alzheimer's disease in later life. However, static mental exercise alone is not enough - the well being and improved general health that comes from many physical activities bring added benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease."