The Gray Epee

This is really good and useful.  I'll add one point for women over 50.  I heard years ago that, while women lack the burst of speed that men have, they have greater stamina and endurance.  (This was written in relation to marathon running and the author - I can't remember the full context - suggested that if the marathon course were ten miles longer, women would win every time.)  If you're an older woman, this will sometimes work in your favour.  I've even occasionally had the experience of beating or nearly beating a much better male fencer who has run out of energy while fencing.  This won't work against really experienced fencers who are good at conserving their energy and, when you're over 50, physical setbacks can cause knock-on effects for ages.  But it's worth looking at male opponents to judge how much energy they have left - if your male opponent seems to be running out of energy, it's time to draw on reserves and move a lot, as fast as you can, changing distance, etc.

Jim, I feel mean posting this on your blog.  But if, like me, you're a woman over 50 with no previous history of taking vigorous exercise, it's helpful to know that there may be a point in club nights and competitions where, eventually, you'll find you still have energy as the men around you are flagging.  Just as men use their greater strength and speed in mixed-gender bouts, women have to call on stamina and endurance.