Most people start with boxing or MMA when they want to get into combat sports. Makes sense — they're everywhere.

But here's what I've learned coaching all three: fencing teaches you how to think under pressure faster than any other sport.

The distance management, timing, and split-second decision making transfer directly to boxing footwork and defensive movement. Fencers who pick up boxing later are usually 2-3 months ahead of where they'd be otherwise.

A few things that surprise people about fencing:

1. It's a full-body workout. Lunges, explosive footwork, core rotation. You'll feel it.

2. It's chess at 100mph. You're reading your opponent's intentions and countering in real time.

3. The learning curve is friendlier than you think. You can have fun bouts within your first few sessions.

We run fencing and boxing classes out of our local gym — Monday and Wednesday evenings. If you're curious about trying something different, come check it out. First week is on us.