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You forgot about the saber! How could you!? A duel! :smile40:
But, in the end, this is a topic about sports, not about "thugs in dark alleys." And competitive fencing (not Tolkien-style) improves reaction time, accuracy, logic, and tactics. It enhances coordination, allows you to assess your opponent immediately, and develops a certain skill, let's say... the ability to quickly identify weaknesses? Well, as I see it, the latter is present in any respectable martial art.
Although, of the three (épée, saber, foil), I can vouch for the saber. It's like chess, but on the fencing piste, because you need to anticipate your opponent's actions several moves ahead. But the trick is that you have to anticipate and execute those moves in a few seconds. I'll be honest, I'm not very good at it yet, but I'm trying.
And as for thugs in alleys... fencing provides enough physical strength to resist at least a low-level thug.
And it gives you confidence. Of course, I might be wrong, but I think thugs are like maniacs – if they see that you can fight back, they won't bother you. If I'm wrong about the last point, correct me, okay?