I, too, have found fencing to be a true gentleman's sport, as it requires both a quick wit as well finesse. In this same category I have put polo which takes, I believe, a level of talent unseen by the "average joe"; also, a connection between the rider and horse that is often underappreciated by those who have never had a close relationship with one of the creatures.

Elegance at it's finest.

I consider rugby a gentleman's sport. One must be physically fit and willing to level the other team while maintaining a disposition of dignity.
Also, unlike football, rolling on the ground sobbing is not done. The level of respect towards the referee is what I appreciate too.

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Unlike many other sports. fencing requires great concentration and the respect towards the referee makes him the 'God' of the bout. In the sport of fencing, there are three different types of swords, which all acquire a high level of mastering. Foil is the one, it not only is about who "pokes each other first," but is about tactical skill in both defensive skill and attacking in a manner that "over powers" the other opponent. The example of a "simple attack" could be "parried" and if the if "riposted" the point (touche) goes to defending fencer.

>>1677

It is also played without all that silly padding American footballers wear. I can far more respect a rugby player who is willing to step onto a field and clash with his fellow man without several inches of unwieldy plastic and foam strapped to his person.

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list of classy sports:
- fencing
- rugby
- badminton
- polo
- equestrian
- croquet
- skiing
- golf
- tennis
- soccer
- figure skating

>>1686
I say, honest chap, that rugby is hardly a gentlemens endeavor.

>>1690
In agreement, I as well say that rugby may not be a civil game, though it is indeed better then American football, ol' chap.

>>1686

How could you exclude cricket, the quintessential "gentleman's game", from your list? I dare say, a most egregious oversight.

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lord, what have I done?

Would sports of the mind and hand-eye coordination also befit a gentleman? Of course, I refer to such recreations as billiards, darts, archery, and rifling.

Skeet shooting as well as Bocce ball are the sports of true gentelman

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It really takes me by surprise that none of you, fine gents in here, has yet mentioned the most classy sport ever practiced by man.

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In all honesty, Hockey.

Although embraced by unrefined ruffians,
I really enjoy the high-speed nature of the game.

Without the fighting, of course.

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I enjoy a good game of Magic: the Gathering, it requires huge amount of mental skill, as such on fencing and chess.

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While the quality of the aforementioned athletic endeavors cannot be disputed, I do believe you gentlemen are remiss, in that you have neglected to mention that other most gentlemanly of combat arts: fisticuffs.

You will find that the accompanying image is related to the discussion at hand, as it depicts two gentlemen preparing to engage in fisticuffs.

Sirs,

While the art of rapier fencing is undoubtedly a fine endeavor, i cannot help but find myself drawn it's more superficially cred predecessor; Historical martial swordplay. While a bout with a Longsword, or indeed a sword & Shield may seem far more crude by comparison, my undertaking of study has revealed to me this is not exactly so. Indeed, It requires as much skill, daring, and technique as a saber-bout, if not more-so.

What say you?

I find the application of physics and geometry in German long sword treatises to be a most pleasing field of study.

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>>1686

Figure skating? Seriously?

What do you Gentlemen think of Sumo Wrestling? It truly is a window into a finer era.

agreed.

>>1733
I agree

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If any of you gents happen to ever be in Vancouver Canada, there is a fairly big fencing competition there this weekend.

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>>1736

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Whoops, wrong thread.

Although I stand here surrounded by mostly western classy sports, one cannot forget out gentlemanly brothers in the East. Particularly, Japan's Kendojutsu, and more specifically, a battle of Battojutsu.

I shall take the liberty of introducing Battojutsu.

Battojutsu is actually a battle of speed. It is a race between two swordsmen who will draw their swords in record time. Unlike other common jutsu like karatedo, Aikido and kendojutsu, Battojutsu is reserved for the most privileged and most skillful swordsmen. Luckily, I have been endowed with such knowledge. However, to actually practice it is very hard, and I perform it with such clumsiness and crassness that if I were to use it in a medieval fight, I would have most certainly lost.

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And,, of course, the greatest sport of all...

>>1690
I must respectfully disagree. Football is a game for gentlemen played by ruffians. Rugby is a game for ruffians played by gentlemen.

>>1686
I consider myself to be a gentleman, and I act as professionally as possible, whenever possible. I for one would add boxing to the list, being both a patron, and practitioner of said activity. Though, recently I've had a slight falling out with it, namely after receiving a dirty left elbow from the scoundrel in blue corner, by god it was hard enough to knock the fillings from Atlas' mighty teeth! Though I tried to turn the tide on the whelp, he proved to much for my mitted hands. Though that is neither here nor there.

I find polo to be a rather entertaining sport, as well as golf.

The only sport I participate in is chess using human servants to kill each other on a large grass board. Juilo has a hard time keeping the kentucky blue out of the monkey grass.

I am, I must admit, quite surprised that Canne du Combat has not been mentioned! The quintessential gentleman's sport, truly, as it takes advantage of a gentleman's cane for use as a weapon.

>>1686
No Archery?

Good God, ruffians have attempted to hijack this fencing thread and take it to Thugsville, which is a step worse than LoutBurg. Time to correct that. ahem...

I have fenced sabre for nearly ten years. I have been the US National Champion once, and have had the privilege of serving overseas on the US National Team.

Fencing is like playing a first person shooter, but against a physical opponent in hair trigger time. It is exhilarating.

Beginners are welcomed with open arms, as we all remember our first days with a blade. Fencing clubs are also a great way of meeting other very bright individuals. It is very safe, injuries are rare. It's also amazingly good, low impact very high caloric burn exercise. Also, stick with it and you'll develop insanely fast reflexes; not a bad thing when driving a car.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask.

In parting, I leave you with my absolute favorite fencing goods supplier, Leon Paul. I would no more step into combat without Leon Paul equipment than fight naked with only a stick as a weapon.

>>2611
Really easy to narrow down your identity from this post if what you say is true, just fyi

>>3569
It's been seven years. He's already made a new identity.