Update the Second to follow later tonight or tomorrow:
Beginner fencers are still welcome to practice from 6:00 to 7:00 on Mondays and Thursdays, including tonight, for the next couple of weeks. You're also welcome to stay and fence a bit during the open club sessions on Mondays and to join us on Thursdays. Remember, if you want to take the next intermediate class, you really need to be comfortable with those basic skills to get the full benefit of it. And the only way to get comfortable with them is by using them against other fencers.
Did someone say 'class'? Why, I suppose I did! The next beginner class will start January 18 and the next intermediate class will start January 19. Both will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the beginners on Monday and Wednesday and the intermediates on Tuesday and Thursday. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be either purchased or rented. The purchase price is $110 for males and $130 for females. You'll get your own mask, glove, jacket, and foil, plus required chest protection for women and girls. Alternately, you can rent equipment for $30 per month. You'll get a jacket and mask to take home with you as well as use of a club foil and (if needed) chest protection. You'll also need to purchase your own glove for $10. (Trust me, you don't want to share gloves, especially during flu season!)
More on equipment rental: Did you rent equipment for the first beginner class and want to continue using it for now? Not a problem! The amount that would have been refunded when you turned in the equipment can be applied to the monthly rental fee instead. Do you have your own gear now? Great! In addition to taking the refunded amount as a check, you can also have it applied to the next class if you're taking one or club dues if you aren't. You can even use it on t-shirts and other swag if you want. Remember, returned equipment must be clean and in good condition. If it's yucky, I won't take it back! (Note to new renters: This refund applies only to those who rented equipment for last fall's classes as a different agreement applies to them.)
Youth fencing: Starting Sunday, January 17, we'll have a special fencing class/session for young fencers. This time is intended for fencers and wanna-fencers aged 8-12 and is intended to be an ongoing mix of instruction and fencing rather than a set class schedule like the other classes. Sessions will be from 2:30 to 4:00 for starters and the fee is $10 per month. Equipment purchase or rental applies as above.
Coming soon: Intro to saber and intro to epee, anyone? Ditto daytime classes and/or fencing sessions. The initial thought was to offer these for the home schooled set but we're also taking a look at area school schedules -- the more, the merrier, right? Let me know what times/days you're interested in!
Still to come: This past weekend's Hangover Classic (including video!), the upcoming River City Rumble, and a few other things I've run out of time to cover now.
