More stuff - 30 Apr 2010

The salle phone number's working again, yay!

More NAC notes: A few videos from last weekend have been posted. Bonus: This YouTube user, CyrusofChaos, also has many videos of high level bouts with insightful annotations and commentary. I highly recommend watching at least one or two -- it can be quite eye-opening!

Equipment order: There are just a few hours left in April which means it's almost time for another equipment order. The May order will be made on Wednesday, May 5, so let me know what you want no later than 10 p.m. that night. As always, orders can be either given to me at any club or class session or emailed to me.

Think ink! IWFC's been in the Virginian-Pilot's 'Sun' section twice in the past couple of weeks. First, we were in the 'Your Corner' column on April 20. (We're the third paragraph down, right below the 'Snapshot VA' graphic.) Then a week later, a larger piece was printed. (Yes, that's actually Balint, not Scott, in the second picture. No, epee rules haven't been changed, bouts are still to five touches, not three. But I'm not complaining - we've already had great feedback from both pieces!)

Want a test box of your own? They'll be like the boxes at the salle, with red and green lights, no buzzer, and can be used with both foils and epees. Cost is $13 and I'll start on them as soon as at least eight have been ordered. Payment isn't due until I'm ready to order the parts so if you're interested, let me know. As soon as I have the minimum number of orders, I'll let those on the list know so they can send in payment. (If you want to see exactly what you'll be getting, I can either show you the one in my office or send a picture of it to you.) If you're one of our not-as-local-as-you-used-to-be fencers but want a test box of your own, not a problem. Just shoot me a note and we'll sort out how to get it to you!

Private lessons can be scheduled during the day so you don't have to give up any of your club time to get a bit of extra fencing in! Of course they're still available during regular club sessions as well so we shouldn't have much trouble at all finding a time that works well for you.

Busy days! - 30 Apr 2010

The salle phone is not working so if you've tried to call 238.3111 starting some time Thursday and got nothing but endless ringing, well, that's why. It's being checked into but in the meanwhile (and as always), I can be reached at 334.3603.

Intermediate class at IWFC: I got so caught up in the NAC last weekend that I forgot to remind everyone (including myself!) that the intermediate class started on Tuesday. So if you were wanting to take the class but missed the start, no worries, I'll take registrations through next Tuesday, May 4. And I'll work with everyone to make sure the lessons from the missed classes are covered. Classes are Tuesday and Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 and the $60 class fee includes dues for the month.

Beginner class at Poquoson: Yes, I was in full 'calendar fail' mode! I had noted incorrectly that the 18th was the last session, taking the snow day into account. That was the ninth class though, not the tenth, so you get one more day of class. But that actually opens up a nifty opportunity for you! Many of you have tried out your new skills at the PFC practices over the past couple of weekends so we'll use the tenth session to go over those experiences, answer questions, and review skills. We'll do this on Sunday, May 9 (5:00 to 6:00), so if you haven't been to a club session yet, come on out this Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 and have fun with us!

I know it's warming up outside but remember, shorts are not allowed at practices. Thin cotton/lycra-type pants aren't either simply because they don't provide any protection to speak of. Keep it safe and keep it fun!

Speaking of fun, Jefferson Labs is having an open house this weekend! It's Saturday, May 1, from 9:00 to 2:00 and not only will you get to check out all sorts of cool stuff, it's free! For more information, including directions, click here.

I'm tickled to hear so many of you checked out the NAC last weekend! Next up, Sectionals in Greensboro, NC.

NAC results - 25 Apr 10

The USFA finally started publishing the results from this weekend's NAC. Scott finished his pool bouts on a strong note but the competition had strong notes of their own as well. Of the over two hundred epeeists, only 75% made the DEs so his competition day ended there, as did that of several friends from surrounding clubs. But it was still a good day of fencing and there's one more day left!

Four days of fencing starts tomorrow! - 22 Apr 10

The NAC starts tomorrow in Virginia Beach! Although reality got in the way of my original thought of spending all four days there, I'll still be there half of Friday, most of Sunday and (hopefully) all of Monday. The fencing schedule is as follows (times are close of fencer check-in, actual fencing will start some time afterwards - and Div I means C-rated and higher):

Friday:

  8:00 Youth 14 Women's Epee, Youth 12 Women's Saber, Div I Women's Foil
12:30 Youth 10 Men's Epee, Youth 12 Men's Foil, Youth 14 Men's Saber

Saturday:

8:00 Youth 10 Men's Foil, Div I Men's Saber, Div I Women's Epee
1:00 Youth 14 Men's Epee
1:30 Youth 10 Women's Saber
2:00 Youth 14 Women's Foil

Sunday:

8:00 Div I Men's Epee (go Scott!), Youth 12 Women's Foil
1:00 Div I Women's Saber, Youth 10 Women's Epee
1:30 Youth 14 Men's Foil
3:30 Youth 12 Men's Saber

Monday:

  8:00 Div I Men's Foil, Youth 12 Women's Epee, Youth 14 Women's Saber
11:00 Youth 10 Men's Saber, Youth 10 Women's Foil
12:00 Youth 12 Men's Epee

Schedule info from here.

And don't forget, in addition to getting to watch a lot of great fencing, you can also check out equipment from several vendors, including but not limited to Absolute and Leon Paul USA. (Full list available at the above link.) Been wondering what a different grip or blade would feel like? Thinking about getting a new jacket? Here's your chance to try stuff out (or on) before you buy it. You can bet I've got a shopping list ready to go!

I hope to cross paths with many of you there!

Email addresses - 19 Apr 10

If you've given me your email address but haven't received any email, let me know. I have a few I've evidently misread and can't suss out what they should be, plus there are a couple of domains that like to reject the club emails as potential spam for some users but not all (AOL, for instance). Anyhow, shoot me a note and we'll sort things out!

Oops! Date correction ahead - 19 Apr 10

The IWFC beginner class starts tonight, Monday, April 19.

The IWFC intermediate class starts next Tuesday, April 27.

Welcome and classes and more stuff, oh my! - 18 Apr 10

Welcome to all of our new friends we met Saturday at Nike Park! We had an even better location than last year and were kept hopping all day with foam sabers and balloons. A million thank yous to Scott and Liz for all their help! And did we have fun? You'd better believe it! Video proof is on our YouTube channel -- sadly, someone forgot to charge her camera battery (guilty!) so no still shots this year, just video. This year we got both the Chik-Fil-A cow and Smoky Bear to play with us a bit. Next year we'll have to see if we can get them to fence each other!

Remember, classes at IWFC start this week! You still have time to register (via email or by calling 238-3111) but if time gets past you, it's all right to show up on the first night of class. We'll get you taken care of! The beginner class is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00, running ten sessions long, and the intermediate class is on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00, running eight sessions. Each class is $60 and equipment can be either rented or purchased.

Just in case you haven't seen it already, there was a great news story a couple of weeks ago about blind fencers. To top it off, there's even a short video news piece about them now. Very cool!

And in closing, if you've been thinking about joining the US Fencing Association, now's an excellent time to do it. First-time members' expiration date will be July 2011 instead of July 2010 so you'll be getting three months for free! USFA members receive the American Fencing magazine each quarter, voting privileges, and other benefits. Plus your membership fee helps support fencing from the top all the way down to clubs like us! Click here to learn more as well as to register online. (We have to have at least ten USFA members each season in order to maintain our club membership so if you join up, please let me know so I can keep everything squared away.)

Demo, Olympians, Classes - 16 Apr 10

Fencing demo this Saturday: Don't forget, this Saturday -- TOMORROW -- is the Day in the Park at Carrollton Nike Park. Fencers of all skill levels are needed (IWFC or PFC, of course) and it should be a lovely day to play around outside! I've been told we'll be towards the back of the park, near the bathrooms and with lots of trees around us. Call me (334.3603) tomorrow morning after 9:00 and I can give you the exact location. The demo itself is from 10:00 to 2:00 and if it's only half as much fun as we had last year, it will still be a darned good time! Help show off our excellent sport!

Olympians versus locals? It might happen next weekend at the North American Cup event at the Virginia Beach Convention Center! IWFC's Scott Young will be competing in the Div I men's epee, which will be fenced on Sunday, April 25. As several past and potential Olympians are entered as well, he may well get to try his hand against one or more of them! In addition to the C-rated and higher (Div I) adult events, youth fencers (aged 14 and below) from all over the country will be competing in their own events as well. You can see the schedule at the bottom of the page linked above. Although I cannot be on hand Saturday, you can bet I'll be there the other three days! I hope to see lots of you there as well -- and if you're wearing your PFC or IWFC shirts, people will know you're a fencer too! Bonus: Several fencing equipment vendors will be on site so it's also a great opportunity to check things out in person. (Did someone say 'new toys'?)

Sectionals: This year's Southeast Sectionals are in Greensboro, NC, May 1 and 2. (Divisions are grouped into Sections so this will have fencers from several states entering.) The entry deadline is April 25 -- late entries are accepted but at triple the regular fee so if you're planning on competing, make sure you get it taken care of.

Additional upcoming tournaments, including a veteran (40+) event, can be seen here.

Rate changes effective in May - 14 Apr 10

If you've been with IWFC/PFC for a couple of years, you probably know I try to enact major changes on August 1, the start date of the fencing year. I need to break away from that now, however, as it's just not practical with the club's new status as being part of a small business. With that being said, new rates are going into effect as of May 1.

Short version: Full-Time Membership will be $15 per month, Pay As You Go will be $20. Additional family members are $5 per month (immediate family only). Epee/Saber Night is still $5 per month per fencer, no family discount. Armory rates are going up slightly and I'll make myself be better about 'not giving the farm away' (thanks for the reminder, Turin). I'll post the armory rate sheet at IWFC by the armory table; the new rates can also be seen at IWFC's info page. (I'll hopefully have PFC's info page updated tonight after I come back from epee/saber night.) These are still pretty modest amounts compared to what I'm seeing for other clubs and other sports in the area but if you find this puts you in a bind, please come talk to me. We'll work something out because hey, this is fencing! It's important!

(Note: If you've already paid for May and beyond, the new rates won't kick in until your payment runs out.)

I'd like to say a big 'thank you!' to you all for letting me know that you value the new things we've been able to start offering over the past several months. My goal is for us to continue to grow and I couldn't do it without you!

Demo, classes - 14 Apr 10

The Day in the Park demo is this Saturday, April 17, from 10:00 to 2:00. It's hosted by the Isle of Wight Parks and Rec department at Carrollton Nike Park (click for turn-by-turn directions). Volunteers are needed to help show off our sport by fencing, answering questions, helping people whack each other with foam sabers, possibly fencing cows, and -- of course -- looking awesome. If you can only be there for part of the time, not all four hours, that's okay. I don't know exactly where we'll be so come in the main park entrance and just cruise 'til you find us! They loved us last year so let's wow them all over again!

The next beginner fencing class starts Monday, April 19. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 and run ten sessions long. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be either rented ($30) or purchased ($110-130). Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to register.

The next intermediate fencing class starts Tuesday, April 27. Classes are Tuesday and Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 and run eight sessions long. The class fee is $60 and if you don't have your own equipment, the standard monthly rental fee ($30) applies. Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to register.

Equipment order - AND stuff's on sale! - 7 Apr 10

Today is equipment order day! And talk about timing, Absolute just put a bunch of new stuff on clearance! As usual, orders and payment are due by 10 p.m. tonight. Any questions, just let me know.

Dates and reminders - 3 Apr 10

Poquoson: Remember, no fencing this Sunday, April 4. See you on the 11th!

Isle of Wight: We're on the regular evening schedule this week AND we now have three-weapon electrics on all three strips. So if Spring Break is messing with your fencing schedule elsewhere, come on out and play with us in Carrollton -- it's probably closer to you than you think! (Loaner equipment is available.)

Youth Fencing Camps: Youth fencing camps are being held this week for potential fencers between the ages of 8 and 18. Each camp meets for two hours each day, Monday through Friday, and the Friday session will be spent fencing against fellow campers for family and friends. Ages 8-10 are from 10:00 to noon, 11-14 are from 1:00 to 3:00, and 15-18 are from 3:30 to 5:30. The fee is $75. All equipment is provided and campers get to keep the fencing glove. Email Coach Hanes or leave a message at 238-3111 to register.

Equipment order: The April equipment order will be made on Wednesday, April 7, not this Monday. If you would like order anything, please send it in no later than 10 p.m. Tuesday night.

Dues: A new month means it's time to pay dues and equipment rental fees. You can either pay online or at the next PFC or IWFC session.

Congrats to Scott for taking home medals in all three weapons at the Conomikes-Gutenberg Open in Williamsburg! Balint and Meredith entered as well and had some great bouts to their credit, too. Full results can be seen here.