30 December 2010

Quick schedule reminder - 30 Dec 2010

Remember, no fencing tonight at IWFC or Sunday at PFC. IWFC's regular schedule picks up again on Monday, January 3, with a minor tweak to Tuesdays: Level A will move back 30 minutes to run from 6:30 to 7:30. (Thursday's Level A session stays at the same 6:00 to 7:00.) I'll have the calendar information updated shortly.

Also, the next beginner and intermediate classes at IWFC start next week! The beginner class runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 for ten sessions and the intermediate class is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 for eight sessions. The fee for either class is $60. Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to sign up!

28 December 2010

Game on! - 28 Dec 2010

Although I haven't been out to the salle today, I'm going to assume it's melting as well in Carrollton as it is here. (Yes, yes. I know what they say about assumption. Poor ol' Umption!) The floor will be open to all fencers from 6:00 to 9:00 tonight so come on out, show off your new toys -- fencing or otherwise -- and work off some of that holiday feasting. (I know, everything only has one calorie between Thanksgiving and the New Year but I've had a looooot of one-calories over the past few days...)

27 December 2010

Well snowballs - 27 Dec 2010

The good news is that for the most part the roads are hugely better than they were just this morning. They're continuing to improve by the minute and will likely keep on doing so for the next couple of hours.

The bad news is our parking lot. It's a deep mass of snow overlaying a thick layer of slush supported by a definite morass of mud. Right now it's negotiable with care, albeit a bit dicey for getting back on the road. But when the temps start dropping below the freezing mark around sundown, it's going to get (to use a meteorological term) really yucky. So as much as I hate to say it, fencing is cancelled tonight.

BUT! It's not all bad news though! If things are better tomorrow, I'll open the floor to all fencers from 6:00 to 9:00 both Tuesday and Wednesday nights to make up for it. So keep your fingers crossed!

Snow you think you can fence? - 27 Dec 2010

I'll be heading out to the salle in a bit to check on details like the roads, pipes, roof, etc. to decide whether or not we're open tonight. Stay tuned!

22 December 2010

'Twas the last fencing night before Christmas - 22 Dec 2010

Or rather, 'tis the last fencing night before the club takes a little break. If you had swag set aside for your fencer or if you need a last minute item or two, you can come out to IWFC tonight from 7:00 to 9:00. In addition to bottles, socks, patches, and tees for both clubs, I have a few equipment bags as well.

All fencers are welcome tonight for a little extra fencing! If we have a nice crowd like we did Monday, please remember the people waiting on the sidelines and watch your time on strip. It's more fun (and warmer) when everyone gets to play!

20 December 2010

Holiday schedule - 20 Dec 2010

Our schedule for the holidays is as follows:

Tuesday, December 21: Level A 6:00 to 8:00 (IWFC)

Wednesday, December 22: Open fencing with priority to epee/saber 7:00 to 9:00 (IWFC)

Thursday, December 23 - Sunday, December 26: No fencing

Monday, December 27: Open fencing 7:00 to 9:00 (IWFC)

Tuesday, December 28: Level A 6:00 to 8:00 (IWFC)

Wednesday, December 29: Open fencing with priority to epee/saber 7:00 to 9:00 (IWFC)

Thursday December 30 - Sunday, January 2: No fencing

Monday, January 3: Regular IWFC schedule resumes. Beginner class starts at IWFC

Tuesday, January 4: Intermediate class starts at IWFC.

Sunday, January 9: NO PFC due to the big fencing tournament in Richmond.

Sunday, January 16: PFC resumes regular schedule.

PFC, I know that's a big break but no worries. Your dues entitle you to come to IWFC practices too so come on out and play!

16 December 2010

Weather note - 16 Dec 2010

As you've probably noticed/heard, there's a little bit of winter going on out there. Accordingly, tonight's Level A and open fencing practices are officially cancelled. Tomorrow's still up in the air but I'll let you know when that decision's made.

If you're traveling anywhere, whether it's down the street or out of state, take your time and be careful! Area road conditions are already being flagged as 'moderate' and 'severe' according to VDOT's road conditions website. By the bye, if you're heading out of state, several states have similar road condition pages -- quite handy for keeping tabs on things!

09 December 2010

Club themed goodies are in! - 9 Dec 2010

The club-themed goodies (aka 'swag') are here!
  • Tees with the club logos - IWFC's logo is on the back of black tees, PFC's is on the left chest of white or maroon tees ($15)
  • Handsome 27 oz stainless steel water bottles with a gasketed screw-top and carabiner - IWFC's is white with the logo in black, PFC's is deep red with the monogram logo in silver ($20)
  • Key chains - IWFC's key chain has the logo in black and white and PFC's keychain has a red LED as well as the club's monogram logo ($10)
  • Fencing socks in black with either club's initials down the sides in gray ($15)
  • Patches for both clubs, which can be sewn on the non-weapon arm of the fencing jacket, on backpacks and bags, or wherever strikes your fancy! ($5)
  • Bag strap - A sturdy nylon web strap with three snaps and embroidered with 'IWFC' and the image of a fencer (I love mine!) ($5)
You can get your swag at any class or practice session. If you'd like me to set aside items for you, either until you can pick them up at club or until we can sneak them around your fencer, just shoot me a note and we'll sort out the details!

08 December 2010

Dawn Treader demo and other goodies - 8 Dec 2010

We're a go for the Dawn Treader premier at the Harbour View Grand theatre this Friday night! (Click here for directions.) All you have to do is wear/bring your fencing gear and show up ready to fence and to talk about fencing! I'll try to make sure everyone gets a chance to fence a bit but when you're not fencing, you can answer peoples' questions about fencing, tell them what the sport's like, what you like about it, etc. Our time is from 7:00 to 8:00 so if you can be there a bit before 7:00 so we can jump right into it, it'll be a help. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to come out!

Saber fencers, we'll make up Friday's class in Poquoson on Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00. If you can't make it, no worries. Just let me know and we'll schedule something that works for you.

The last equipment order of 2010 goes in Wednesday, December 15! If you've been wanting to get something spiffy for your fencer and save yourself the shipping, this is your last chance before the holidays. Visit Absolute's website and let me know what you want no later than 10 p.m. on the 15th. Items should be in hand by the following Tuesday, December 21.

The next set of foil classes at IWFC will start the first week of January. The beginner class will start Monday, January 3, and the intermediate class will start on Tuesday, January 4. The beginner class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 for ten sessions and the intermediate class meets Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 for eight sessions. Both classes are $60 (the intermediate fee includes dues for the month) and equipment can be rented or purchased as needed. Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to register.

Many fencing clubs have an area where fencers can display their fencing awards and trophies and people have mentioned doing that at IWFC as well. Ed made it official the other day when he brought in his trophy from the Tech Open! I'll have a display shelf up shortly plus rods we can hang medals from so if you have a fencing shiny you'd like to show off/share, bring it on in!

Check out this great fencing-themed commercial featuring a footballer wielding an epee against a saberist! Don't miss the handy foot action with the cabbage. (Wait, can I say 'handy' when talking about a soccer move?)

While you're browsing around online, take a look at the newly-remodeled Virginia Division website. The forums have had a face lift as well but the big change is the site itself. How 'bout that schedule page!

Have you fenced in a tournament or twelve? Take a look at this online fencing journal that debuted this week. It integrates with the AskFRED database so you can analyze your past results sixteen ways to Sunday. Pretty nifty!