Classes and order info for August (plus foil mask change reminder) - 31 Jul 12

The next IWFC beginner class starts Monday, August 6! Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 and the last class is on the 26th. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be either rented ($30 per month plus $10 to purchase a glove) or purchased (starting at around $110). Payments, equipment sizing, and paperwork are taken care of as part of the first class.

August equipment orders are due by 10:00 Wednesday, August 8. Visit Absolute Fencing or look through a catalog at club. Then fill out the order form and turn it in at club or email it back to me. Payment is due at the time you place your order. IMPORTANT NOTE TO FOIL COMPETITORS: Remember, effective August 1, 2012, part of the bib is now target area. Conversions are available for most masks so you do not have to buy a whole new mask (unless, of course, you want to). If you are planning on competing in both foil and epee, however, you will want to consider having one mask for each weapon or getting a mask with a changeable bib.

I hope everyone's been having fun watching the Olympics! If you haven't been able to watch events as they happen or want to watch them again, NBC has videos available here.

IWFC is on regular schedule - 30 Jul 12

We're back on regular schedule now so I'll see you at IWFC's open practice tonight!

Poquoson classes, club cancelled - 29 Jul 12

Sorry for the late notice but there will be no fencing classes or practice in Poquoson today! I've just come down very sick and cannot make the drive from the tournament in Manassas back to Poquoson. My apologies and we'll make up for the missed classes later!

Let the Games begin! - 27 Jul 12

You might have heard a rumor that there's some big sporting even or other going on in London (and other UK locales) over the next several days and that fencing is involved. It's true! Tonight is the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. And saberist Mariel Zagunis will carry the flag for the U.S. athletes.

The fencing schedule and results can be tracked here. You can set up alerts to remind you when an event is about to start as well as preview upcoming events. They also have the TV listings so you can start setting up your DVR to record your favorites.

Heat heads-up!!

July is always a tough month at IWFC due to the lack of air conditioning but tonight it feels worse in here than usual.  According to the little temperature readout on my desk, it's 93 in here right now.  It will start cooling down a bit very soon but it's going to be worse than usual tonight regardless.  Make a smart decision for yourself about fencing tonight, friends!  If you come out, plenty of breaks and lots of water will be mandatory!

Tournaments! - 26 Jul 12

Congrats to Stephen for taking second in the Commonwealth Games mixed epee last weekend! Scott took ninth in the foil and Stephen was also part of the fourth-place epee team. Great job, guys!

For those going to the Ronin Fencing Foundation Ratings Rally in Manassas this weekend, remember that they will be checking bodycords and lamés before the event. This will begin at 8:15 on both days. Make sure you plan to arrive with enough time to both check in and get your gear checked! Don't forget to pre-register if you haven't already done so!

Event - registration closing time - number of entrants as of 4:00 p.m. today (Thursday):

Saturday:

Unrated mixed foil - 9:30 - 24
D & under mixed epee - 12:00 - 2
Unrated mixed saber - 1:30 - 9

Sunday:

D & under mixed foil - 9:30 - 22
Unrated mixed epee - 12:00 - 4
D & under mixed saber - 1:30 - 15

I will be there all day Saturday and until noon or so on Sunday (have to leave then to make it back for Poquoson's classes and club session).

Up next, CFA's Annual Back to School Brawl in Charlottesville August 25-26. The entry fee is $25 if you preregister, $50 if you don't so don't forget! Prizes are awesome swords and knives (podium finishers may choose a Division medal in lieu of a pointy object).