IWFC - PFC

Poquoson reminder, February classes - 29 Jan 12

2012-01-29T09:32:00.000-05:00

Quick reminder for Poquoson fencers: No fencing tonight as they're fixing up something on the floor this weekend.

February classes are coming up! The Poquoson beginner and intermediate classes start February 12. Contact Parks and Rec to sign up. Intermediate fencers must have completed the beginner course (or shown comparable skill) and attended sufficient club practices to show comfort and control in the skills they've learned so far. Just finished the beginner class? Join us for the club practices each Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 and work on those skills you've been learning. (Club membership and dues are taken care of through me, not PPR.)

The IWFC beginner class starts Wednesday, February 8. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 and are a total of ten sessions. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be rented or purchased. Sizing, payment, etc. are taken care of as part of the first class. Email or call 238-3111 to register.

The February IWFC intermediate class (foil) begins Friday, the 3rd. Classes are Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 and we meet a total of eight times. The class fee is $60. As above, intermediate fencers must have completed the beginner course (or shown comparable skill) and attended sufficient club practices to show comfort and control in the skills they've learned so far. Email or call 238-3111 to register.

Poquoson schedule notes - 22 Jan 12

2012-01-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

Hey Poquoson fencers! Just heard from Parks and Rec this afternoon that a bit of work needs be done on the new floor and they've scheduled it for next weekend, January 29. So that means no fencing for us, alas! We're off the following Sunday as well -- something about a big football game and historically only one or two people showing up that day and all that. So I'll see you all on February 12!

Speaking of February 12, the next beginner and intermediate classes start that day as well. Contact Poquoson Parks and Rec to register!

Informal saber event - 20 Jan 12

2012-01-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

Looking for a fun saber scrimmage? Mechanicsville Fencing Academy is hosting a saber event this Saturday. Visit their website for more information!

Poquoson, game on! - 15 Jan 12

2012-01-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

Poquoson starts back up again today! So...

The beginner class has its last two sessions today and next week. Both are at the regular 5:00 to 6:00 time.

The intermediate class wrapped up before the break so now instead of having class for an hour then fencing for the last hour of club, you get to fence at club for the whole two hours, from 6:00 to 8:00!

And of course club practice will be the usual 6:00 to 8:00 two hour block.

Hangover Classic recap - 14 Jan 12

2012-01-14T18:43:00.001-05:00

The Hangover Classic is one of Virginia's major fencing tournaments, offering all three weapons in both women's and mixed format. It's always a pretty darned good weekend but this year it was just amazing. I've actually started this entry several times but it kept dissolving into excited 'zomgyay!' keyboard gibberishjdfkwfsjher!!!!!

For starters, how about some numbers? (Click for the full-size version.)

In other words, it was huge! But the tournament committee and the refs did a fantastic job of keeping things moving along both days. They even promoted everyone out of the pools - no cuts! - which meant everyone got to fence at least one direct elimination match. So a huge 'thank you' goes out to all of them for making the event the huge success it was.

We had five people fencing on Saturday. Scott, Liz, and Shane did mixed foil, Meredith entered women's epee, and Scott and Brandon T. were in the monster saber event. Sunday saw Scott and Meredith fencing again, this time in mixed epee, along with David, Stephen, and Ed. Morgan came out as well, fencing in the women's saber event.

On Saturday, all three of our foilists had byes in the first elimination round, then Shane and Liz each went up against two of the three fencers who were tied for eighth at the time. Their day ended there, alas, and they finished side-by-side in the final placing. Scott made it into the round of 16 before he was finally bumped out by a fencer who continued into the final four. He placed 9th overall, narrowly missing updating his C rating.

Meredith also had a tough match-up in the women's epee DEs, facing the 9th place seed in her first elimination round. But it was a great warm-up for Sunday's mixed epee!

Saturday's mixed saber event was Brandon T.'s first competition and he picked a great one to start off with! Although he was knocked out in his first DE, he made a great impression on a lot of people. Can't wait to see him go out and do it again! Scott fenced into the round of 16 before having to call it a day.

Sunday was another full day of fencing. Although Morgan had to miss Saturday's huge saber melee, she was there for Sunday's women's saber event. She won her first DE round but then found herself matched up against the number one seed and eventual tournament winner. Still, not a bad way to spend a Sunday!

In epee, Scott, Meredith, and Ed are familiar faces at Virginia tournaments but David and Stephen were new to the division, although not new to competition. David and Meredith fenced solid games and laid some good groundwork for their next outings. Stephen had a bye in the first DE round and very nearly won the next round's match. It was a heck of a bout! And while his day ended there, it was enough to update his E rating to 2012. Ed made it into the third round before being knocked out but he got to take home a C12 rating for his efforts. And Scott made it two more rounds beyond that, finally being eliminated in the round of 8. His 7th place finish earned him a shiny A12. 'Way to go!' just doesn't come close to how tickled I am with everyone's performances last weekend!

Although I was a bit busy with other things during our fencers' bouts, I was able to record one of the mixed epee semi-final matches and the final. The videos are on our YouTube channel so wander on over and take a look when you have a chance. There's some pretty sweet fencing there!

Order reminder, lost item - 11 Jan 12

2012-01-11T12:48:00.000-05:00

Equipment orders are due tonight by 10 p.m. Visit Absolute Fencing to make your list then either bring it to club or email it to me tonight.

Did you happen to find a black Bluetooth earpiece in your stuff after Monday night's practice? If you do come across it, please bring it to practice tonight or email me if you can't make it.

Next update: A recap of the most exciting Hangover Classic ever!

Poquoson notes - 7 Jan 12

2012-01-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

Remember, one more week of no Poquoson fencing. This time it's due to the Hangover Open, a major tournament in Richmond this weekend. The regular schedule resumes next Sunday, January 15. As noted earlier, the remaining two beginner classes will be held January 15 and 22 at the regular times. After completing the class, beginning fencers are welcome to start utilizing their new skills in our open practices from 6:00 to 8:00 each Sunday evening!

The next Poquoson beginner class starts Sunday, February 12! You can contact Poquoson Parks and Rec to register effective immediately, even though the class isn't showing up on the website yet. The first class is from 4:00 to 6:00 to give us time to get paperwork and sizing taken care of, the remaining classes are from 5:00 to 6:00.

And if it's time for a new beginner class in Poquoson, it's also time for an intermediate class. Yep, the next Poquoson intermediate class also starts Sunday, February 12. Again, contact Parks and Rec to register. NOTE: In order to take the class, you must have successfully completed the beginner class and you should attend as many club practices as you can before taking the intermediate. If you are comfortable using the skills you learned in the beginner class without having to think through every action step by step any more, you'll get much more out of the intermediate class than if you don't attend any club practices beforehand! If you have any questions, just let me know.

Thursday - game on!

2012-01-05T13:03:00.000-05:00

Regular schedule resumes tonight. Game on!

Wednesday status

2012-01-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

The good news is I'm feeling a little better. The bad news is I'm still pretty sick. But with the Hangover this weekend, I know folks want to get in some practice so tonight's club session is on. (I can sit in the corner and not breathe on anyone!) Tonight's class, however, is off. We'll aim for Friday for our first day, darn it!

Speaking of which, I know I've been spreading the word about the January beginner class both in person and in individual emails but it looks like I never got it up on the site itself. Happily, January gives us some slip time so while the class's first day will be this Friday, the 6th, new fencers will be accepted through the following Wednesday. So if you've been thinking about it, this is a great time to jump on in! Remember, it's not exercise, it's fun!

The January equipment order is being pushed back a week due to this week's irregularities. So visit Absolute's website and make your shopping list. Orders and payments are due by 10 p.m. next Wednesday, January 11.

Tuesday - cancelled

2012-01-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry friends, but Tuesday fencing is cancelled too.

Monday night - cancelled!

2012-01-02T17:14:00.001-05:00

Well, Monday night fencing is cancelled. I'm sorry for the late notice but I'm not feeling my best today. I'm hoping it's just travel fatigue, not an actual bug, but just in case it is 'plane plague' I'm staying home tonight so I don't spread it around. Hopefully we'll be back on track tomorrow!

Equipment is here

2011-12-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

If you had anything in this month's equipment order, you can pick it up during any regularly scheduled practice. If we need to arrange something sneaky, let me know and I'll be happy to aid and abet!

Speaking of regular schedules, IWFC is on its regular schedule through Thursday this week. No fencing at all the week between Christmas and New Year's but then we're back to the regular schedule the first week of January. New beginner, intermediate (foil), and youth classes all start that week, too! What a great way to kick off a new year! Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to register.

Youth class note: The time is being pushed back an hour based on feedback I've had so far. We're still starting on Monday, Jan. 2, but from 4:00 5:00.

Schedule reminder, odds and ends - 11 Dec 11

2011-12-11T11:16:00.001-05:00

Remember, no fencing tonight or Monday!

Still looking for some gift ideas for your fencer? All sorts of club gear is available -- tees, socks, patches, water bottles, keychains, and more! Available at any club session or we can arrange a stealth hand-off or plain-wrapped parcel delivery.

There are lots of fencing-themed shirts, mugs, decals, etc. available at Pointed Comments. CafePress is giving out all sorts of discount codes and offers for the holidays so to make it easy for me to share those codes with you without annoying us all to death with email, voila! Pointed Comments now has a Facebook page. You can also get decals and shirts for both clubs there that aren't available from me directly, bonus! And there are plenty of non-fencing items as well so go look around -- maybe this will help you knock a few more names off of your shopping list.

Odds and ends:

Did you lose a book Thursday? A paperback was found just outside the salle. If your library's short a tome, check with me.

Quick fencing video of the day: The fencer on the left is Olympic skater Evan Lysacek making an advance lunge against Olympic saberist Tim Morehouse. In Tim's word's,'Pretty impressive form for a first time ever fencing!' Here's a little more from that same day.

Speaking of Olympic saberists, ever wonder what keeps Mariel Zagunis motivated? Check out this article on ESPN.com.

Order reminder, schedule notes - 7 Dec 11

2011-12-07T13:03:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to turn in your equipment order by 10:00 tonight! This is the last club order of the year and goodies will arrive in plenty of time for the holidays. So if you want to sneak in a gift or two for your fencer...

Schedule notes:

Poquoson: Due to work being done at the school plus the usual holiday stuff, Poquoson will not be meeting again until January 15. The last two beginner class sessions will be held January 15 and 22. But you don't have to go that whole time without any fencing! Remember, your monthly dues entitle you to attend the practices in Carrollton, too. If you're interested in ride-sharing (either driving or riding), let me know.

IWFC part I: There will be no lessons or open fencing this Friday, December 9, through Monday, December 12. The regular schedule resumes Tuesday.

IWFC part II: There will also be no lessons or open fencing Saturday, December 24, through Sunday, January 1.

Tournament notes:

The Nightmare Before Christmas Open/Youth tournament is December 17 and 18 in Charlottesville and it's looking pretty good with 30 people signed up for saber and 53 each for foil and epee! In addition to the fencers who have pre-registered, some of you have told me you're thinking about going but haven't registered yet. If you are definitely going, let me know and I'll see you there!

The Hangover Classic is January 7 and 8 in Richmond. This is a strong annual event and it's in a great venue (same place as last year). Absolute Fencing Gear will be there as well, making it a fantastic event both to compete in and to watch. Attention women fencers: You have the option of fencing in women's only events for all three weapons as well as in the mixed events!

Schedules and all sorts of other stuff - 30 Nov 11

2011-11-30T23:20:00.000-05:00

All of the videos from the past two tournaments have been posted to our YouTube channel. Have fun! If you have video or pictures of your own that you'd like to share, feel free either to upload them to the clubs' Facebook pages or to send them to me for uploading.

With the holidays and such, the calendar's too broken up to offer December classes at IWFC. That means that evening slots are available for private lessons! So if you've been wanting some one-on-one work and daytime hours don't work for you, now's your chance! Times: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00, Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30. Call 238-3111 or email coach@iwfc.net with questions or to schedule.

How about some youth fencing? We're going to give it a go on Monday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00, ages 7-9, at IWFC. Due to how chopped up the the calendar is for the next several weeks, we won't be able to start until after the first of the year but we'll start on January 2. Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to sign up your young fencer.

We have wifi! Just let me know when you want to get online (at either IWFC or PFC) and I'll set you up. (It's a limited data plan so save your heavy streaming for home, please. If we hit our quota for the month, that's it until next month.)

Phone number reminder: If you have me or the club in your contacts list, take a moment to check the phone number please. If the number you have ends in 3603, please delete it and replace it with 238-3111. (The 3603 number is going away and is no longer being monitored.)

Videos, orders, gift ideas - 25 Nov 11

2011-11-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

The videos from the Halloween Open are up! I wasn't able to take video of any of our foilists (coaching comes first!) but I did get most of the final and semi-final matches in all three weapons. If you have video or pictures of the tournament you'd like to share, feel free to upload them to either club's Facebook page or send them to me and I'll post them for you. Up next, videos from last weekend's Thanksgiving Throwdown in Richmond...

The December equipment order goes in on Wednesday, December 7. Looking for gift ideas for your fencer? One of the many great things about fencers is that we're easy to shop for! More fencing stuff is almost always a good thing! If you need gift suggestions for your fencer, let me know and I'll toss some ideas your way. And fencers, you can visit Absolute's website and oh-so-casually print out things you want and leave them carefully scattered around the house -- or better yet, hand them to someone when they ask you what you want!

Club swag is also a great gift and you can get that from me at any practice session. There are club socks (black with IWFC or PFC down the sides in gray), tees, water bottles, patches, keychains -- all sorts of stuff! Supplies are limited on the tees so don't wait too long! And don't worry about your fencer finding out, I can help you sneak things around them.

Want 'fencing in general' stuff? Visit the Pointed Comments online store for all sorts of fencing-themed shirts, mugs, decals, etc. CafePress is running all sorts of discounts and sales from now through the end of the year so this is a great time to grab stuff! (Note: You can use this link to see items in an easy-to-view format but use the first link to actually purchase items in order to get the best price. Although they're the same items, CafePress only does the code-free discounted prices if you visit the store via the first link. Don't ask me why, I don't know either!)

Quick links - 22 Nov 11

2011-11-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

Check it out! There's a fencing scene in the new Muppet Movie!

Meet Adrienne Jarocki, a former beauty pageant queen and champion ballroom dancer who is now aiming for the 2016 Olympics. Oh, and she's 16.

Two excellent YouTube channels for fencing videos: CyrusofChaos and FIEVideo. Fantastic stuff!

Thanksgiving schedule - 21 Nov 11

2011-11-21T17:28:00.000-05:00

We're fencing as usual Monday and Tuesday evening but then we're taking a few days off for Thanksgiving! No fencing at either location Wednesday through Sunday but we'll pick up where we left off next Monday, the 28th.

A woo and two hoos! - 21 Nov 11

2011-11-21T17:14:00.000-05:00

What a fantastic weekend! We had six fencers in four different events at the tournament in Richmond. Morgan started things off with a bang, taking a strong sixth in Saturday's saber. Alex and Raegan kept the ball rolling with their first-ever tournament appearances in the Y12 foil, looking like pros and doing us proud. On Sunday, Scott took third in the C and under foil, followed by Shane and Mark wrapping the weekend up in style in the novice foil. It was Mark's first-ever tournament outing and he very nearly pulled off the upset in his first elimination round! Shane brought the weekend to a grand close with an equally close elimination match of his own, finishing in third. Congratulations, everyone! Full results can be seen here and video will hopefully be hitting our YouTube channel over Thanksgiving. If you have photos or video of your own you'd like to share, feel free to upload it to either club's Facebook page (IWFC, PFC) or to send it to me to be posted.

Tournaments past and future, carpools here and there - 6 Nov 11

2011-11-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

A big 'Way to go!' goes out to all of our fencers who competed in the W&M Halloween Open last weekend. Plus a huge 'Thank you!' for all the family and friends who came out to support them and to cheer them on. What a great weekend! We had five foilists competing on Saturday and it was the first time out for most of them. Everyone did a great job facing a wide variety of opponents and handled themselves well from beginning to end. As noted earlier, I heard a lot of great things about you from other fencers and refs. Well done, all! Full results are here and a few photos have already been posted to the IWFC Facebook page. If you have pictures of your own you'd like to share, you're welcome to upload them there or to PFC's Facebook page. Or if you'd rather, email them to me and I'll post them. Additionally, I have a few pics and some video that will be hitting our YouTube channel sooner or later.

So what's next? How about the Thanksgiving Throwdown November 19-20 in Richmond? There will be three different foil events, two of which are rating-restricted and one is limited to those whose first tournament was after November 19, 2010. Epee and saber will be fenced as well. Not enough options for you? Well, how about a foil event that's limited to fencers born between 1999 and 2002. Yep, some of you younger fencers can go out and play in this one too!

Now how about a bit of help attending practices or getting to and from tournaments? We're scattered all over Hampton Roads and sometimes a little help getting from here to there wouldn't go amiss. So! If you're interested in carpooling to practices or tourneys, let me know. Tell me if you'd like to drive, ride, or both. And if it's to PFC, IWFC, tournaments, or any combo thereof. I'll put likely matches in contact with each other so you can work out the details from there.

Ack! November! - 4 Nov 11

2011-11-04T08:31:00.000-04:00

Didn't know November began with an 'Ack!' did you? I got caught up in the preparation for last weekend's tournament and forgot all about the November beginner class and order! But as they say, 'Better late than never!'

The beginner class will start next Wednesday, November 9. Due to the late start and the Thanksgiving holiday, it will end on December 5. The next beginner class after this one will be in January. Visit our fees and info page for details. Email coach@iwfc.net or call 238-3111 to sign up.

The November equipment order will also go in on the 9th so you've still got time to turn in an order if you're wanting new stuff for the Richmond tourney on the 19th.

Stay tuned -- last weekend's recap, info on the next area tournament, and carpooling thoughts are up next!

Halloween schedule note - 30 Oct 11

2011-10-30T09:36:00.000-04:00

I've been so caught up with the tournament this weekend that I forgot about Halloween itself until someone asked about it yesterday afternoon. Short version: No IWFC Monday night. Happy trick-or-treating, whichever side of the door you're on! See you Wednesday!

Speaking of the tournament, a full recap is coming but until then, let me just say that everyone did an outstanding job. I heard a lot of great comments from refs and fencers and I couldn't be prouder of you all!

All signed up, now what? - 25 Oct 11

2011-10-25T09:46:00.000-04:00

You've joined USA Fencing and preregistered for the tournament. Now what?

Make sure your equipment's in good working order and is ready to go. I'll be helping folks check over their weapons and cords during practice this week and at the tournament before things get started. Don't wait until Saturday or Sunday morning if you don't have to! The last minute is not the time to be doing it!

Know where you're going and allow plenty of time for getting stuck in traffic, getting lost, that sort of thing. The tournament's being held in a different location this year: Adair Hall, 251 Ukrop Way. Per the W&M club rep, parking is available along Ukrop Way and Landrum Drive, in the parking garage on Ukrop Way, or in the lot at the corner of Ukrop Way and Landrum Drive. Parking is allowed in any space not designated 'reserved at all times.'

As noted in the previous entry, plan to arrive no later than half an hour before the close of registration for your event. (The times listed on AskFRED are the close times so if your event shows 9:15, plan on being there by 8:45.)

What happens at the tournament? The Division website has a quick 'what's what' page about tournaments that answers a lot of the questions fencers and parents ask before their first event. For a more detailed run-through, read How to Go to a Fencing Tournament. Yes, I know I keep saying 'read this' but nearly every question I've been asked over the past couple of weeks is answered in there -- and you don't have to deal with my 'attention deficit hey coach' disorder to get the answer!

Most importantly, relax and have fun. This is going to be a great weekend!

Signing up for the tournament - 24 Oct 11

2011-10-25T00:40:00.000-04:00

Although preregistering for a Virginia tournament is generally not required, it is appreciated by the tournament organizers so they have an idea of how many competitors to expect. Additionally, it can save you a little money! For the Halloween Open, if you preregister, the entry fee is $25 as opposed to $30 if you don't.

Go to askfred.net. If you already have a login for AskFRED, sign in so the software can do some of the work for you. If you don't have a login, no worries, you'll get to set one up in a few steps. (The following steps will assume you do not have a login.)

Bring up the tournament either by clicking here or use the 'Upcoming Tournaments' menu option to find the 'W&M Halloween Open'. (Upcoming Tournaments > Browse Tournaments, change 'All Divisions' to 'Virginia' then click 'Find Tournaments' to bring up the list of Virginia tournaments.)

Click on the 'Preregister' link (or the box/checkmark icon) then enter your last name in the box.

If this is your first official (non-club) tournament, you will not show up in the system and that's perfectly all right -- click on the 'Create a New Fencer Record' option to, well, create a new fencer record for yourself.

Fill in the following screen. Please list IWFC as your club even if you primarily fence in Poquoson! (Remember, PFC is part of IWFC, not a separate club.) Your Division is Virginia and your ratings are U.

Mark the event(s) in which you'll be competing. Note the time listed for each event -- this is when the registration desk closes at the tournament. Make plans to arrive at the venue at least thirty minutes before this time!

Below the events you'll have options to create an AskFRED account and to be remembered for next time. Check one, both, or neither option, then click the 'Preregister' button. Make sure you print the page showing your preregistration information and bring it with you to the tournament.

If you chose to create an account and/or to be remembered for next time, follow the screen prompts accordingly.

And lastly, making sure you've got everything squared away and ready to go. But that entry's going to have to wait until ~~tomorrow~~ later today, I'm afraid!

Joining USA Fencing or renewing your membership - 24 Oct 2011

2011-10-24T23:49:00.000-04:00

To join for the first time ever:

Click here or go to usafencing.org, click on MEMBERSHIP in the red menu across the screen, then click on 'click here to register online'.

Select 'No' then click on the 'Join Now' button that appears.

The next screen has fields for the standard demographic information and the like. Enter your (or your fencer's) name, address, etc. PFC fencers: Remember, list IWFC as your club!

Once this screen is completed, click the 'Next >>' button. A box will appear announcing that your profile has been saved in the system. It will also show you your membership number, login, and password. Make a note of these for future use. Click 'Ok' when you're ready to continue.

This screen is where you indicate what level of membership you want. The first option listed is the competitive (annual) option. The last option listed is the one-day membership. If you select this option, enter 10/29/2011 as the start and end date if you're fencing foil or saber on Saturday or 10/30/2011 as the start and end date if you're fencing epee on Sunday.

Once you've selected the desired membership option, click the 'Next >>' button to continue. Read the Waiver of Liability and select the 'I agree to this release' option. Click 'Next >>' to continue.

Enter your payment information then click the 'SUBMIT PAYMENT >>' button.

Print your receipt and make sure to bring it with you to the tournament. If you went with a one-day membership, you'll also be directed to print out your one-day card. This MUST be presented when you check in at the tournament.

To renew your membership:

Click here or go to usafencing.org, click on MEMBERSHIP in the red menu across the screen, scroll down to the 'Already a USA Fencing Member?' section, then click on 'click here' to continue.

Select 'Yes' then click on the 'LOG IN' button that appears.

Enter the email address and password you use for USA Fencing. If you forgot either your email address or your password, use the appropriate link on the screen for assistance.

Note: If your membership expired prior to July 2010, you'll need to use the 'FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?' link on the login screen in order to be set up with login information.

On the next screen, select 'Renew US Fencing Membership' from the menu on the left.

Your general information will be displayed. Verify that it's correct then click the 'Next >>' button.

Select the competitive membership type and indicate whether you're renewing for one year or for three. Click the 'Next >>' button to continue.

Read the Waiver of Liability and select the 'I agree to this release' option. Click 'Next >>' to continue.

Enter your payment information then click the 'SUBMIT PAYMENT >>' button.

Print your receipt and make sure to bring it with you to the tournament.

Next, pre-registering on AskFRED...