En Garde Newsletter

I am Emily, a student of Jim's. I sometimes put out these newsletters to let everyone know what is going on in the club and any deals/videos pertaining to fencing I come across.

En Garde Fencing has gone through many changes as many of you know and this newsletter is to partly let you know about them.

First it is important to note that Wednesday and Friday night classes are no longer at the Glasser center downtown. We have moved our location to The Odd Fellows Hall at 545 Pacific Ave.

Secondly, although things looked positive for a permanent space the $18,000 price tag that Jim was going to have to foot to put in a second exit made it somewhat less appealing. Currently he is in negotiations with them, and hopes that things will work out with this space or another in the near future.

We recently had some of our first competitors, Duncan Brown and Patrick Stafford, come out and fence in the senior men's unrated tournament at Sonoma State University. Several of our other fencers also came to come watch and cheer on our guys. Thanks everyone who could make it out; it was nice to see all of you.

Finally please stay tuned for a website! It will have things on it like club info, past newsletters, and links to important fencing organizations throughout the country.

Now for some things to help you out with your fencing:

Have fun during footwork, but find things fall apart when actually fencing? This video is great footwork practice if you have a partner to work with. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz2Kj5Pn4Qo&feature=related

Many of you have now purchased electric gear and have found out how much easier to follow electric fencing is than standard. However, you have recently noticed things have stopped working and that it might be related to your weapon. Well like most electric appliances electric foils do eventually break or need to be rewired. Here is a guide to rewiring. http://www.instructables.com/id/ReWire-an-Electric-Fencing-Foil/

The next tournament for the Bay Cup will be: January 18th at Marin Fencing Center, those interested should speak to Jim or me about what is needed to compete and we can try to organize carpools to said event. The events are Senior Men’s Unrated Foil and Women’s D and Lower Foil. For those who have previously competed, this event will only be $30. For those who have not yet competed, the event will be $90 ($60 for membership to the USFA & $30 for event fees).

Have you seen me doing hand signals while directing b

Want to buy a mask, but not sure how to size it? Fencing.net has a helpful sizing guide for masks. http://shop.fencing.net/product_p/fdn-66500.htm

What new products and deals have I seen while searching the web? Fencing Photos has released their new best of Sabre 2008 on the Absolute website.http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/cPath/68/p roducts_id/1000osCsid=45176cd0f8c7d1d7e766c1cc0f6f36a2

Fencing Photos has also released a book with top photos done by Serge Timacheff now selling on Fencing.net http://shop.fencing.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=fp-82209&utm_cam paign=cc&utm_medium=1121

FWF has released a new revolutionary glove as described on the fencing.net website: http://shop.fencing.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=fwf-24101&utm_ca mpaign=cc&utm_medium=1121

"Extra grip for your weapon plus strategically placed gel pads to ward off blade hits and blisters from overuse. This glove fits tightly and allows full feeling of your fencing foil, epee, or sabre in your hand."

Fencing.net also has something called the weighted agility glove:< http://shop.fencing.net/product_p/fdn-wag1.htm

"The WAG puts weight and resistance right on the fingers, making for better workouts for increasing hand strength and speed. In our testing, 5 minutes of drill work with the WAG caused the same fatigue as a 20-30 minute technique driven individual lesson."

If you want something a little bit more for fun, check out the practice single hand sword:
http://shop.fencing.net/Practical_Single_Hand_Sword_p/ca-2046.htm

"The Practical Single-Hand Sword is based on the Marshall sword, so named for one of England’s finest knights of the latter half of the 12th century. The sword is classically styled, with a cruciform hilt, wheel pommel and a ridged-and-fullered blade that is both stiff and surprisingly light. With a weight of less than 2 1⁄2 lbs., the sword can be wielded forcefully without undue wear and tear on the arm."

Absolute has their ultra light washable lames on clearance for $75.00 http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/cPath/16_1 7/products_id/781?osCsid=536b5ac5866433e1d957a456aa91af49

"Clearance sale! This is the opportunity you can not afford to miss! Regular price $99, now only $75 for clearance sale. Our washable foil lame features a light conductive fabric. Unlike the restrictive nature of normal foil lames, our washable model gives you free range of motion. Please take note, do not wash this lame with detergent as soap can get trapped and dry on the conductive material (no additional discount will apply)"

Absolute has also released the FIE arbitrage 2008-2009 referee study DVD: http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/cPath/68/p roducts_id/1002?osCsid=4711e3b71ed9f1d55d43cabc455a42f7

"Just released! This FIE issued Referee Study Guide will provide all the information you need. Still thinking about the referee ratings? Get this DVD and check it out!"

Fencing.net has a plastic practice set which will allow for practice without the extra fencing equipment: http://shop.fencing.net/Plastic_Training_Set_p/nc-pl-set.htm

"This set includes the Plastic Training Foil and Mask. The plastic weapons provide a great alternative to metal weapons as you need far less protective equipment and you still get the feel of real fencing."

Absolute is selling its 2006-2007 FIE gear on clearance:http://absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php?cPath=65&produ cts_id=800&osCsid=e54aacbdd4eb844f22479328e231c4f2

"2006 ~ 2007 Absolute Competition series FIE uniform in Final Sale. Take this special opportunity to get this FIE uniform at the best time ever! This goog value FIE uniform made with Fabric that is imported directly from Europe. Please note:

Absolute FIE Uniforms are in European sizes, NOT standard US sizes. This is final sale item, no additional discount. Save money and help us to make space for new shipment! This is the opportunity that won't last!"

(for men's hit clearance, they are at the bottom of the page)

Finally Fencesmart has Starfighter 3 shoes on sale for $45!http://www.fencesmart.net/starfighter3.html

"Don't be fooled by the low price. This is the ideal fencing shoe for ALL fencers—from beginner to every-day fencer. This shoe has the qualities required for fencing, qualities noticeably lacking in the keds and running shoes often wear when they start. To begin at the bottom it has a real rubber sole, not a make-shift composite, with raised cross-hatchings for the best traction. This is in fact the same long-lasting sole that was on the original "brand name" shoes and has been seen only intermittently since-the best sole without a doubt. Going up: a strong leather upper, reinforced by solid panel of suede on the inside part of the shoe, grips the foot, giving it lateral support (no such thing is keds or running shoes) so that the foot and ankle stay solid beneath you. Inside ankle support is raised to protect the ankle and foot during the lunge "rollover". Comfortable interior, cushioned heel and a trim of padding at the back to prevent irritation around the tendon."

Finally some video: