Hello Everybody!

Like every other sport, fencing has a body of rules that control competition. USFA, our governing organization, last put out a complete set of rules in 2008, with an update for the 2008-2009 season. You can find these at: http://usfencing.org/resources/documents/usfa-rulebook. The rules have some different goals. First, the rules keep fencing safe. So there are specific requirements for both equipment and how we conduct ourselves on the strip. Many of the rules set out how we can score. This helps keep the bouts competitive and fair. These rules also keep the spirit of fencing alive.

The Tactical Wheel has been around for a long time. It's a tool for fencers to think about how to approach a bout. Like all tools, it is not meant to used for every situtation. Rather, it's a good starting framework to organize your thoughts about how to approach a bout. One of the better versions of the Wheel is from Indianapolis fencer Linda Dunn. It can be found at: http://www.lindajdunn.com/fencing/TacticalWheel.html

After you've been fencing awhile, and you know you're going to stick with it, you'll probably want to start getting your own gear. Like any other sport, the price ranges are pretty wide. Most of us get most of our gear from three places: Absolute, Blue Gauntlet and Fencing.net. They all do web sales and they're pretty reliable. Their addresses are: http://www.fencing.net/ , http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/ , and http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/. All of these vendors provide safe equipment so the biggest issue is getting the right fit.

Being a good being fencer doesn't require being a certain "type." The goal is to play to your own strengths, and minimize the effects of things you aren't so good at. One way to improve is to watch other fencers. There are great videos on Youtube posted by Cyrus of Chaos. He goes all over the world and records top-level tournaments. He also covers the NCAA college fencing. You should watch the videos to see what other fencers are doing, and maybe pick up some moves you can use. The videos can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/CyrusofChaos.

I want to thank all of the people who have volunteered their time, energy and expertise to get the new place ready. Roger, Jim, Stacee, Jeremy, Theresa, Derek, Jacob, Ben, and Ann all deserve a big applause for their contributions. Making this move, and renovating the new facility would not have been possible without them.