October 2009 Newsletter - Competition Updates

Our recent Autumn in Miami Tournament was a great success for our Club! Our competitors did a great job. There is more great fencing coming this year.

Miami Fencing Club Shines - Autumn in Miami 2009

Our Club fencers cleaned up the Gold at our recent tournament. All the results are now posted on askFRED.net. Gold medals for Matt Simmons in Epee, Frets Olivares in Open foil, Sean Vilar in Junior and Open Sabre and Cofi Hilburn in Y141 sabre. Great work!
Thanks also to our fencing moms for the great refreshments and support.

Recommended Competition Schedule for 2009 - 2010.

For the remainder of 2009, we recommend you take advantage of these fine competitions;
Masters Fencing Club - Foil at Sunny Isles Beach, Oct. 31.
Sabre Outreach Network - Turkey Stab, Nov. 14 and 15, Sabre Outreach Network - Holiday Challenge, Dec. 12-13. in Broward County. War of the Roses, Nov. 14 -15, Clearwater. Gainesville December Duel, RYC Dec 12 - 13, 2009
Gold Coast Division Junior Olympic Qualifier Sat-Foil & Epee, Sun. Sabre. Broward County Dec 19. - 20

New Blog - Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Blog Contest for November 2009

Our new blog is up and running. To inaugurate the blog, we will award a practice (dry) weapon and fencing glove to the person who makes the most posts to the blog for the period November 1 - 30, 2009. All posts must concern the sport of fencing. The decision of the judges is final.
You can also follow our Club on Facebook and Twitter. Let's get connected now!

Pinecrest & Key Biscayne

We now have fencing in Pinecrest. Every Monday evening from 6.30 to 9.00 at the beautiful new recreation center at Pinecrest Gardens, 5855 Southwest 111th Street.
Beginners from 6.30 to 8.00 pm, intermediate, advanced from 7.30 to 9.00 pm
We will begin in Key Biscayne Nov. 4 at the Community center. Wednesdays. Beginners from 6.30 to 8.00 pm, intermediate, advanced from 7.30 to 9.30 pm
KEY BISCAYNE RESIDENTS ONLY.

Miami Madness 2010 Coming in February 2010

Our next tournament will be Miami Madness 2010, February 20- 21, 2010. Register now on askFRED. We hope to have a new, larger, venue so we may accommodate more athletes.

Autumn in Miami 2009

 

A quick reminder that our Autumn in Miami tournament at South Miami Middle School is only two weeks away. Registration is open on askFRED so register now and be ready for some great fencing fun.

Our competitive fencers did a great job at the recent Bankuti Invitational Tournament in Cocoa Beach.

We have added fencing in Pinecrest on Monday nights and Key Biscayne on Wednesday nights.

Our Autumn in Miami tournament is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2009 at South Miami Middle School.

Foil and Epee on October 24, Sabre on October 25 You can register now on askFRED.

Register now!

Come join us for some great fencing and to support your local fencing programs.

Miami Fencing Club at the Bankuti
Chris Hayes at Nationals 2009 Competitors Shine in Cocoa Beach

This year's Bankuti Challenge was a great event. MFC fencers made a great showing.

Y10 Foil
Alec Lau and Manuel Matus
Y12 Foil
Marlon Inestroza, Raquel Ruiz, Trent Lau, Dax Fontana, and Seth Spiegel.
Senior Foil
Frets Olivares (5th), and Alejandro Guerro
Senior Sabre
Sean Vilar( Silver), Cofi Hilburn (8th), Harrison Hue, and Marlon Bustos. Congradulat.ions to all!
We specially thank Frets and Alejandro for the help they provided our younger fencers.

Fencing In Pinecrest

In response to growing demand, we now have Monday night classes for our competitive fencers at the Village of Pinecrest Recreation Center in Pinecrest Gardens, the former Parrot Jungle. The floor fees are $60 per month. The address is 5855 SW 112 St, Miami, FL 33156.
Beginners are welcome to join the first Monday of the month.

Fencing in Key Biscayne
Starting November 4, 2009. we will be offering fencing on Key Biscayne at the Community Center. Beginners 6.30 to 8.00 pm, experienced fencers 7.30 to 9.30 pm.
This group is limited to Key Biscayne residents only.

Fencing on Key Biscayne

New fencing in Key Biscayne.
The six week session from Nov. 4 - Dec. 16, 2009. No class Nov. 25. Beginners 6.30 - 8.00 pm, experienced fencers 7.30 - 9.30 pm. Equipment is provided for beginners, experienced fencers are expected to bring their own. Cost for Community Center members, $120, nonmembers, $145. Key Biscayne Residents ONLY!

We need Fencing in Miami-Dade County

I am starting a drive for Miami-Dade County to build a dedicated venue for
fencing. We have a great sport that teaches honor, sportsmanship, and
chivalry. We can have a great fencing venue for a lot less than the
$500 million baseball stadium. Which County Commissioner will step up to the plate for this great project?

September 2009 Newsletter

In This Issue

* Welcome New Coaches
* Competition Schedule for 2009 - 2010.
* Autumn in Miami Tournament
* New Venue in Pinecrest

We are pleased to welcome new coaches, we have our competition schedule ready,and we have a new venue!
We look forward to more Miami Fencing Club tournament victories this Fall and Winter.

Welcome New Coaches

We wish to welcome Frets Olivares, Gustavo Ortelli, and Alejandro Guerro to our Club.
Frets has a long, varied fencing career beginning at age seven in his native Venezuela. Frets fenced for the National teams of Venezuela and the USA. He has participated in several World Cup Competitions as well as National Competitions in the USA, Europe, and Latin America. Gustavo Ortelli was National Champion of Argentina and has had a long successful fencing career. Alex Gurrero is currently competing in National and international competitions and has a long extensive fencing career in his native Cuba. Welcome to our new and continuing friends!

Competition Schedule for 2009 - 2010.

Our competition schedule for the 2009-10 season are now on line. Check it out now and get signed up for as many competitions as you can attend.

Remember these important upcoming deadlines: NAC B: Final Deadline to Enter NAC B - September 21, 2009 NAC A: Classification Change Deadline -Division Officers must submit the paperwork for new classifications earned - September 28, 2009 NAC A: Withdraw Deadline - written notification due to the National Office - October 5, 2009

Autumn in Miami Tournament Register Now

We are pleased to announce our Miami Fencing Club Autumn in Miami Tournament for 2009. Come join us for some great fencing at this kick off tournament in South Miami October 24 and 25. Check the details and come join us!!
Register on askFRED

New Venue in Pinecrest

We now have fencing in Pinecrest. Every Monday evening from 6.30 to 9.00 at the beautiful new recreation center at Pinecrest Gardens, 5855 Southwest 111th Street.
Beginners from 6.30 to 8.00 pm, intermediate, advanced from 7.30 to 9.00 pm
Come join us!

Watch for these Events:
Autumn in Miami Tournament, October 24 & 25, 2009. Check the Miami Fencing Club website for full schedules and updates!
Promoting the art of fencing in Dade County since 1987, the Miami Fencing Club presently meets at Miami Dade College, South Miami/Coral Gables, and Pinecrest. Beginner's classes every six weeks.
Come join us.

MFC Participates in Bankuti

Our competitors are off to the Bankuti challenge in Coco Beach, this weekend, 26 & 27 September.
Y10 Foil, Alec Lau and Manuel Matus, Y12 Foil, Raquel Ruiz, Seth Spiegel, Marlon Inestroza, Trent Lau, and Dax Fontana, Open Foil, Frets Olivares, Alejandro Guerro, and Ken Fernandez. Open Sabre Cofi Hilburn, Harrison Hue, and Sean Vilar! Gustavo Ortelli, Frets Olivares and Alex Gurrero will be helping our young fencers on Saturday.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Fencing on Television

Fencing on Television?

Tim Morehouse reported that Universal Sports (part of NBC now), is planning on airing the 2009 Fencing World Championships. The schedule is still up in the air, but you can visit Universal Sports' Fencing section to have a look at their schedule.

Here is the link: http://www.universalsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23000&SPID=11667&SPSID=95644&KEY=

Our Summer 2009 Newletter

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Miami Fencing Club Newsletter
Summer 2009
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We are going strong all summer at South Miami High School and Miami Dade College. Our Monday program in Pinecrest is progressing nicely.

Our fencers have been in motion this summer with fencing camps and participation in the recent Summer 2009 National Competitions in Dallas, Texas.

National Competitors in Dallas
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Our National Competitors fought valiantly at the Summer Nationals in Dallas. Congratulations to Lucas Fernandez, Chris Hayes, Cofi Hilburn, Harrison Hue, Marlon Inestrosa, Raquel Ruiz, Emma Telschi, and Sean Vilar.

Chris Hayes took a Bronze Medal in the Division III Sabre event. Way to go Chris!

We also wish to thank Javier Andino for accompanying the crew and coaching the youngsters.

Private Lessons for Winners
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Do you want to take your fencing to the next level? Are you ready to get serious and fence for gold? Private one on one lessons are the best way to improve quickly and learn new techniques. Lessons with our instructors, Frets Olivares, Javier Andino, Gustavo Ortelli, and Maestro Tack-Fang are available at most Club Meetings. The cost is $25 for 30 minutes. If you are interested in private lessons, please see Mike Elder. Take advantage of this great resource now!

Summer Schedule
Back to South Miami Middle School
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We will be in session at South Miami High School until August 13. We will take a week off and resume at South Miami Middle School on August 25. The six week session at South Miami costs $72 per person.

Our classes at Miami Dade College will continue for the summer as will our Monday nights at Pinecrest. Come out for some great fencing and see all your friends.

David Berriman Memorial Foil & Epee Tournament 2009!

The Miami Fencing Club announces the David Berriman Memorial Foil & Epee Tournament for 2009!

PRE-REGISTER. You must register in advance with ASKFRED. We encourage you to pay in advance with FRED but you may pay at the venue.

Pre-registered fees $20.00 for first event, $15.00 for each subsequent event.

ON SITE registration fees $60.00 for first event, $45.00 for every subsequent event.

All fencers must be current USFA Members. USFA Membership available at the venue.
Fencers must report to the bout committee at least an hour before their scheduled event(s). Full electric equipment is required including two (2) working weapons, two (2) working body cords, and appropriate lames for foil and saber. Masks will be punch tested according to USFA regulations. Non conforming masks will be confiscated and rendered visibly unusable as provided by USFA regulations.

You MUST arrive at least one hour prior to your first scheduled event.

Registration closes 15 minutes before each event.

------------------ Important Info: -------------------

**POSTED TIMES ARE CLOSE OF REGISTRATION**

Tournament: David Berriman Memorial

Date(s): 06/06/2009

Location: Florida International University

Student Recreation Center
University Park RC105
11290 SW 13 St.
Miami, FL 33199

Schedule of Events

Saturday June 6

** Posted times are CLOSE OF CHECK IN **

8.00 am Registration opens
8.45 am Mixed Open Foil
10.45 am Mixed Div. III Foil
11.45 am Women's Foil
11.45 am Mixed Open Epee
1.45 am Mixed Junior's U20 Foil
1.45 pm Mixed Junior's U20 Epee
2.45 pm Mixed Y14 Foil
2.45 pm Mixed Y14 Epee
3.45 pm Mixed Y12/Y10 Foil
3.45 pm Mixed Y12/Y10 Epee

** Posted times are CLOSE OF CHECK IN **

*All bouts are electric and all fencers must be current USFA members. USFA membership available on site. Age category competition requires official ID with date of birth.

*Pre-registered fees $20.00 for first event, $15.00 for each subsequent event.

On site registration fees $60.00 for first event, $45.00 for every subsequent event.

Preregistation closes on 06/05/2009

Thank-you for playing!

Summer Nationals Deadline May 22

Summer Nationals Entry Deadline
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The deadlines for Summer Nationals are approaching quickly! Division and Section officers must have their qualifying forms into the National Office by Friday, May 15th. Clearing athlete entries is dependent on receiving these forms. The regular fee deadline for Summer National entries is May 22nd and the final deadline is June 5th. Avoid stress and get your entry in now! The entry form is available as an attachment on the Summer Nationals webpage.

June is Jumping

Our Miami Madness tournament for this year was a very special event. Thanks to everyone who helped with this great competition.

In June, we shall have our David Berriman Memorial Tournament in two segments. Foil and epee on June 6 at FIU and Sabre on June 28 at South Miami Middle School.

We will be in session all the Summer at South Miami and Miami Dade College. Come join us and fence the summer away!


Miami Madness 2009 Tournament Results

Our 2009 Miami Madness Tournament was a great success with plenty of great fencing, good friends, and fun. We raised money for electric saber equipment for the Leisure Access Program wheelchair sabre team! Thanks to Sean Vilar and everyone else who helped out.

The results are here
http://askfred.net/Results/results.php?tournament_id=7680

Two June Tournaments

For June 2009, we have our David Berriman Memorial tournament in two segments.

Foil and Epee at FIU on June 6. You can register now on askFRED.
Use this link:
http://askfred.net/Events/Prereg/prereg.php?tournament_id=7681

Sabre will be on Sunday, June 28 at South Miami Middle School. You can also register now with askFRED.
Use this link: http://askfred.net/Events/Prereg/prereg.php?tournament_id=8305

Come and get ready for Summer Nationals at these two great events.
More Fencing Time!

In response to growing demand, we now have Monday night classes for our competitive fencers at the Village of Pinecrest Recreation Center in Pinecrest Gardens, the former Parrot Jungle. The floor fees are $60 per month. The address is 5855 SW 112 St, Miami, FL 33156.

Fencing, the Other Team Sport

Imagine you’re a young student attending the first-ever ‘team sports fair’ at your school. You walk into the gym and there are five ‘booths’ in front of you, each one manned by a head coach eager to get your attention and size you up for the team. So, what are the teams? Why, the usual suspects of course: football, baseball, basketball, soccer and–what’s this?–fencing? What’s Darth Vader and Jack Sparrow doing in my gym?

Welcome to fencing, the ‘other’ team sport. Misunderstood by most Americans. And irresistable to most kids who give it a try. As one of our 12-year-old fencers says, “It’s sports with a weapon. Who wouldn’t want to poke people and get away with it?” By the way, this fencer is ranked one of the best in the nation, for his age group. So what does he know that most student athletes do not?

Fencing is ‘physical chess,’ the perfect blend of physical and mental challenge. You stand toe to toe with your opponent–weapon in hand–with nowhere to run. And only one goal on your mind: to hit your opponent before he hits you. Sure, you have to be in extraordinarily good physical condition to succeed. But you literally have to think on your feet as well. Because above all, fencing is a game of outwitting your opponent, before he returns the favor. Fencers may be on a team, but when you’re on the strip ready to do battle, you’re on your own. Win or lose, it’s all up to you. For many student athletes, that’s the biggest rush of all.

So what makes a good fencer? Most fencers tend to think for themselves–on the strip and in life. They may play traditional team sports at school–often because their buddies do or their school requires it. But fencers prefer one-on-one competition above all else. Make no mistake: fencers are not loners. You’ll find few bonds stronger than the members of a fencing team rallying together to support each other, as well as the team overall. Rather, these kids just refuse to run with the herd. They’d much rather lead it. They’re not afraid to trust their own judgment and make tough decisions. On the strip, their very ‘lives’ depend on it.