ASADA (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency) has announced changes for Athletes in 2009 

 Link to ASADA 

 The AFF has approved the following Document AFF Anti-Doping Policy (Dec08).pdf 

The AFF has a ranking system for points achieved in International Competitions converted into (National) Rankings.Download :  AFF Ranking Point System

#1 January 31st Results (1)
#2 March 7th Results (2)
#3 April 4th Results (3)
#4 May 2nd Results (4)
#5 June 13th (5)
#6 July 25th Results (6)
#7 August 8th Results(7) 
#8 September 5th Results (8)
#9 October 10th Results (9)
#10 November 7th Results (10)

Roll Call 1.30……… $ no increase in 2009 Happy Fencing

What to do over the school holidays with the children?

Gas Works Art Park has had the answer for a number of events now….

Sword Fighters classes for kids…… 

Download Program : Gasworks Flyer                        

Fencing Workshops 

Sword Fighters Australia ran a Summer Camp for students in December at Portsea Campsite, Point Nepean Rd on the Mornington Peninsula.  The students have access to a range of activities including learning the skilled art of Fencing.  As seen in the following pictures, the 160+ Students appear to enjoy it….!

Swordfighters does a range of similar activities and we can organise tailored sessions for you,
or your school or organisation.!! 

Inspiration of National Champions:

Following is an amalgamation / analysis of the Answers….
 
Dependant on where you started fencing (3 came from China) there are a range of ages when all started fencing, thus there is no perfect age to start fencing…anyone can win!.
All have roughly 10 years of competitive fencing, and most have won Nationals prior to 2008.
The Belief in Winning the Nationals: Practice, preparation and mental strength, belief in yourself, doing thorough footwork and being mentally prepared.
Inspiration: A couple of boxers and influential figures (U.S President Barak Obama) and guardians.

Most will take a break at the end of the season…. Working to pay the way for competitions etc.
International competitions should be the aim, but you’ll only improve if all the required preparation is done, fitness and mental preparation – preparing to win.
Words of Wisdom: Train hard, don’t get hit, self confidence and belief, practice basics at beginning and end of session, read and learn from other champions, hard work and discipline, train hard then harder… a common theme.
A description of fencing in a word: Fencing is a metaphor for life, its in the blood, its fun, its discipline.

Thanks once again to all the 6 Australian National Champions of 2008:
E. Halls, Z. Casagrande, Y. Ping, Z. Huang, S. Leitch, M. Du. 
 
Christmas Gifts - Birthday Presents; Gift Voucher World is the place

Inspiration of National Champions:

Instalment number 6 : Min Yi Du Winner of Open Womens Sabre 2008

1. Why did you start Fencing?
A: As you may know, I started fencing in China, where personal choice then was not really an option. I was simply selected for the sport by a coach. It would be appropriate to say that fencing chose me.

2. How many years have you been fencing?
A: 30 years

3. What was your inspiration for winning the 2008 National Fencing Championships?
A: Because I have a competitive desire, to be the best at anything I do. Maybe it is a kind of neurosis, I am not sure.

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations?
A: Maybe to be well placed or even win an international individual competition.

5. Why do you believe you won?
A: Well, I had put in a lot of hard work perhaps a little more than others. My training regime is quite strict and fencing in every sense is a part of my life. I suppose when you are that committed to anything I believe success naturally follows.

6. Who would you like to meet? (As an Inspiration to you?)
A: Muhammed Ali, I am impressed with his determination and self confidence.

7. What’s next for you in 2008? (Training, Break, Work?)
A:Perhaps a little break from training and more time for recreational fitness exercise.

8. What comps will you do (International) if any in 2009?
A: All the national competitions and at least one international

9. Can you give us some words of wisdom for future Australian champions?
A: Read as much as you can about the Autobiography of Champion athletes. Their stories are often inspiring and can teach a lot about determination, self confidence, self belief etc. Again, Muhammad Ali is a case in point. Believe in yourself.

10. If you could sum up Fencing in one word, what would it be?
A: Fencing is a metaphor to life.

Thanks So Much Min Yi Du, 

Fencing Striving for Excellence

Refereeing:  Video refereeing illustrates considerable progress in the permanent search for sporting equality and places fencing at the pinnacle of modernity, the FIE will further enhance its training and examination policy so the at the referees can always be more competitive and to encourage vocations on each continent.

Parity:  In competitions, fencing has already attained perfect parity with as many competitions for women as men.  The creation of a specific commission is further proof the FIE is determined  to associate an equal number of women with all its work so that the can help with their qualities and sensibility. 

Men and Women on an equal footing
” The idea is to build on the achievementss of the past twenty years to continue and increase the number of women in our sport,” believes Helen Smith, President of the Oceania Fencing Confederation. ” We would like to see more women refereeing, becoming fencing masters, members of directorates and technical commissions.  Women must also become more involved in the governing bodies of national federations.  Women have a lot to offer the sport movement by contributing to encouraging social change and developing the value of education, peace and respect for the environment.”

Escrime Magazine No 65, December 2008

Congratulations to Simon Auty the new President of Fencing Victoria.
Big thanks to outgoing president Peter Osvath after 8 years in the job.
FV is still on the right track…2009 and beyond.