Australian National Champions 2014 – The Sword Fighter Dozen
Following on the tradition of the National Champion questionsairre, the 6 Open 2014 Champions kindly contributed some answer following their Championship win.
“The Sword Fighter Dozen”
Australian 2014 National Champion: Seamus Robinson – Mens Epee Champion.
1: How long have you been Fencing? What made you start? How long did it take for you to feel competent?
A: Almost 30 years. About 6 months to feel competent.
2: How long have you been Competing at National / International level?
A: 25 years.
3: What made you choose your weapon?, have you fenced the other 2?
A: Its the most realistic and natural as well as free. Also Foil.
4: Where is your favourite place to fence or to train?
A: Germany.
5: How important have a coach and training partners been to you?
A: Essential.
6: What are your future ambitions for 2015 and beyond? work / training / competition?
A: To compete at Asian and World Champs
7: Who if anyone have you modeled your fencing on? Or do you have a favourite Fencer (Internationally)?
A: Kolobkov, German and Russian fencing schools.
8: What if any other sports do you play/train?
A: Running, body weight exercises, cycling, skateboarding.
9: What difference if any did this national event have to others?
A: Smaller than the last few.
10: What is your weekly training Regime?
A: Train whenever I have time.
11: What advice would you give future Australian champions?
A: Be the first to arrive and last to leave the club, and Fence the hardest Fencers as many times as you can.
Practice footwork.
Always try to improve.
Go overseas.
12: What is the best / worst thing about Fencing in Australia?
A: Close to friends and family. Far from high level comp and training.
Thanks so much Seamus..