The Australian Fencing Rankings have been updated since the AFF #3 Competition.

AFF Link: www.ausfencing.org

Rankings: National Rankings 2008

Is this the most remote Fencing club in the World!?

Green Ant Fencing Club
Established in 2004, Green Ant Fencing Club is based in Darwin and trains twice a week.

This club is exclusively devoted to Sabre fencing, with Coach Greg Stehle training up a new breed of sabre fencers from the ground up. Greg Stehle has represented Australia in Sabre fencing over ten times and has a wealth of experience in Sabre fencing.

The club trains twice a week at Corrugated Iron, Nightcliff Community Centre and is always on the lookout for new members or sponsors.

For more information, contact Greg Stehle on 0422 899 684 or email greg@ards.com.au

The Paralympics include Wheelchair fencing,

For more on Wheelchair Fencing Beijing Link

for schedule and results Link 14-17 September

Now the baton for both Olympic and Paralympics moves to London 2012….

If you enjoy quality wine at a great price, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!
 
The  New South Wales Fencing Association is delighted to announce that it has appointed Saddler’s Creek Wines, (one of Australia’s leading boutique wineries and winner of over 200 medals in the last two years), to produce exclusively for it, a selection of wines uniquely labelled “The Fencer”.

 Fencing  needs  funding,  particularly  to  provide  development and training for our junior fencers.
 NSW  Fencing  is a not-for-profit association run entirely by volunteers. It  runs  state  fencing  competitions  for  all  ages,  from children to veterans,  and promotes fencing in schools through its Schools League and other competitions.  The  wines  selected  by Saddler’s Creek are a 2004 Shiraz Cabernet blend which  has  been held back from release to be now enjoyed at any time and with  food  and  a  2007  Chardonnay which displays lively tropical fruit flavours and which can also be enjoyed with any cuisine. From  every  case sold (12 bottles), Saddler’s Creek will make a generous financial donation to NSW Fencing. Please  order a case, or two, of these quality wines at a price specially negotiated  for  members  and  friends  of  NSW  Fencing  and support the development  of  fencing.  If  you are under 18 years of age, please show this offer to your parents.

Order Form: The Fencer Wine

Link to NSW FA

Italian Foilist and former world no 1 Andrea Baldini, is still maintaining his innocence, and according to the FIS (Italian Fencing Association) will support his request for DNA testing of the samples given in June.

for more on the article read here Link

SFA contributors came across a unique wine brand…..

Tim Knappstein is a renowned Australian Winemaker his Answer is “The Riposte” 2007 and 2008 vintage.

A great tasting Australian Wine: with titles like The Sabre, The Foil & The Rapier its sure to be a hit.

for more information check out: http://www.timknappstein.com.au/wine.html

THe FIE website has links available for download of the regular member magazine “Escrime”. Link

Type in the link and find the magazine your looking for (the latest is here) Link

Escrime is a very popular magazine and the recent edition has some great info on the Beijing Olympics.

A great Year! some photos from #10 2008

The CDL (Heart of the Lion) is a friendly informal foil competition, run mainly to give beginners a taste of competing, without the pressure. Run about once a month on a Saturday afternoon, the CDL consists of only two rounds, so it’s not too much of a fitness challange, and leaves time for lessons etc.

The format is pools (round-robin, everybody in the pool fences everyone else). The initial pool is a mixture of more experienced fencers (who are responsible for refereeing, scoring etc), and newer fencers. Based on the result in this pool fencers split into Gold, Silver & Bronze pools, with others of similar ability, where again it’s round-robin, and prizes are awarded.

So although you may get your ego dented a bit by losses in the 1st round, the 2nd round will be more even!

The competition finishes about 4pm, and a group generally meets later for drinks/dinner.

Funded by the $5 entry fee, there are prizes for the winner of each pool, and at the end of the year in just about every category we can think of.

RESULTS CDL #10 2008

next cdl # 1 2009

NB. If your club would like to promote a club competition, please feel free to contact the administrator of SFA.com.au and organise it!

Timetable for Sydney AFF #4 Australian Nationals 2008

Friday 28th November 2008 :  AFF Download :

Mens Foil 9.00

Womens Sabre 11.00

Womens Sabre Teams 3.30 (immediately follows individuals)

Saturday 29th November 2008

Womens Epee 9.00

Mens Foil Teams 11.00

Veterans Mens Foil 2.00

Veterans Womens Sabre 2.30

Sunday 30th November 2008

Mens Epee 9.00

Womens Epee Teams 11.00

Veterans Mens Sabre 2.00

Veteran Womens Epee 2.30

Monday 1st December 2008

Womens Foil 9.00

Mens Epee Teams 9.30

Mens Sabre 12.00

Veteran Mens Epee 2.30

Tuesday 2nd December 2008

Mens Sabre Teams 9.00

Womens Foil Teams 9.30

Veteran Womens Foil 1.00

Weapon Check

6:00 – 7:30pm Thursday 27th.

Also available: 1 hour before roll call. & Each Day from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Venue: Anne Clark Netball Centre.. Church Street, Lidcombe.

World Championship Designated pre-requisite Competitions.

The AFF has designated the World Cup events for all weapons for next season ’08-’09.

File: World Cups 2009

An incentive scheme has also been released by the AFF.

File: Matrix Reward Scheme

French Video Magazine – “Escrime” has a nice little article on the Olympic Womens Sabre Team medallists from Beijing : Link.

Youtube has video links to a great many Olympic links.

eg one here on the Italian Foilist Margherita Granbassi Link

Australias Angie Darby competes today (Friday 22nd) in Beijing in the Modern Pentathlon

10:30 am (all AEST) 10m Air Pistol [ranked 36/36]

12:00 Epee – 1 touch [31/36]

4:30 pm Swimming 200m Freestyle [35/36]

7:00 pm Horseriding Showjumping [7/36]

10:00 pm Athletics Track 3000 m  [31st]

Competition details can be found on the Beijing Site

The Mens competition was won by Russian Moiseev in back to back Olympic Golds. Link

History of the Modern Pentathlon Beijing Link

Day 9 Fencing:

Mens Sabre Teams

Gold Medal match France beat USA Link

Bronze medal match Italy beat Russia.

Results Link

Gold medal:  France

Silver medal: France

Bronze medal: Italy

4th: Russia 

5th: Belarus

6th: China

7th: Hungary

8th: Egypt

Day 8 Fencing:

Womens Foil.

Results Link

Gold medal:  Russian Fed. 

Silver medal:  United States 

Bronze medal: Italy 

4th: Hungary

5th: Germany

6th: China

7th: Poland

8th: Egypt

Day 7 Fencing:

Mens Epee.

Teams Finals 

Gold Medal match: France  beat Poland 

Bronze Medal match: Italy beats China

Poland climbs over China to make the Final in an exciting Mens Epee Tournament 

Results Link

Gold medal:  France 

Silver medal: Poland 

Bronze medal: Italy

4th: China

5th: Hungary

6th: Venezuela

7th: Ukraine

8th: Korea

9th: South Africa

Day 6 Fencing:

Womens Sabre.

Top Seeds France and USA lose in the semi’s…

Gold Medal Match: Ukraine v China is a cracker won by 1 point …..link to incredible turnaround match scores.

Results Link

Gold medal:  Ukraine

Silver medal: China

Bronze medal: USA

4th: France

5th: Russia

6th: Poland

7th: Canada

8th: South Africa

Day 5 Fencing:

Womens Epee Individual.

Australia’s Amber Parkinson lost to HARADA Megumi JAPAN 15-9 in the round of 32

Bout link

 Link

Results Link

Gold medal:  HEIDEMANN Britta GERMANY

Silver medal: BRANZA Ana Maria ROMANIA

Bronze medal: MINCZA-NEBALD Ildiko HUNGARY

Day 5 Fencing:

Mens Foil Individual.

Link

Results Link

Gold medal:  KLEIBRINK Benjamin Philip GERMANY

Silver medal: OTA Yuki JAPAN

Bronze medal: SANZO Salvatore ITALY

Wednesday 13/8/08: Mens Individual Foil and Womens Individual Epee is on today.  

The 2008 Beijing Olympics are underway.       

The Beijing website has updated dates of Fencing events: August 9-17,

Keep an eye on the 2008 Olympic Page for updated results and News

Event Timetable can be found under “2008 Olympic” page.

Or for more information : Beijing

* Venue photos and Olympic location Link      

* Follow all the Australian Athletes on the link .

* International Athletes link .

Link to ESPN intro to Olympic Fencing .

Another link on everything for the Olympics from Yahoo7 .

Day 4 Fencing:

Mens Sabre Individual. photos

China wins its first Olympic Sabre Gold Medal in an amazing display by beating France in the Semi and Gold medal match. Link

Results Link

Gold medal:  ZHONG Man CHINA

Silver medal: LOPEZ Nicolas FRANCE

Bronze medal: COVALIU Mihai ROMANIA

You can watch replays of 2008 Olympic Competition Fencing on

Casttv

Day 3 Fencing:

Womens Foil Individual.

Gold medal:  VEZZALI Maria Valentina  ITALY

Silver medal: HYUNHEE Nam KOREA

Bronze medal: GRANBASSI Margherita ITALY

Gold Medal Match

VEZZALI Maria Valentina  ITALY  def 6-5 HYUNHEE Nam KOREA Bout Link

LINK
Jo Halls Australia fought back bravely from 10-5 down but just couldnt beat Misleydis Company from Cuba losing 15-13, in the round of 64 (32nd seed). Link

Yahoo7 Article

Full Results Beijing Link

Photos and Fencing.net link soon

Day 2 Fencing:

Mens Epee Individual.

Gold medal: Matteo Tagliariol ITALY

Silver medal:  Fabrice Jeannet FRANCE

Bronze medal: Jose Luis Abajo SPAIN

Full Results Beijing Link 

Photos and Fencing.net link

The USA has trifected the womens Sabre winning Gold, Silver and Bronze!

Mariel Zagunis won back to back Gold medals as the USA dominated.

Photos and Fencing.net Link

The Fencing schedule can be found Here

Jo Halls fences first up on Monday 10am against

COMPANY Misleydis  Link

Amber Parkinson fences last on wednesday 230pm against

HARADA Megumi Link

Day 1 Fencing:

Womens Sabre Individual.

Gold Medal:  Mariel Zagunis USA

Silver Medal: Sada Jacobson USA

Bronze Medal: Rebecca Ward USA

for full results Beijing Link

Photos and Fencing.net link

The leading Olympic Athletes of the World have written an open letter to the Chinese Government, condemning China’s Human Rights history.

Amnesty International (Germany) and the International Campaign for Tibet have backed the letter, which was printed in the International Herald Tribune on Wednesday.

Link Courtesy of BBC Sport

The countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics is over!!

The Opening Ceremony starts at 8pm Beijing Time. 

The Beijing website has updated dates of Fencing events: August 9-17,

Keep an eye on the 2008 Olympic Page for updated results and News

Event Timetable can be found under “2008 Olympics” page.

Or for more information : Beijing

* Venue photos and Olympic location Link      

* Follow all the Australian Athletes on the link .

* International Athletes link .

Link to ESPN intro to Olympic Fencing .

Another link on everything for the Olympics from Yahoo7 .

Australian Pentathlete Angie Darby has won her battle to Compete in Beijing, and will now be able to attend the opening ceremony on Friday night.

Darby 21 from Melbourne, was cleared by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne Switzerland yesterday.

A British lawyer initially attempted to rub Darby out, claiming she had not satisfied the selection criteria by qualifying at recognised international competitions.  This then went to the CAS after the Greek Olympic Association took up the attack.

Angie will compete in the 5 event program on the 22nd (day 14).

Link to Olympic Site

Italian World Number 3 Andrea Cassara will be Andrea Baldini’s (Former world number 1)  replacement for the Olympic Mens Foil Individual Competition beginning on Wednesday 13th August in Beijing.

Baldini tested positive for Furosemide (Lasix) in Kiev in the European Championships last month.  Baldini lost in the 8 at the European Championships, but has since had his points removed after the test. 

Cassara is the current European Champion winning the same event.

The Fencing Timetable for the Beijing Olympic Games

Saturday 9th: Womens Sabre Individual & Finals

Sunday 10th: Mens Epee Individual & Finals

Monday 11th: Womens Foil Individual (Jo Halls) & Finals

Tuesday 12th: Mens Sabre Individual & Finals

Wednesday 13th: Mens Foil Individual & Finals

Wednesday 13th: Womens Epee Individual (Amber Parkinson) & Finals

Thursday 14th: Womens Team Sabre Finals

Friday 15th: Mens Team Epee Finals

Saturday 16th: Womens Team Foil Finals

Sunday 17th: Mens Team Sabre Finals

Friday 22nd: Womens Modern Pentathlon (Angie Darby)

For Further Information .Beijing Site.

World Number one Italian Foilist Andrea Baldini has been removed from the Italian Team for the Beijing Olympics, for failing a drugs test during the last European Championships.

Details all over the web…. Courtesy of Reuters 

* Baldini’s B sample has also proved positive on Monday 4/8/08 GMT Reuters

There is a very good article on Drugs in Sport in Reuter titled “Zero Tolerance” Article Link

A new publication has been released for sale at the Beijing Olympics on the “Worlds Best Fencers” by Jie Ao.  Available in English, French and Chinese.

link         

Perth AFF #3 1-4 August 2008

for full results go to AUSFENCING LINK

EPEE 

Womens Epee: Mita Hill,

Veterans Womens Epee: Julie Seggie,

Club Teams Womens Epee: UTA,

 Mens Epee: Zac Casagrande,

Veterans Mens Epee: Roger McIntosh,

Club Teams Mens Epee: UWA,

SABRE

Womens Sabre: Min Yi Du,

Veteran Womens Sabre: Harriet Jordan, 

Club Teams Womens Sabre: UTS,

Mens Sabre: Simon Leitch,Veterans Mens Sabre: Zoltan Vilagosh,

Club Teams Mens Sabre: Chevaliers,

FOIL

Womens Foil: Katie Boyles,

Veteran Womens Foil: Jenny Bonney Millet,

Mens Foil: Zhen Huang,

Veterans Mens Foil: Zoltan Vilagosh,

Club Teams Mens Foil: VRI,

What do the Olympics Mean To You?

The Motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius, translated from Latin meaning Swifter (Faster), Higher, Stronger. 

Baron Pierre de Coubertain chose these words to depict the ethos of the Olympics. 

The Olympic Creed: ” The most important thing is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

I like this one:  In Fencing we cannot, learn without trying, win without losing, and compete without opponents.

The New Adidas Fencing Shoes – Adistar, are about to become available.

For more info check out the Adidas site                  ADISTAR

Fencing looks like it will be streamed live on the web for the Beijing Olympics.

Webtv,

here is another one. link  

NB has a good link on fencing also

check it out!

July 2008 [17]

Counter Parry Riposte

Definition; An attack that follows the parry of an opponents’ riposte.

Intent: The intent is to parry the attack and hit with your riposte.  One of the most important facets of fencing is a planned or second intention response.  CPP is a classic example.

Practice: Lunge at target (board or training opponent), and remain in Lunge position, then practice a Parry and Riposte, vary the type of Parry.   The Lunge is purposefully performed to get a reaction so must be threatening in intent.

Tip: Its all timing and distance.  Judge the lunge and remain balanced to parry and riposte at the correct distance.

Results for the Fencing Victoria Open #3 19-20/7/2008 

M Epee : Alex Hunter VRI.

W Epee : Amy Reynolds VRI.

M Foil : Ian Metzke VRI.

W Foil : Emma Ryan VRI.

M Sabre : Daniel Nero VRI.

Results for the Fencing Victoria Open #2 17-18/5/2008

M Epee : Will Dolley VRI

W Epee : Vickie Wilks MFC.

M Foil : Zoltan Vilagosh Blacklords

W Foil : Katie Boyles VRI

M Sabre : Anthony Snelling VRI

W Sabre : Alex Carroll VRI

Congratulations to the winners.  For full results go to the updated FV results Fencing Victoria

To enter the Asian Varsity Competition in Singapore 16 and 17th August.

Contact the AFF via your State Association.

New Zealand will hold the Oceania Veterans Championships on Wed October 22 and Thursday 23 at the Fencing Institute.

For more information contact your State Federation.

Australian Fencing Federation is offering applications for the National Junior U20 Camp to be held in Brisbane from 28th – 30 September 2008.

The camp is being held prior to the 2008 Australian Secondary School Championships and Junior Championships follow. 

More Info AFF link.

July 2008 [16]

Coupe / Cut Over

Definition; A double movement – An attacking move, blade cuts back over/through opponents and then quickly forward to touch the target. 

Intent: A surprise attack, often catches the opponent off guard when cutting through their blade.  Intent can be a fast purposeful controlled movement which is performed, catching the opponent in a forward foot movement.

Practice: small cutting movements are faster and harder to stop, practice a quick cut and strong thumb movement towards the target without a blade first. Forearm strength is also very useful to quicken the forward movment.

Tip: When using a practice board, keep the point stationary on the target after hitting, helping to control “touch”.

Keep up to date on the upcoming Uni Games Melbourne, September 2008

Uni Games: 

link also on SFA ‘Links’   

July 2008 [15]

Fleche

Definition; An Arrow, generally faster than a lunge, the bodyweight leans towards the target and both legs spring the torso towards the opponent, whilst the back leg crosses over and the body weight lands on it first.

Intent: Very fast attack striking at correct distance in an arrow like movement.

Practice: In matches try not to use too often, this keeps the surprise factor.  Often in Epee it can be a great alternative to lunging if repeatedly getting hit in a counter attack.  Practice in a lesson getting the point out before starting the fleche.

Tip: A straight line is faster than a curving one, keep the blade horizontal at eye height making it more difficult for opponent to judge the distance of the point moving forward.

SFA met up with Australian Olympic Athlete, Amber Parkinson, prior to the Beijing Olympics.

Q: How did you qualify for the Beijing Olympics? What was the process? How many competitions, cities, best result?

For women’s epee, the qualification period began in May 07 and finished in March 08. We had to attend as many competitions as we could and earn as many points in them as we could. At the end of the cut-off period (mid–March 08) we knew whether we had qualified based on our world ranking. For the purposes of qualifying, the world is divided up into zones. So the top eight in the world in mid–March automatically qualified, then there were additional places for athletes in each zone, based on the world rankings. There were two spots outside the top eight for people in the Asia/Oceania zone and I got the second spot! 

For the full transcript go to Forum, thread ‘Amber pre Olympic Interview’

link

The proposed list (host) for upcoming AFF competitions are as follows.

AUSTRALIAN FENCING COMPETITION VENUES

for more details go to AFF

July 2008 [14]

Parry Octave (8)

Definition; A defensive action, blocking the blade in low outside plane, hand supinated, forearm (and thus) tip below the hand.

Intent: Block an attack into low line towards leading leg / hip. 

Practice: Start En Guard in position 6, sweep blade inside, down and out, stopping in alignment with outside of thigh (a ‘ C ‘ shape for right hander’s).  In front of  a mirror, draw a ‘ C ’ from top to bottom.

Tip: keep the elbow down and slightly ‘tucked’ in this will result in a stronger forearm block and reduce larger movements from occurring. 

The FIE updated Rules (In English) are now available from the BFA site.

British Fencing

The Calendar for next season 08/09 is now online at FIE

Results of the Annual Under 17 Championships in Sydney 

Girls Sabre: 1, Sam Auty Vic. 2, Zoe Tranter NSW. 3, Mita Hill WA. 3, Isabelle Robertson Qld.

Girls Sabre Teams: 1, Victoria. 2, Queensland. 3, NSW.

Boys Foil: 1, Stephen Dooley NSW. 2, Maxim Peek NSW. 3, Jake Gipson Vic. 3, Nick Davison Qld.

Girls Foil:1, Lishan Sung NSW. 2, Catherine Tierney Vic. 3, Alison Lancaster Vic. 3, Mita Hill WA.

Boys Foil Teams: 1, NSW A. 2, NZL A. 3, Vic A. 3, WA A.

Girls Foil Teams: 1, NSW A. 2, Vic A. 3, Vic B. 3, WA.

Boys Epee: 1, Chris Nagle Vic. 2, Carter Beecher SA. 3, Stephen Shultz Vic. 3, Sam Ramsay NZL.

Girls Epee: 1, Diana Sher Vic. 2, Ioana Mihailescu Vic. 3, Alison Lancaster Vic. 3, Amy Reynolds Vic.

Boys Epee Teams: 1, NSW. 2, Vic. 3, ACT. 3, WA.

Girls Epee Teams: 1, Vic. 2, NSW A. 3, NSW B. 3, NZL.

Boys Sabre: 1, Chris Nagle Vic. 2, Andrew Scott. 3, Alex Chan. 3, Zac Leonhard WA.

Boys Sabre Teams: 1, Vic. 2, WA . 3, NZL. 3, Qld A.

The overall Janet Haswell Cup winner for 2008 is Victoria.

For more information Link

Results of the Annual Under 15 Championships in Sydney

Boys Foil: 1, Chris Nagle Vic. 2, Matthew Donald NSW. 3, Alasdair Dunham WA. 3, Jackson Michael SA.

Girls Foil: 1, Lishan Sung NSW. 2, Anna Kardas Vic. 3, Geneviece Bone Vic. 3, Catherine Tierney Vic.

Girls Epee: 1, Amy Reynolds Vic. 2, Ioana Mihailescu Vic. 3, Isabel Dayman SA. 3, Leah Tausan Vic.

Boys Epee: 1, Chris Nagle Vic. 2, Stephen Shultz Vic. 3, Michael Dzodzos. 3, Alex Chan NZL.

Boys Foil Teams: 1,WA, 2,NSW A, 3,Vic A, 3,NSW B,

Girls Foil Teams: 1, Vic A, 2v NSW A, 3, Vic B, 3,WA A,

Sword Fighter Australia’s Fun 4 Kids Event – Warrnambool ’08

http://www.fun4kids.com.au/rscms_homepagelist.php

Australia’s biggest and (self proclaimed) best children’s festival was held in Victoria’s western coastal town of Warrnambool, run by the “Fun 4 Kids Program” this July school holidays. Thousands of children and their parents visited this 8 day event run in the centre of this pretty coastal town.

Amongst a host of other activities including concerts by Dorothy the Dinosaur, and numerous construction zones for sand, wood, paper, boxes, felt, newspaper and anything else young minds can think of, the future fencers of Australia had a chance to swash and buckle with children from all over Australia.  

Following on from the event a few news media articles appeared; 

1 A photo in the local Warrnamboolnewspaper  ‘The Standard’.

June 2008 [13]

Point in Line

Definition; Priority gained (prior to opponent) by extending point and Arm first and maintaining a horizontal plane directly at opponent.

Intent: Take priority prior to opponent, catching opponent into performing a counter attack, often performed whilst stationery, or during one step back.

Practice: Fast controlled movement of the point and blade ending in a stationery blade, with a partner, practice the Point in Line before the lunge of the other fencer begins

Tip: A controlled hand and still point make the action more effective and observable to the referee.  A mirror is an effective tool to keep the blade steady and observe the referees sight of the action (side view).

 The Fencing Timetable for the Beijing Olympic Games

Saturday 9th: Womens Sabre Individual

Sunday 10th: Mens Epee Individual

Monday 1th: Womens Foil Individual (Jo Halls)

Tuesday 12th: Mens Sabre Individual

Wednesday 13th: Mens Foil Individual

Wednesday 13th: Womens Epee Individual (Amber Parkinson)

Thursday 14th: Womens Team Sabre

Friday 15th: Mens Team Epee

Saturday 16th: Womens Team Foil

Sunday 17th: Mens Team Sabre

Friday 22nd: Womens Modern Pentathlon (Angie Darby)

For Further Information .Beijing Site.

Australian Folist Jo Halls came 22nd in Las Vegas last weekend

for more info fie.ch

June 2008 [12]

Parry Seconde (2)

Definition; Low line Parry, in outside line, hand pronated at pelvis height, point level at thigh / knee level.  More commonly used in Sabre, when defending the gauntlet.

Intent: To Parry down and outward quickly, often used as a variation and unexpected.

Practice: Defender stationary, attacker lunges at gauntlet, defender quick wrist & forearm  movement inside and down in parrying action, followed by riposte preferably to attackers (Sabre & Epee) wrist / arm.

Tip: Try not to twist the elbow too severely, which can lead to tendonitis and similar injuries.  As with most effective parries, a simultaneous small backward step, is very effective in increasing distance and allowing more time for the parry + riposte.

Italian fencing site Feder Scherma has an article on Vezzali’s win in the Havana World Cup.

Valentina Vezzali has won a record breaking 60 Gold Medals.

Legendary…

Australian Olympians have been involved in some interviews of late…

Links are available

The West Australian 

The Official Site of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team

The Official Site of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team

The Official Site of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team

Angie Darby interview

Jo Halls ABC interview 

Radio Interview

if you know of any more…please email: chris@swordfightersaustralia.com

as at 16 June 08,

The FIE has ratified the athletes and teams who will be competing in the Beijing Olympics in August.

for more details FIE.CH

June 2008 [11]

Counter Attack

Defintion; An attack performed after the opponent’s. (In Foil and Sabre it will not receive a point unless the opponents attack misses).

Intent: To preferably stop an attack in its tracks, thus taking over and achieving a hit.  Often in Foil and Sabre, the intent was to start first but didn’t in the referee’s opinion. In Epee a counter attack is performed to hit first as the target is closer than before.

Practice: An understanding of what is an attack is important before attempting, lunging into an attack is a practical situation, however the best scenario is that the first attack misses.  Stand just outside lunge distance with a partner and wait until the opponent starts attack, then lunge into it aiming for the chest (or weapon arm)

Tip: A fast counter attack is usually more successful, so short sharp movements directly into the chest

Timetable for Sydney AFF #4 Australian Nationals 2008

Friday 28th November 2008

Mens Foil 9.00

Womens Sabre 11.00

Womens Sabre Teams 3.30 (immediately follows individuals)

Saturday 29th November 2008

Womens Epee 9.00

Mens Foil Teams 11.00

Veterans Mens Foil 2.00

Veterans Womens Sabre 2.30

Sunday 30th November 2008

Mens Epee 9.00

Womens Epee Teams 11.00

Veterans Mens Sabre 2.00

Veteran Womens Epee 2.30

Monday 1st November 2008

Womens Foil 9.00

Mens Epee Teams 9.30

Mens Sabre 12.00

Veteran Mens Epee 2.30

Tuesday 2nd November 2008

Mens Sabre Teams 9.00

Womens Foil Teams 9.30

Veteran Womens Foil 1.00

Weapon Check

6:00 – 7:30pm Thursday 27th.

Also available: 1 hour before roll call . Each Day from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Venue: Anne Clark Netball Centre.. Church Street, Lidcombe.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson came 36th in Havanna, Cuba last weekend

Full results FIE.CH

June 2008 [10]

Parry Quinte (5)

Definition; A parry in a high almost horizontal line (point away from body) above and in front of the mask, hand pronated with point in a position above hand, commonly used in Sabre.

Intent: To defend a head cut, full intention is to defend / parry and block blade completely, followed by a fast forward moving (usually head cut) riposte.

Practice: makes perfect, like every move in Sabre, if it’s not right, it won’t be able to be repeated successfully. Start slowly.

Tip: practice without a blade, to begin thumb and forefinger together “twist inside” from en guarde up to thumb inside, whilst raising the elbow up, stop hand at head height.

AFF #2 Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament – Adelaide

Open Results

Mens Epee : Will Dolley, VIC

Womens Foil : Emma Ryan, VIC

Mens Foil : Matteo Ciccone, VIC (ITA)

Womens Epee : Sarah Osvath, NSW

Mens Sabre : Simon Leitch, QLD

Womens Sabre : Min Yi Du, NSW

For full results Ausfencingevents

Timetable for the Robyn Champlin Memorial Tournament, 2008

held at Scotch College, Adelaide

Start List and Results Available from AusfencingEvents

Saturday June 7th, 2008, Mens Epee – 9.00, Womens Foil – 10.30, Veterans Mens Foil – 2.00, Veterans Womens Epee – 2.30.

Sunday 8th June, 2008, Mens Foil – 9.00, Womens Epee – 10.30, Veterans Mens Epee – 2.00, Veterans Womens Foil – 2.30.

Monday 9th June, 2008, Mens Sabre – 9.00, Womens Sabre – 10.00, Veterans Mens Sabre – 12.15, Veterans Womens Sabre 12.30.

Australian Womens Foilist Jo Halls came 8th in Buenos Aires last weekend

FIE.CH

Eurosport Commentary on Russia versus Germany 2007 courtesy of Youtube

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Video 5

Video 6

Video 7

Video 8

Video 9

The FIE has adjusted the commencement date for the introduction of the fully conductive Bibs on Foil Masks.

The FIE (and AFF) has set the date as of 1 January 2009, and will be compulsory for Foil Fencing at International / National Competitions from that date forward.

It is noted that Fencing will not be a part of the 2009 World Masters Games, hence the removal of its listing on www.swordfightersaustralia.com

The FIE has expressed an interest in having FIE approved Points, with a stamp on the Barrel and Tip.

Here is a photo  of the the proposed Foil Point.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson came 47th in Montreal, Canada last weekend, losing 15-14 to just miss the 32. 

Full Results FIE.CH

June 2008 [9]

The Balestra

By Definition; A ballistic forward hop / jump, usually preceding an attack

Intent: Surprise and speed to catch the opponent unprepared or unawares. Faster than a step forward and more controlled than a jump, the acceleration gained by a balestra ensures a faster lunge or fleche

Practice: Move each foot independently, start with the front toe, lift foot up and down in quick motion ‘slapping’ the foot flat on the floor, the back foot jumps forward in the force used to bring the front foot down 

Tip: Practice both left and right handed, which improves coordination, the shorter the balestra the faster the lunge follows.  For a right hander lift front toes up and down then whole foot and then slap it down on the floor.  Practice  jumping forward with the back foot, then both at the same time.

To sponsor Amber on her road leading to the Beijing Olympics 2008.

[click here]

Swordfighters Australia in association with Thunderstruck Performance Gear,

Proudly presents unique undergarments and training apparel for Fencers.

Contact chris@swordfightersaustralia.com for Products.

[Thunderstruck Performance Gear]

Training; such a word conjurs up so many thoughts, laps of an oval or hall, repeated actions, fast & slow movements, weights, blood, sweat, tears and so on… But what is the perfect training schedule?

The general consensus is the more you do the better you get. 

But take note here of an article via fencing.net on the Chinese Fencing Team [link here] 

Sword Fighters Australia Junior Competition

Start List and Results here

25 May 2008 Fencing Factory – Brunswick / Melbourne
The competition was a very succesful event with over 80 competitors all enjoying a long and tiring day. Congratulations to all the event winners and thankyou for your participation.

Competition breeds winners….. The Next generation of Victorian Champions.

 _ _

A Few Photos

Please note that this is not an official Fencing Victoria competition, and the results from this competition do not count towards any State ranking.

For Swordfighter Fencing Products [Thunderstruck Fencing]

chris@swordfightersaustralia.com

May 2008 [8]

The Parry Sixte (6)

By Definition; a circular defensive movement, starting in En Guard position and circling in an outward movement finishing in (the original) En Guard (6) position, hand is slightly supinated, used to defend an attack.

Intent: Hiding intent is an important facet to a strong fencer.  Defensive changes of parries are very important.  Full control needs to be maintained during the entire action to control the attackers blade.

Practice:  Face a mirror and practice circling the point inwards and up towards outside line, stop fractionally in 6 position before riposte begins.

Tip: Practice often, by mixing up defensive parries makes a fencer unpredictable.  Keep the elbow down and use forearm to stop sideways movement.  Use a stiffer blade (in the beginning)  to control the circular movement…

The Program Script written on the life of Australian Fencing great D H McKenzie can now be found under Fencing Events – DHMcKenzie Timetable (scroll down).

May 2008 [7]

The Disengage  By definition; is an offensive action using a spiral or circular blade movement towards the target, evading the defence, with a continuously forward moving arm, and touching. 

Intent:  The purpose is to evade your opponents defence.  Also to make your opponent try to parry the attack, then evade the defence with a deft movement, continuing the attack and touching.

Practice:  One of the most important moves to master.  The smaller (and faster) your movements are the harder they are to see.  Draw the smallest circle you can with the tip clockwise and counter-clockwise.  The blade should continue forward towards the target during the disengage action. 

Tip:  practice, practice, practice.  Stop each disengage movement (completely still) before practicing the next one, control is the key to using the Disengage upon command. …

Australian Epeeist and Beijing Olympic representative Amber Parkinson came 58th in Nankin China last weekend.

To Sponsor Amber..[click here]

for International results go to FIE

Australian Foilist and Beijing Olympic representative Joanna Halls came 55th in Jeju South Korea last weekend

for International results go to FIE

History is an important part of a sports culture.

Fencing has one of the longest.

Here for the first time is the list of  Commonwealth Fencing Champions

[Commonwealth Fencing Champions]

Olympic & World Champions and Australian Champions can be found on the General Page.

For 1974 results – Please update via email chris@swordfightersaustralia.com

May 2008 [6]

The Riposte

By definition; is an offensive hitting or touching action immediately following a defensive parry.  

Intent:  Is immediate and aimed at the target, timing is essential, speed comes with technique and through repeated practice.

Practice:  With purpose, the fingers should start first, then the arm straightens from the elbow. Once the target is pinpointed the acceleration of the hand directs the blade directly at the target.   

Tip:  Touch is key in fencing, practice leaving the arm fully extended and point of weapon touching the target; muscle memory will lead to ‘an instinctive feel’ of distance and touch, before withdrawing back to en guard position…

May 2008 [5]

The Parry Quarte (4)

By Defintion: is a defensive action moving the opponent’s blade from one line to another by a blocking action performed with the bottom third of the blade.  For a right hander the blade moves left from an open en guard (position 6) and it is opposite for a left hander.  The hand is slightly supinated (with the point facing forward towards opponent).

Intent: Direction is important, knocking the opponent’s weapon sideways (or down) away from an attacking position.  The weapon stops for a moment in time in the Parry 4 position, (before usually moving forward to riposte).

Practice: With purpose, the fingers should start first, then with forearm strength knock the blade away.  Relax entire body before action begins; therefore not ‘telegraphing’ your intent.

Tip: stand in front of a mirror and move weapon arm side to side, elbow down, keep the hand in alignment with each side of the body, increase speed, but stop stationary in each side for a split second.  Keep the weapon point facing forwards towards target.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Fencing Qualification 

For some exciting matches in this years Beijing 2008 Olympic Qualification.

check out FencingChannel TV

Australian National Rankings

Updated, As of April 30, 2008

Go to www.ausfencingevents.org

you can also find archived results.

April 2008 [4]

The Beat

By definition; is an offensive action moving the opponent’s blade from one line to another by a bouncing action performed with the top third of the blade.

Intent:  Direction is important, knocking the opponent’s weapon sideways or down away from a defensive position.  Ideally a reaction is sought to evade the opponents defence, or to startle and attack swiftly to score a point on an opponent.

Practice:  With purpose, the fingers should start first, then with forearm strength knock the blade away, the hand and point should then move swiftly towards the target and touch.  Relax entire body before action begins; therefore not ‘telegraphing’ your intent.

Tip:  Place a blade in front of a practice target (or a practice partner).  Bounce the weapon off the opponent’s, to gain feel and touch.  Then increase speed of the beat and of the forward moving arm, eventually a situation will be reached where the opponents’ reaction is not fast enough to stop the touch occurring…

Results of the Asian Championships in Bangkok 24 – 29 April:

for full results visit FIE.

Australian Results:

Womens Foil : Jo Halls 13th, Jenny Bonny-Millet 23rd, Jade Sarah 24th

Mens Sabre : James Walsh 20th 

Mens Foil :  Frank Bartolillo 11th, Joe Slowiaczek 42nd

Womens Epee : Amber Parkinson 3rd

Mens Epee : Seamus Robinson 13th, Alistair Sutherland 39th, Matt Champlin 64th

Womens Sabre : Jess Brooks 25th

The Olympic Test Event in Beijing “Good Luck Beijing” was held between 18-20 April.

For full results go to Beijing or FIE

Australian womens Foilist  Jo Halls qualifies for the Olympics with a deserving win in Thailand.

Congratulations Jo…Next stop August – Beijing 2008

April 2008 [3]

The Feint Attack

By definition; is an attack into One line with the intention of switching to another line before the attack finishes.

Intent: Direction is important, the desired result of a feint is a reaction from the opponent, either by hand, foot, body movement or perception.  Confusion is a great way to score a point on an opponent.

Practice: With purpose, the arm should start first, fore-mostly determining distance of the target, secondly creating the line and direction to the false target.

Tip: When beginning, plan the intended target to hit and practice false attacks, start slow and finish fast.  The closer the 2 targets the easier it is to hit… 

For a full listing of Medals and Classement go to FIE

The Medal Table results

1

USA

4

1

1

2

ITA

3

8

2

3

HUN

3

1

5

4

RUS

2

3

6

5

UKR

2

1

–

6

KOR

1

–

4

7

POL

1

–

1

7

JPN

1

–

1

7

EGY

1

–

1

10

CHN

–

2

1

April 2008 [2]

The Lunge 

Defined as “An explosive foward movement of the front hand and leg”.  The lunge is a fencers best weapon.  It should be aimed straight at the opponent for best effect. 

The lunge starts with the finger and thumb moving the point and the arm extending stright from the elbow, the front leg kicks forward from the toe and extends straight towards the target, the back leg pushes down and extends straight giving forward momentum.   The body’s ‘centre of gravity’ moves forward until gravity takes over, the weapon arm is thrust forward with the momentum of the lunging leg.  The weapon point hits the target and the attack finishes with the downward movement of the front leg due to gravity or individual stretch or reach.

Relaxed: Relaxed equals speed.  It is also more deceptive if your oppponent doesnt see tension before an action.  Thus the hand fires forward before any other visible movement.

Practice: The general conception is 200-300 repetitions of an action trains the muscle memory, including error training – where the body adapts to changes and the mind reintroduces the learnt processes.  So training correctly is very important

Tip: Begin with back foot against a wall and lunge keeping the foot in place.  Build different lengths of lunges; small, medium, large & Slow to Fast.  Keep head facing forward with Torso upright and the back leg locked straight, return to guard with balance, the front leg lands last.

Australian Junior Team Results in Acireale (Catania), Italy

Full results can be found on the www.fie.ch website, and the http://www.escrime-acireale.com/eng/default.aspx website

Junior Mens Epee: Jo Slowiaczek 52nd.

Junior Mens Foil: Jo Slowiaczek 44th.

Junior Mens Sabre: Sutherlan Scudds 80th, James Walsh 86th.

Junior Womens Foil: Katie Boyles 66th.

Junior Womens Sabre: Chloe Rosettie 70th, Katie Boyles 79th.

Cadet Mens Sabre: Chris Nagle 49th.

Cadets Mens Epee: Nick Davison 59th.

Cadets Womens Sabre: Isabelle Roberson 39th.

Teams:

Womens Sabre: 20th (20)

Mens Sabre: 25th (25)

April 2008 [1] 

En Garde

Defined as the Fencing Stance, the fencers stance is imperitive to everything in the sport.  Like a tree without roots, there is no fencing without a base, and the front and back legs provide that ‘trunk’.  Front and back legs are determined by the weapon hand.  A 90 degree position ‘L shape’ is created by the feet with the front foot (and knee) facing forwad.  By standing at least shoulder width apart, a fencer can bend the knees and get more power with a deeper bend.

Relaxed, essential to speed is a relaxed stance – not slouching but upright.

Practice, the more comfortable a fencer is in the en garde position the more natural fencing becomes.

Tip: Practice jumping into the en garde position, when walking forward & back, then again when steping forward & back.

Check out some interesting fencing videos on Youtube. A few Legends

clip 1: Epee Grand Prix Womens Final St. Petersburg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ubq6Mj_grs&feature=related  

clips 2 & 3: Italian Team Coach Stefano Cerioni fencing a few years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAcd2d3-AFM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=musXKggvuAY&feature=related

The legendary Vladimir Smirnov in a lesson.

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKL0r9cJmgw&feature=related

part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Z0ZbczDh4 

Enjoy.

A bit of History and a nice visual on the recent history of Italian fencing courtesy

of a video on Youtube.

1st video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1F0IWoKxEg

2nd video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6gmM20ft7E&feature=related 

3rd video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gg1hI4nZeU&feature=related

4th video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqAqo-RECDU&feature=related

Check it out.