As of 17/3/08 Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson has provisionally qualified for the Womens Epee in Beijing. Ranked 37th Amber is on track for August!.

Australia’s other main contenders will have to rely on winning the Asian Zone Championships in Bangkok – April.  Fingers crossed…

For more information FIE

Australian Mens Foilist Joe Slowiaczek came 108th in Espinho, Portugal last weekend.

Australian Womens Foilist Jo Halls came 61st in Budapest, Hungary last weekend.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson came 42nd in Florina Greece, last weekend.

It was a RED event at the FV dinner friday night, the Malvern Banquet Hall was a-blaze of red shirts, ties, ribbons, shoes and cocktail dresses.  An enjoyable evening was celebrated by everyone culminating in the celebration of the “60th years” for John Fethers, Joseph D’Onofrio, and Harry Sommerville.
Congratulations to all the award winners including the winners of the Caliburn Award: Dr Zoltan Vilagosh, Young Blood Award: Mr Jeremy Shelley, and Leonie Austen Award: Ms Sue Heistein.

Thanks to Thunderstruck Performance Gear for donating the prizes, which the 3 recipients will receive.

Thanks also to the organisers especially Genevieve Hartley, creating a successful event even with the 30+degree Melbourne weather.!

Here’s to a great year of Fencing.

Every competition needs result sheets, here are some for your use.

Poule [swordfighter-poule-sheet.doc] Sheet

Direct Elimination  [swordfighter-d-e-sheets.doc] Sheet

D/E Tableau [swordfighter-competition-d-e-sheet.jpg] Sheet

D/E Exhaustive [swordfighter-d-e-exhaustive-sheet.jpg] Sheet

Team Match [swordfighter-team-match-sheets.doc] Italian Relay Sheet

“En Garde” available on FIE website. 

The FIE has the computer program for your club competitions.

Available to download here

I.O.C. Website has quite good relevant information on Fencing, at this years 2008 Beijing games.

Read more IOC Website:

The BBC has an interesting article on the development of Electronic Fencing, the art of the (Foil) “Flick” and ways to defend against it.

For more information read BBC Fencing

Although the article was written apparently in 2003.. it is still relevant.

Enjoy.

The Rules for Fencing 2006 edition.

Translated by the British Fencing Association can be downloaded here;  fie-rules-for-competition-2008.pdf

Along with the updates from Jan 2008 here; fie-rules-for-competition-updates-2008.pdf

For further updates go to BFA website

Here are the referee hand signals universally used in competitions.

Download here fie-hand-signal-document.pdf

Available also from the www.fie.ch

Australian Womens Foilist Jo Halls came 80th in St. Petersbourg last weekend.

Four Australian Mens Epeeists competed in Stokholm last weekend.

Zac Casagrande came 104th, Ross Austen 129th, Seamus Robinson 143rd and Mark Grant 195th.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson competed in St. Petersbourg last weekend coming 83rd.

The history of Fencing

Fencing first originated in preparation for duels between men for warfare.  Throughout human history, man has fought with weapons.  When technology changed so did the weapon and consequently the tactics.

A picture of a fencing “match” was uncovered on an Egyptian temple dating back to approx 1190 B.C. The Babylonians, andcient Greeks, Persians, and Romans all had some type of fencing.

The use of armour during the Middle Ages made swordsmanship almost obsolete.  The broadsword was in regular use but caused minor damage against armour, it only resulted in a hacking weapon requiring brute strength rather than skill,  making armour almost redundant.

The development of firearms brought swordplay into prominence during the 15th century.  Soldiers learnt skills with the sword, and fencing also emerged as a pastime for the nobility.  Fencing masters organized guilds, which taught secret moves to students.

The swords of this period were heavy, more effective in cutting your opponent with the edge.  The sword was a defensive weapon against thieves, and included tactics such as wrestling holds and disarming or immobilizing with tricks to set up for the killing blow.

Fencing as a “sport” requiring skill and speed, began when the longer and lighter rapier was developed during the 16th century in Italy. Because of the length of the rapier, opponents had to fight at a distance with quick controlled lunges, attacking the opponent with the point of the sword.  But the rapier wasn’t a good defensive weapon, so the fencer often had to use the left hand with a gauntlet to parry his opponent’s thrusts.  This lead to the “challenge” of ones opponent by hitting him with the gauntlet.

Under Louis XIV in France, with fashion changing so developed a new kind of sword. The rapier didn’t “fit” with the brocaded jackets of the era, nor the breeches, and silk stockings, so French courtiers adapted by wearing a shorter sword known as the court sword.  This turned out to be an excellent weapon for fencing because it was both lighter and stronger than the rapier, so it could be used for defense as well as offense.  As a result, the classic modern one-handed fencing technique we use today developed, with the left hand and arm used for balance.

A version of the court sword, the Foil, was developed for practice.  Another type of sword, the colichemarde, had been created for dueling.  The blade had a triangular cross-section, with slightly concave sides to reduce weight without reducing strength. The colichemarde evolved into the modern Epee.  The Three musketeers used this single weapon style defending the King and thus being the best fighters in the Kings guard.

The third  fencing weapon, the Sabre, was introduced into Europe in the late 18th century adapted from the scimitar of Turkey, by the Hungarian cavalry.  It was so effective that other armies began using it and it evolved into the cutlass, becaming the standard weapon for the navy.

The Sabre was a very heavy, curved sword, but changed into a lighter weapon with only a slight bend in Italy, late in the 19th century for dueling and fencing.  The modern Sabre is straight, like the Foil and Epee, but it still retains one cutting edge which can be used to make hits on an opponent.

Olympic Fencing

Fencing one of the first Olympic sports that has been on every modern Olympic program since 1896.  The Men’s Foil and Sabre events were on the 1896 program and the Epee was added in 1900.  Because of major disagreements about the rules, France and Italy refused to compete in 1912. The Fédération Internationale d’Escrime, (Standardised rules in 1913), is the governing body for international fencing, including the Olympics.

The Women’s Foil competition commenced in the Olympic program in 1924.  Only Foil was fenced for many years, until the Epee was added in 1992, and in Athen in 2004 an American won the first ever gold medal won for the USA.

There are 3 different sets of rules for the three weapons, relating to the differences in technique evolved out of their history.

 In Foil and Epee, a touch can only be made only with the point.  The entire body is valid target for the Epee, but in Foil a touch is scored only on the torso. In Sabre, a hit is made with the edgo or tip, only on the torso, arms and mask.  Fencing due to its speed is a difficult sport to judge, since it’s necessary to determine, first, whether a hit was made and, second, which came first when the two fencers score hits almost simultaneously.  The electrical Epee was introduced at the 1936 Olympics to score hits automatically.  Electronic Foil was added in Melbourne in the 1956 Olympics, and Sabre at the 1992 Olympics.

Fencing Clothing

Glove – The glove protects the weapon hand (the rear hand doesn’t need a glove).  The glove provides a non slip gripping surface.

Jacket – The heavy protective garment that protects the torso. Made from heavy canvas, quilted cotton, or Kevlar, fencing jackets are usually closed with zips. The front of the jacket dips into a v-shaped groin protector, with a strap that runs between the legs to hold the groin protector in place.  You “step into” a fencing jacket.

Plastron – The added protection under a jacket, in the form of a single or double-sleeved Kevlar undershirt.  Required for most competitions

Chest protector — Molded plastic breastplate, worn by women under the jacket

Mask – The wire-mesh helmet of fencing.  Never fence without your mask, as modern fencing weapons are predominantly dangerous only to uncovered eyes.  The wire mesh is darkened on the inside, to allow your eyes to focus past the grill.

Breeches – Suspender-based fencing pants. Required for high-level (national and international) competitions. Not required for training or classes

Bib – The heavy fabric below the mask, which protects your neck.

Socks – Not unlike Football socks the Fencing sock is knee high and traditionally white, Most Epee socks have a reinforced panel in the front shin section of the sock.

Shoes — Like every other sport, Fencing has its own shoes. Light and flat soled with a rolled heel.

Modern Fencing
Electric fencing was redeveloped In the 1970’s and has had slight modifications since.  The scoring apparatus has 3 options for each weapon, and are universally used in every Fencing Nation.

 Unlike historic battles modern fencers don’t harm their opponents but try to hit their opponent as many as 15 times and thus require more technical and tactical depth.

Fencing consists of 2 competitors who face off in a “bout”, they compete to score points on each other with their weapons. To beat an opponent, a fencer must use bladework, footwork, tactics and strategy. Fencing bouts are characterized by flurries of speed, highly aerobic movement, and lightning-fast blade movements.

Fencing Weapons

Fencing has three weapons, each derived from an historical ancestor.  Modern fencing weapons are lighter, safer sporting versions of the real thing

All weapons used in Fencing range from 90 – 100cm long, and typically weigh under 500 grams. There are a set of requirements to which each weapon must conform, for reasons of safety and fairness.

The Epee
 The Epee is a descendant of the dueling Rapier, and has a large hand-guard and a blade which has a V-shaped cross-section.  Epeeists often train to hit the opponent’s hand toe and leg, since these are the closest targets. 

The Sabre

The Sabre is descended from the curved cavalry sword. It has a basket-shaped hand-guard that completely covers the hand, and a blade which is Y-shaped in cross-section.  Sabreurs often train to hit the opponent’s hand, since it is a close target, and the opponent’s head, since it is easy to hit with an edged weapon.

The Foil

The Foil is a synthetic weapon. It was originally designed by Fencing Masters as a lighter, safer training substitute for real weapons.  The Foil has a small, round hand-guard and a blade that is rectangular in cross-section. Foilists train to hit the chest, but a school of technique is also built around hitting the opponent’s back with a move that bends the blade in a curve (the “flick”).

Starting weapon

When teaching fencing, instructors often start new fencers with the Foil.  Because of its origin as a training weapon, the Foil comes with a set of rules, technique and conventions that translate easily to the Epee and Sabre.  As students become comfortable with the concepts of fencing, they can switch to the other weapons. Many students choose to stay with Foil, however, and it is frequently the most popular weapon at tournaments.

In recent times, high-level fencing has been increasingly taught by weapon specialists, and the “Foil-first” approach has been challenged by the successes of fencers who only ever fenced Sabre or Epee.

“And the Winner is?”

SwordfightersAustralia is running a “Guess the Olympic Winners” Competition.

 Who is going to be the most successful country in Fencing at the Beijing Olympic Games.  Do you have any inside knowledge?

Email chris@swordfightersaustralia.com with your 1st, 2nd and 3rd; Rankings and medal numbers.

Entries close 7/8/2008 (the day before the opening ceremony) 

The most correct entry at the end of the last day of competition will win a Swordfighter Prize.

You’ve got to be in it to win it.

According to an article on Fencing.Net  (6 March) The USFA is having to address related rumours to its financial status.  The article states that the USFA has budget debts of somewhere between $250,000 to 1 millon US Dollars.

Read more

Timetable and Results for D.H.McKenzie (full results)

Melbourne held at the “Fencing Factory”

Friday March 28th, 2008, Mens Sabre – 12.30, Womens Sabre – 1.30, Mens Veteran Sabre & Womens Veteran Sabre – 4.30.

Saturday March 29th, 2008, Mens Epee 9.00, Womens Foil 10.45, Mens Veteran Foil 2.15, Womens Veteran Epee 2.30.

Sunday March 30, 2008, Mens Foil 8.45, Womens Epee 10.30, Mens Veteran Epee 2.00, Womens Veteran Foil 2.30.

Attached is DHMckenzie Program which may be of interest.

The naming of the D.H.McKenzie tournament was an important dedication to one of Australia’s best fencers.  The following article was printed on the program available at the competition.

David McKenzie (1936-1981)

David McKenzie was an exceptionally fine young fencer who represented the NSW Amateur Fencing Association in the period 1954 – 1966 as a member of the Swords Club, based in Sydney and coached by Professor Joan Beck.

David’s education included Parramatta High School and then the Faculty of Law at Sydney University to graduate with a degree ub Law (LLB).  He also represented the Sydney University Fencing Club, and in that capacity his interests focused on establishing fencing as an Australian Intervarsity Championship event.  The success of that initiative is confirmed by the number of University fencers who went on the represent Australia.

Apart from his State titles, his fencing career included two Australian Foil Championship titles (1957 and 1965), representing Australia in Foil  at the Olympic Games of 1956 (Melbourne), 1960 (Rome), and 1964 (Tokyo).  He also represented Australia in Foil at the British Empire & Commonwealth Games in Wales (Cardiff) in 1958 and in 1962 (Perth).  After the 1966 Jamaica (Kingston) Games, those Games were identified as the Commonwealth Games.

David’s success as a fencer is confirmed by being recognised as a perpetual finalist in Australian National Competitions.  His precise and technical ability as a fencer also prompted presidents of bouts to be very sure of their analysis of an action before awarding a hit.  A classic example was the highlight of a bout in New Zealand in which David’s speed and precision with a riposte clearly identified he had effectively parried two attacks but failed to impress the president who ruled that the attack was not parried.  On the next attack David parried, held the parry, looked at the president and then riposted to gain the hit and convince the president to understand the error of his judgement – all done very politely, which was indicative of David’s characteristic answer to a problem.

For those wh knew David as a friend, it was apparent in the late 1950s, that his ambitions included management opportunities and his success within Law provided the expertise and opportunity to become President of the NSW Amateur Fencing Association.  In 1963, with the election of Laurie Harding-Smith as President of the Australian Amater Fencing Federation, David was elected Executive Vice President of the AFF and the sport of fencing established an upgrade of its image as an Olympic sport.  His perception of progress for the sport extended to creating Australian Junior Championships which, apart from extending the sphere of fencing, also provided the opportunity to identify the talented fencers of the junior category.

David’s involvement in the administration of fencing extended from the late 1950’s to the mid 1970’s, during which time he also represented Fencing as a delegate at Australian Olympic Federation meetings.  His success in sport administration is identified by the following elections and appointments: 1968 Assistant Manager Olympic Team (Mexico), 1971 Vice President of the NSW Olymic Committee, 1973 elected to the executive of the Australian Olympic Federation, 1974 elected as AOF member of the International Olympic Council, 1980 AOF representative at Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

David was the legal advisor of the Australian Olympic Federation and his appointment to the IOC also included legal representation on behalf of the International Olympic Council .  His elevation through the administration of a minor Australian Olympic sport, such as fencing, the NSW Olympic Committee, the Australian Olympic Federation to the International Olympic Council represents an extraordinary achievement  for an Australian fencer.  David served with great distinction, and was directly involved in the negotiations that were critical in terms of world-wide concepts of the Olympic Games which were scheduled for Moscow in 1980.

David was personally involved in discussions with the Prime Minister of the day, Malcolm Fraser, whose government supported a boycott of the Moscow Games.  He also personally negotiated with President Jimmy Carter of the U.S.A.   It is more than appropriate to recognise that David’s influence extended to ensuring that Australia did particpate in the Moscow Games and that Australia is now identified with Greece as the only nations that have participated at every Olympic Games from 1896 in Athens to 2004, also in Athens.

David was an exceptional fencer, a sportsman with high level ethics and a tireless worker on behalf of Australian Fencing.  It is fitting that his work should be acknowledged and remembered by the annual Australian Tournament which bears his name.

Tshirts were available to buy at AFF 1 in Melbourne (28-30 March)

Information will be available soon on the website on new products available.

 To view the latest FIE letter regarding the upcoming Korean Mens/Womens Foil Tournament changes and information for interested manufacturers of fencing pistes.  FIE Letter March 

So what is historical fencing?

Well here is a bit of a look at some historical fencing from youtube

“Historical fencing shows in Sandomierz”  

Very well done and some scenes are quite difficult to recreate and look “realistic”.

History is an important thing!

Especially fencing history, and up til now it hasn’t been available on the web.

For Australian Champions

For World & Olympic Champions

Australian Mens Foilist Jozef Slowiaczek came 129th in Bonn, Germany last weekend.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson has come 115th in Tauberbischofsheim, Germany last weekend.

The 2008 calendar is online at www.fencingvictoria.org

An updated version will be available soon.

dates to note: 

AFF 1. DH McKenzie – Melbourne (March 28-30)

Fencing Victoria Annual Dinner Malvern Banquet Hall (March 14)

please note… Wear something RED..

AFF 2. Robin Champlin Memorial – Adelaide (June 7-9)

AFF 3. Perth International (August 1-5) 

Olympic Games – Beijing China (8-18 August 2008)

Australian University Games (28 September-5 October)

AFF 4. The Oceania and Australian National Championships – Sydney (28 November- 2 December)

To understand just how hard it is to qualify for the Olympics, especially in the 2 weapons chosen to not have a team event (Mens Foil and Womens Epee) in Beijing…. click here fencing.net

Hopefully Fencing will be given the extra 2 gold medals for the team events in the future…

The swordfighters forum is here.

“Keeps you in Touche”.

Click here for Forum

Australian Foilist Jo Halls comes 27th in Leipzig Germany last weekend of February.

Australian Epeeists Amber Parkinson 44th and Emily Ballantyne-Brodie 137th competed in the Challenge international de St-Maur, France last weekend.

Amber’s result maintains her World Rank of 35th.

Keep it up Aussie!

Interpretations of the interview by Jean-Marie Safra with FIE President

Rene Roch in “Escrime Internationale.”  [No 61. 12/2007]

Mr Roch explained that the transparent mask being brought in for compulsory use in Foil (World Cup Competitions – tableau 32) as of January 1 2008 was of a unanimous vote *.  Enabling the fencers to get used to it prior to Beijing in August, and that new technologies should be embraced.  Sabre fencing viewing has improved in the public’s opinion because of the transparent mask.  The reintroduction of the mask bib as target area for foil is believed to be safer as there is no need to limit the width of the bib.

Video refereeing has been a great introduction, it reduces refereeing errors, and removes doubt from the fencers mind. It also reflects an improved image of fencing.  The international recognition has and will continue to increase.  In 2008 referee’s will be further trained on video usage.

On the Beijing Olympic front Mr Roch is very impressed vith the venues to be used for the Games.  Situated in ideal locations and due to the expected results of the Chinese fencers the venues should be filled.  The FIE is still  fighting to regain the 12 Olympic medals it desires and extra 40 places for the following games.  He also mentioned that each of the 212 athletes will plant a tree of their choice in Beijing.

Mr Roch announced the intention of the FIE to have a website dedicated to real time video competitions where anyone can go and watch all the world cup tournaments….

   * please note due to the publication being 2 months old, refer to SFA post “Visors Banned and Epeeists Warned” February 1 2008 and the attached FIE urgent letter.  

Christian d’Oriola has been heralded in the latest “Escrime Internationale” No 61

“Death of an expert swordsman” 

For all fencing enthusisasts, the name should be synomonis with beautiful and graceful fencing.   A remarkable career. 2 Olympic titles, 4 world titles and countless medals won with the French team.  A remarkable athlete who was able to bridge the gap between non electric and electric fencing.

Commonly known as the “first musketeer”.

Christian d’Oriola was 79 

Vale.. 

The 2007 veteran world championships were held in sydney from 14-16^th September.  Over 200 fencers from 22 nations competed.  The organizing committee and AFF president Helen Smith were thanked for the smooth running of the competition.

article from “Escrime Internationale” No 61 12/2007.

Book Recommendation

“Escrime l’invention du Sport”  author Gerard Six.   A historical walk through ancient fencing from 1198BC! From Egyptian organized competitions through evolution up to the present day.

Highly recommended.

As seen in “Escrime Internationale” No 61 12/2007. 

For a good understanding and views of the weapons used in Fencing

go to Olympic Website

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson consolidates her FIE ranking moving up to 35th in the World.

Congratulations Amber….

Q. What are the names of the weapons used in fencing?

A. Foil, Epee, Sabre

Q. What is the area that a fencing match is held on?

A. “The piste’ ”

Q. What is a fencing match called?

A. A “Bout”

Q. Was fencing one of the original modern Olympic sports? or when was fencing first introduced to the modern Olympics?

A. Yes or 1896

Q. What are fencing pants called?

A. Breeches

Q. What is the metal jacket that foilists and sabreurs wear?

A. “Lame’ ”

Q. How many points win a bout?

A. 5points in a poule bout, 15points in a direct elimination (D/E) bout.

Q. What other Olympic sport uses one of the fencing weapons in its event?

A. Modern Pentathlon uses Epee fencing, first to 1 hit. (other events; pistol shooting, equestrian show jumping, cross country running, swimming).

Q. What is the French name for Fencing?

A. “Escirme’ ”

Q. What is the umpire in fencing called?

A. The “President” or commonly The “Referee”

Q. What is the target area in foil?

A. The lame’ which covers only the torso (excludes arms, head, legs and the foil)

Q. What is the target area in Epee?

A. Every part of the fencers body (exludes the epee)

Q. What is the target area in Sabre?

A. The lame’ covering everthing above the waist (excludes the sabre)

Q. How long in minutes does a poule bout last?

A. 3 mins, (plus 1min, if scores tied, first point wins.

Q. How long can a direct elimination D/E bout last?

A. 9 mins, (plus 1 min, if scores tied, first point wins.

Q. Which hand can you use in fencing?

A. Only your weapon hand – left or right.

Q. What is the physical stance in fencing called?

A. The en-garde stance.

Q. 1 hit equals how many points?

A. 1 point

Q. What do fencers say when they get a point scored on them?

A. ” Touche’ ”

Q. What is a block called?

A. A “Parry”

Q. What is the powerful thrusting hitting action called?

A. The “Lunge”

Australian Epeeists Amber Parkinson 81st and Emily Ballantyne Brodie 92 competed in the Barcelona Womens Epee competition last weekend.

Keep it going..

Australian Foilist Jo Slowiaczek comes 77th in the Mens Coupe ville de Venise

good luck Jo, keep it going.

Check out the highlights video from Athens 2004.

just a little something to get you in the mood for Beijing….

 go to Youtube

The spiderwick Chronicles is to be released in Australia in February 2008.

A fantasy world comes alive and one of the heroine’s has some fencing skills.

View the trailer

Challenge Internationale Paris – France :: January 25-26 2008 :: Sanzo ITA v Baldini ITA :: wireless final commentary.

The final started off quite slowly with Baldini in control – the bout was quite static with neither Italian moving around much, more to Baldini’s liking. Every time that Sanzo would appear to be increasing speed or distance, Baldini would shuffle his back leg on tiptoe. Quite an effective move against someone he trains against. At the first break Baldini still had the lead 4-3 but Sanzo scored the final touch. [A little bit of insight to Baldinis style, having fenced him 3 years ago and observing his speed over a short distance with both hand and foot – this style was not in Sanzo’s best interest. Sanzo is obviously very fast, but Baldini is younger and improving all the time. His response time appears faster – maybe its youth].

After the break Sanzo came out and started to move more putting the left hander under a bit more pressure. With a challenge on the tv monitor available but unsuccessful, Sanzo started attacking more aggressively, something that good footwork and timing is essential for. [I tried, unsuccessfully points wise when I fenced Baldini, to push harder against him, and then run like the wind backwards to retreat. Both being left handed turned out to be an advantage to him as he could hit both of my shoulders comfortably. His counter six parry was lightening fast, again only repetition and timing can improve.].

The match then took another turn around. Baldini upped the tempo and scored an attack, a preparation attack, a counter attack, then a parry riposte for 4 in a row, and the lead 10-9, another riposte to Baldini and the lead is 11-9 at the 2nd break. [Confidence is massive in sport, fencing especially, if you feel confident you can overcome anything or hold on. Appearing confident is also a skill that each fencer must acquire. If your opponent thinks you’re vulnerable, you probably will be! Baldini is an incredibly confident fencer, no matter what situation he’s in he always appears confident. Naturally, trained, deserved, or experience its there, and he becomes a very powerful opponent at the other end of the piste.].

A successful challenge on the first point after the commencement extended Baldini’s lead to 12-9. Both fencers prodded and probed at each other. [very cautious and clever from Sanzo’s point of view, he couldn’t afford to lose more points, often bouts can totally change from this point]. Baldini responded equally well, with no desire to rush he picked of a point at the right time for 13-9. With the pressure off Baldini relaxed and scored with another disengage attack to get the lead 14-9, the final point was a lovely little riposte which gave Baldini the championship. [Pressure, perceived or actual, as in the final of the CIP or another world cup event, is something each fencer must determine a way to handle. Training as if the next point is the final touch of the match is a good method, it trains the brain and body to react without emotionally losing control or rushing.].

The final score of 15-9 was deceiving as to the closeness of the final and the subtleties of the skills of each fencer. But it was Andrea Baldini’s day and a new C.I.P champion for 2008.

You can view the full footage of the final here on fencingchannel.tv

The Australian Fencing Federation has announced the Junior Team selected for the 2008 World Junior and Cadet Championships 5-14th April, in Acireale, Italy.

Junior Mens Foil: Jo Slowiazcek (NSW)

Junior Womens Foil: Katie Boyles (VIC)

Junior Mens Epee: Jo Slowiazcek (NSW)

Junior Mens Sabre: James Walsh (QLD), Sutherlan Scudds (WA)

& Chris Nagle (VIC) [team only]

Junior Womens Sabre: Katie Boyles (VIC), Chlole Rossetti (WA)

Cadet Mens Epee: Nick Davison (QLD)

Cadet Mens Sabre: Chris Nagle (VIC)

Cadets Womens Sabre: Isabelle Robertson (QLD)

Team Manager: Leon Thomas (SA)

Congratulations to everyone and good Fencing.

Australian Foilist Jo Halls comes 65th in the Star Cup Belgrade Ladies Foil competition last week.

Good luck Jo

Australian Epeeist Seamus Robinson – achieves top 20 result in Lisbon last weekend,

Great result Seamus!  Seamus’ FIE ranking is now 51, heading to the end of qualification for the Olympics.

5 other Australians also competed;

Will Dolley 56th & Ross Austen 58th both making the 64.

Matt Baker 88th, Mark Grant 90th & Zac Cassagrande 96th.

Congratulations guys.

Australian Epeeist Amber Parkinson consolidated her World ranking of 38 last weekend (Feburary 2nd) with another result in the top 64 in Luxembourg.

Good work Amber…. 

Corporate Sword Fighters

A new experience for all types of corporate backgrounds.

A unique safe and fun educational experience.

Specifically designed safe and unbreakable fencing swords.

Executive Education.

Team Building.

Sporting Activity.

Internationally accredited Coaches and Instructors.

For more details call 0409 013 171

The FIE has announced that each of the 212 athletes who qualify for the 2008 Beiijng Olympics will each plant a tree at the Beijing Fencing Centre.

This evolved out of the FIE’s desire to improve the athlete’s and the global fencing family awareness of the environment around them.

The market is about to become a little cooler, with the worldwide manufacturer having the Beijing Olympic contract.

Finally some of the shoes are available for viewing. According to Nike the shoes are 20% lighter than other fencing shoes. With light weight materials the durability of the shoes are yet to be assessed, but one comment from Nike was like most serious sports shoe the life span was likely to be 3-6 months. From Nike’s information the shoes are made from more durable materials than before, so we’ll see.

For more information visit the full article at fencing.net.

An urgent letter has been issued following an incident involving a mask with a transparent visor during a training session in Venezuela. A Venezuelan fencer was rumoured to have been injured in training while fencing epee. As a result of the incident a ban has been placed on fencing with transparent visors for foil fencing; it’s not clear whether this is a mistake and the ban has been applied to epee. The letter also requests referees to clamp down on the use of violent tactics in epee bouts.

You can read the complete urgent letter here.

The 2008 calendar is online at www.fencingvictoria.org

An updated version will be available soon.

dates to note: 

AFF 1. DH McKenzie – Melbourne (March 28-30)

Fencing Victoria Annual Dinner Malvern Banquet Hall (March 14)

Amber Parkinson, Australian Female Epee Team representative has followed up her great result at the Asian Championships of 2007, with a top 16 Result in Prague in January 2008.

Amber’s result puts her in good stead on her aim of Olympic qualification for Beijing.

Great Work Amber!

Welcome to Sword Fighters Australia, a new site dedicated to Foil, Epee and Sabre fencing in Australia. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks to find interviews, product reviews and competition commentary. Until then…

Chris Jones