THRUST AND CUT

The E-Newsletter of Salle Green

No. 2004-7

18 November 2004

1.  THE LEASE IS SIGNED

I am happy to report that effective 1 December we have a home.  The lease is signed on the space at 11058 Washington Highway (US 1), and on 1 December we will be moving in.  I expect that we will have everything done that we need to to open for business on the evening of Monday, 6 December.  Therefore, our regular readers are invited to an open house in our space at 7:00 pm on that Monday, and we will plan to start regular classes on Wednesday, 8 December.

2.  THE RICHMOND NAC

On 10, 11, and 12 December the US Fencing Association will conduct a major Division 1 tournament in Richmond as part of the North American Cup Circuit.  As a Division 1 meet this will include the top ranked US fencers in all three weapons, foil, epee, and sabre; in addition this NAC includes Veterans competition (over 40 years of age) and wheelchair competition.  Registrants include a number of Olympic team members.  This is an excellent opportunity to see some very high quality fencing.

The venue is the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Hall A (although there is also a reference to Hall B), 403 North 3rd Street.  Based on the tentative schedule of events (including both Division 1 and Veterans' events), you can see the following weapons:

Men's Foil - Saturday and Sunday

Men's Epee - Friday and Saturday

Men's Sabre - Friday and Sunday

Women's Foil - Friday and Sunday

Women's Epee - Saturday and Sunday

Women's Sabre - Friday and Saturday

Salle Green will be providing volunteers to help staff the myriad functions required to run a major tournament.  If you are interested in volunteering please contact Walter Green at 804-241-0972 or wgreen@sallegreen.com.

3.  THE HALLOWEEN OPEN AND THE VIRGINIA TECH OPEN

On 30 October Sue Mahon fenced representing Salle Green in the Virginia Division's Halloween Open at the Winchester Armory in a strong field - a D1 classification meet with 3 C rated and 2 E rated fencers.  She placed 14th, losing 11-15 in the direct elimination to Dominique Caovan, the eventual 2nd place winner in the Sabre competition. 

On 13 November we travelled to Blacksburg for the Virginia Tech Open in War Memorial Hall.  This was both a large and a strong field - 33 sabre fencers from 9 clubs in a B2 meet, with 2 B, 3 C, 6 D, and 6 E rated fencers.  Sue Mahon won 3 bouts in her initial pool, was seeded 19th in the Direct Elimination, won her first direct elimination bout 15-9 and advanced to the round of 16, with a loss 6-15 to Bobby Ziechman, a D rated fencer who eventually placed 3rd in the tournament.  Sue's eventual place in the competition was 14th.

Sue Mahon is now placed 2nd in the Virginia Division in the annual points competition for Women's Sabre.

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-6
30 October 2004

1.  SPACE, WELL MAYBE

Things did not work according to plan from the last newsletter.  The original space at Landmark Road was rented by the State Police after a delay well beyond what we were told was the deadline.  We were shown other space, not as well suited for our purposes, but functional.  Then the issue became that the landlord appeared to have reservations about making the changes to the facility that we needed unless we agreed to a 5 year lease.  The landlord's real estate agent started to talk in terms of a cost of $20,000 to remove four partition walls, and we started to realize that the economics of this simply were not viable.  So at the end of last week we started to look again - the sixth time in an effort that started the first week in August.  I really do not understand how any small business gets started and survives.

The good news is that we have identified space in a situation where we believe we will be working with a responsive landlord.  Although the space is not ideal, and will require considerable work, we think this will finally happen.  Our projected home, starting 1 December, is in the R. J. Tilley Plaza building at 11058 Washington Highway (US Highway 1) approximately 3 miles north of Virginia Center Commons, with close access off the Elmont-Atlee Exit on Interstate 95.  We are renting two spaces.  An 860 square foot office will provide us storage space for jackets and masks, an armorer's work area, a bathroom with shower, and administrative space for student records, supplies, and all of the other materials needed to run a salle.  And two doors down in 1200 square feet we will have the fencing area.  This room is 33 feet by 39 feet providing adequate room for as many as 4 practice strips, wall mounted lunging targets, and a variety of other instructional and training materials.  We would have liked to be able to have full length strips, but at this point in the effort, it is wonderful to have anything that will work.

When we get access, we still expect to have at least a week of work to power wash the floors and walls, paint, mount mirrors, and put in strips and weapons racks.    

2.  RATINGS RALLY

Sue Mahon fenced Sabre in the Ratings Rally on 23 October at James Madison University, and improved her performance from the Kickoff Open, placing 23rd overall.  In her pool she placed 5th with an improvement in touches scored versus touches received over the Kickoff.  In the direct elimination round she rallied after the break at 8 touches to go touch for touch with C. Anoll (who placed in the top 8 from Dominion Fencing, finally losing 11-15.  

3.  THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE RULES

The average fencer has some understanding of the rules of the sport, but the specifics of how a meet works often escapes even experienced fencers.  The outcome of Sue Mahon's pool in sabre at the Ratings Rally is a good example of this.  After the pool was completed and the referee and fencers signed the score sheet as accurate, I wandered over to the Bout Committee table to look at the placing in the pool.  It immediately became apparent that the referee had computed, and the six fencers had signed, an inaccurate pool sheet.  Two fencers were tied in bouts won, fencer A had fewer touches scored than fencer B and had received fewer touches, and had a higher indicator - and was placed below fencer B in the results.  When I asked the person at the table about this placement I was reassured that the order in determining placement was bouts won, touches scored if the fencers were tied in bouts won, touches received if tied in touches scored, and finally indicators.  Indicators are the difference between touches scored and touches received.  A quick mathematics check shows that touches scored minus touches received will be identical for two fencers if they tied on touches scored and on touches received.

The real answer is (see paragraph o.19 of the US Fencing Association rules) that the order of placement is determined by:

(1) victories (if pools are of different sizes this is number of victories divided by the number of bouts fought)
(2) if victories are equal by touch indicators (touches scored minus touches received)
(3) if indicators are equal by the number of touches scored
(4) and if the number of touches scored are equal by drawing lots.

The rules are wonderous and complex, and deserve study so that you will not agree to a lower placement than you deserve.  With computer generated seeding for the direct elimination, this is not a major issue, but it is one for pride.

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-5
13 October 2004

1.  WE HAVE SPACE, FINALLY

And this time I am pretty confident we really do have space.  Starting 1 November we will be occupying the 8726 Landmark Road space in the Landmark Office Center.  We expect to sign the lease on next Monday, and the landlord will be doing the buildout we need (actually he will have to tear down a wall and two office spaces to give us the uninterrupted length for a full electric fencing strip) in the intervening two weeks.  That means we are delayed in getting into the space, but the tradeoff is that it will be ready for us when we do get there.  It will also give us the time we need to get classical strips in, weapons racks, and the other necessities in place to make the facility a working school.

If things work according to plan, we will host an open house on 1 November and start teaching on 3 November.  

2.  PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE

Salle Green is now a participating activity in the President's Challenge program.  President's Challenge is a physical fitness and wellness program that encourages regular physical fitness activity and provides incentive awards to recognize participation.  President's Challenge can be accessed through a link from our frontpage.  New participants in our classes will have the option of using their fencing activity to meet Challenge goals.

3.  CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE

The Richmond Sports Backers organization, which is hosting the North American Cup circuit Division 1 tournament in Richmond on 10-13 December, is hosting a Sports Expo in Richmond on 1-2 January.  In conjunction with this either Richmond Fencing Club or the Virginia Division will be hosting a two day meet in the Commonwealth Games format.  This format uses teams determined by random draw – in last summer’s Games we had mixed (men and women) foil team and a mixed saber-epee team competition on the first day – the plan is to follow this with individual weapons on day 2.  The random draw format lets you fence with team mates you would not normally fence with, and is a great opportunity to meet and get to know new faces.  This is an addition to the schedule, coming the week before the Hangover Classic.

4.  CLASSICAL FENCING DEMONSTRATOR COURSE

Starting in January we will be starting, in conjunction with the University of Richmond's Office of Community and Professional Education, a four year program designed to qualify Classical fencers in a four level instructor development program.  The first year will be the first level, Demonstrator, designed to train instructors to teach group lessons and to demonstrate advanced skills in support of lessons by more advanced instructor.   Instruction will be delivered by a combination of Internet courses and physical workshops.

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-4
7 October 2004

1. WE'RE BACK

After an absence of 28 years from US Fencing Association Virginia Division fencing, Salle Green is back on the competitive strip in Virginia. On Sunday afternoon, 3 October, at Northern Virginia Community College, Sue Mahon fenced Sabre in the Virginia Division Kickoff as our first entry of this season. The Kickoff this year was a huge tournament with 78 foil fencers (a B class tournament), 76 epee fencers (an A class tournament), and 31 sabreurs (a B class tournament). Sue did very well in her first tournament, finishing 25th overall in a field that was half B, C, D, and E classified fencers. In the direct elimination she traded touch for touch for the first 6 touches with Arian Askari of the Virginia Academy of Fencing - he finished 7th overall. In the morning Walter Green, a Class 10 Referee, had directed a preliminary pool of the Epee competition. We are glad to be back, and we are proud of Sue Mahon's performance as an Unclassified beginner in a very tough field.

2. A HOME, ANY HOME ...

We are still waiting for the word on whether or not our first choice of space has been pre-empted by the State Police. We should know on Friday or Monday. If we do sign the lease we will reschedule our open house for Wednesday, and be ready to start classes Thursday. If we don't, I have several other locations under consideration.

3. PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to two Salle members for their promotions in our skill development programs:

Competitive Fencer Skill Level Program:

Sue Mahon - 1st Level in Sabre

Classical Fencer Rank:

Cheryl Callahan - 1st Rank in Foil

4. CHANGES IN TIMING

If you have been following the fencing discussion boards, you will be aware that the rules have changed for electric scoring machines. In foil the lockout time (time within which an action must land after the initial touch for it to be registered by the machine) has decreased to 300 milliseconds and the debounce time for the hit (the time the point must stay in depressed contact with the target) has increased to 15 milliseconds. The practical effect of this is that the flick attack is very unlikely to work, forcing a return to more traditional blade work.

Sabre is undergoing a more radical change. Sabre lockout times have decreased to 120 milliseconds. This means that any slow or delayed riposte will not arrive in time to register a hit and that rapid remise cuts and well time stop cuts will score in preference to the riposte (remise) or original attack (stop cut). This has the potential to significantly modify today's sabre play.

Virginia Division machines have been modified, and all events for this year will be fenced using the new timings.

5. VOLUNTEERS FOR THE NAC

On the schedule on our website you will see that a North American Cup Circuit Division I event is coming to Richmond this winter. Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of tasks. If you would like to be part of a major fencing event and start getting a feel for both what top grade fencing is like and for how the inner workings of a major tournament come to together, let me know.

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-3
30 September 2004

1.  IT IS OFFICIAL

Salle Green has a new home for the next three years.  We are leasing 1200 square feet in the Landmark Office Park, 8726 Landmark Road, ZIP code 23228.  This location is in Henrico County just east of the intersection of Staples Mill Road and Parham Road, off Parham Road, just behind a Hardees, and facing the headquarters of McKesson corporation.  Parking is located in a lot behind the building or on the street.  We expect to sign the lease on Friday or Monday.

2.  THE BUILD OUT

As currently configured the space is office space.  Over the next several months walls will be coming down and wooden, and aluminum fencing pistes, mirrors, weapons racks, lunging pads, and all the other requirements for an effective learning space will be going in.  Right now we have space that will function for classes, and although there will be constant change, we will be making improvements each week.

3.  OPEN HOUSE

Please come by and visit the new space on Wednesday evening, 6 October, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.  We will tell you about our plans for the space, pass out information packets and a calendar for classes, give demonstrations, and take care of class sign up.  We will be starting classes as early as Thursday, 7 October.  

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-2
24 September 2004

1.  WHAT IS THIS SALLE THING?

No, my name is not Sally Green.  A salle, or salle d'armes, is a fencing school, usually owned and managed by the professional coach whose name it uses.  Salle is a French term, and is commonly used, as French is the international language of the sport.    

2.  19 SEPTEMBER CHARLOTTESVILLE MEET

Charlottesville Fencing Alliance did an outstanding job with the first meet of the season.  52 fencers showed up for foil, and 24 for epee, far beyond expectations, and the host club and bout committee did a first rate job of keeping the tournament moving to accommodate the bumper crop of competitors.  All age groups were on the strip, including youth, senior, and veteran fencers.

Our Sue Mahon got her first experience as an official, working as score keeper for a pool and on a direct elimination strip.  We strongly encourage fencers to volunteer for this job when their weapon is not being fenced.  Not only is it an excellent way to watch bouts, get to know the fencers in the state, and learn how pools work, but it takes a lot of work off the referees, and is genuinely appreciated.

One of the pleasures of fencing is that not only do you make friends, but you continually run into people you have not seen for years.  I was standing on the gymnasium floor when a fencer walked up to me and asked "What's your name?"  I answered "Walter Green."  He said "I am Dave Catoe - you gave me a ride up to Cornell University in 1973 for Raoul Sudre's fencing clinic."  And he was - it was great to catch up on old times, and also to see his name placed first on the foil results.

3.  SALLE GREEN TESTING

Skills Program (for competitively oriented fencers) and Classical Rank testing for September will be held on 29 September (note the changed date) this month.  Requirements for the Level 1 Skills Program in each weapon and for Classical Rank 1 exercises in Foil are posted on the Salle's site.  The written knowledge tests are now available, and can be taken at any time.

4.  OSHER INSTITUTE CLASS

Our Osher Institute fencing class at the University of Richmond ended on 24 September.  The Osher Institute is a foundation backed program for individuals over age 55, providing access to specialized enrichment classes and a wide variety of courses and activities at the University.  Although there were only 3 participants, we had a great time; they learned fencing history, basics of the sport, and got to fence in a small class competition.  And there are now 3 more people in Richmond who know what fencing is and have had a foil in their hands.

5.  WEBSITE UPDATES

We have moved and expanded the links selection on the website to include a list of equipment vendors.  There is also a new page for parents of fencers - this will grow as we find more useful material.  

6.  A HOME ...

We think we are about a week away from at the least semi-permanent facilities in which to hold group classes.  Next week we are looking at gymnasium space for larger group classes.  And we are also looking at two permanent spaces that fit our budget - neither is very large, but either should allow space for individual lessons, speed and fitness training, both classical and sport fencing pistes (fencing strips), and small group classes.  

7.  WHEN DO YOU WANT TO TAKE A CLASS?

As we get a lot closer to new facilities, we are starting to work on our schedule for classes.  When do you want to take a class (best day and best time periods)?  And what is your interest - classical or modern sport - and what weapon (foil, epee, or sabre)?  Please drop me an e-mail at wgreen@sallegreen.com with your interests.

THRUST AND CUT
The E-Newsletter of Salle Green
No. 2004-1
September 2004

1.  US FENCING VIRGINIA DIVISION SCHEDULE CHANGES

The Kickoff Open had to be rescheduled due to a problem with the venue.  It has moved to 2-3 October at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.

In its place, on 19 September Charlottesville Fencing Alliance will host an unranked Foil and an E Epee competition in Charlottesville.

And this drove another shuffle in the schedule - the Virginia Junior Olympic Qualifiers shift to 27-28 November.

Also this year there is a general policy change in how events are scheduled within a tournament.  Foil and sabre will generally be held on Saturday to concentrate the right of way based events on a single day, simplifying the scheduling of referees.

2.  SALLE GREEN TESTING

Skills Program (for competitively oriented fencers) and Classical Rank testing for September will be held on 30 September this month.  Requirements for the Level 1 Skills Program in each weapon and for Classical Rank 1 exercises in Foil are posted on the Salle's site.  Written knowledge tests will be available after 20 September.

3.  PUBLICATIONS

For Classical Fencers - just published this month is CLASSICAL FENCING RULES: AN ANNOTATED RULE BOOK FOR CLASSICAL FENCERS COMBINING RULES FROM 1889 THROUGH 1930.  Cost is $16.00 and orders may be placed through the Salle site.  This 48 page handbook provides a detailed look at early fencing rules and their evolution, and provides a set of rules that can be used for classical tournaments.  Obviously, for amateur competitors, the US Fencing Association Rules, available as a .pdf file from the USFA website, are the key document for USFA competitions.

4.  TEE SHIRTS

Salle Green tee shirts, ash grey with SALLE GREEN on the front and MODERN AND CLASSICAL FENCING on the back in bright green, are now available at a price of $20.  We have small, medium, large, and extra-large in stock.

5.  OSHER INSTITUTE CLASS

This fall, starting on 15 September, we will be doing a four lesson introduction to fencing for the Osher Institute at the University of Richmond.  The Osher Institute is a foundation backed program for individuals over age 55, providing access to specialized enrichment classes and a wide variety of courses and activities at the University.

6.  USFA MEMBERSHIP

Salle Green is a member club of the United States Fencing Association (USFA), the governing body of our sport in the US and a national governing body member of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).  Every Salle member interested in fencing competitively must join the USFA as an individual member - membership is required to participate in meets, and membership also funds individual insurance.  See Walter Green for membership applications.  A hint, when you send in your application, make certain you provide a fax back acknowledgement so that you will have proof of membership for competition entry.

7.  A HOME ...

The process of locating a permanent home for the Salle has been a long and not entirely pleasant one - we have been through three real estate agencies, each of which promised much and did little, slowly, very slowly.  The number of people who have space for lease, but who are unwilling to return calls to arrange for it to be leased is surprising.  This past summer we had practice facilities that worked well for one on one coaching, but were unsuited for group classes.  I think we have at last turned the corner with an agent who is willing to work with and for us - and I am hopeful that we will be in permanent space shortly.  As soon as we have keys in hand we will start teaching.

8.  THE OLYMPICS ON TELEVISION

Although fencing did not get as much air time as I think it deserved at the Olympics, at least it got airtime, a huge step forward.  We got to see two American women sabre fencers win our first Bronze medal in over the last decade and our first Gold medal since the 1904 St. Louis games.  And, these were historic medals.  Fencing has been part of the Olympics since the first Olympiad of the Modern Era - the 1896 games.  The individual who led the renaissance of the Olympics, Pierre Baron de Coubertin, was a fencer.  This was the first Olympic Women's Sabre Competition in the 108 years of the Games - I hope every one of the 100,000 or so people who fence in the United States, and certainly every one of 20,000 or so amateur athletes who fence competitively, was watching history being made.