Beginner and Intermediate Courses

Hello!

It is coming to the end of a fantastic year at Van Diemen Fencing Club. 

I have enjoyed meeting so many lovely people and look forward to meeting more in 2012!

This year:

• VDFC opened at the YMCA in Glenorchy with a lovely opening night consisting of cupcakes and fencers from beginners to very experienced, some of whom hadn't fenced for several years and some of whom were training for National tournaments this year.
• We have had two tournaments and one still to come before the year ends. We held OPEN, U20s, U17s and U15s events and saw fencers competing in a happy and friendly atmosphere.
• We have had fencers from Europe visit and currently we have the lovely Magaly teaching the beginner Sabre course - everyone is loving it!
• We went to watch The Three Musketeers together at the cinema... an interesting adaptation it was!
• Some club members represented the club at other tournaments, another congratulations to Jack Aylward for coming 3rd at the Scullduggery Golden Blade Tournament!
• I have seen many members transform from nervous beginners to very fine fencers, using finesse, accuracy, speed and style to win their bouts.
• We have grown from a hand full of members to lots of regulars ranging from beginners to ex International fencers and I have a big surprise for everyone next year, but you'll need to come to club to find out ;)

Beginner and Intermediate Epee Fencing courses start in February 2012.

Ages 7-10

Ages 11-15

Ages 16+

Ages 11+ (Great for parent-child pairs etc)

Classes will fill quickly so contact the club now for more information and to book your space:  van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com / 0428 057 473

___________________________

The Coach:

Avril Holderness-Roddam

• Started Fencing in 2000
• Competes Nationally and keeps up to date with FIE rules, global fencing news and coaching techniques
• Has trained and won medals Nationally and over-seas
• Has a Senior First Aid Certificate with Red Cross
• Has a National Police Check for working with children
• Believes fencing should primarily be about having fun. That said, it is also a great sport for improving balance, co ordination, agility, self-confidence and fitness and suits all ages.

The Venue:

Van Diemen Fencing Club

• Targets for point control practice
• Jackets are washed after every use, masks are cleaned after every use
• Viewing area overlooking club floor for family and friends
• Showers and toilets 
• Scoring box
• Videos of high-level fencing tournaments running for students to watch
• Videos of recent State tournaments for members to watch to analyze and improve their fencing
• Fencing publications from other countries for members to read

Events:

• Tournaments for members and tournaments open to all fencers
• Workshops including equipment maintenance, tournament preparation etc
• Training sessions - general and high performance
• Social events; movie nights, BBQs etc
• End of year Awards Night for members and their families

___________________________

In 2012...

• A well known fencing author and experienced fencer and coach may (we're planning dates with him) be coming to VDFC ro run a training session with members. This is a once-in-a-blue-moon experience so be excited :)
• Early in the year a group of members will be flying to Melbourne to compete in a Victorian tournament.
• In December members will have the opportunity to compete in the Open Nationals in Canberra.
• VDFC will be reviving the Tassie Teaspoon Cup - a fun event where engraved teaspoons hung on ribbons are awarded in place of medals. The event will be open to fencers from all clubs.
• Lots more but you'll have to wait and see ;)

Cheers,

Club Coach,

Avril Holderness-Roddam

Update and Club Dates Nov 2011 - Jan 2012

Hello Everyone!
Time for a quick update!


Van Diemen Fencing Club is going well!  Our lovely French Sabre Coach, Magaly, has been running some highly enjoyable Beginner Sabre classes.  This week she covered parries and ripostes. It is wonderful to see so many happy students listening eagerly :)


The club now has a scoring box so club has been that bit more fun hooking up to the box for bouts.


We have an enthusiastic group for the beginner Epee course running on Mondays and the majority are females so hopefully we'll have enough ladies to run separate Epee events at tournaments soon which means twice the medals to hand out ;)


Club is now running on Saturdays (1pm-3pm) AND Tuesdays (6pm-8pm).


Our last Tuesday club for the year will be on December 13th and our last Saturday club for the year will be on December 10th.


Our last tournament will run on December 17th and 18th. Epee will be on the 17th and will be for club members only this time around. Sabre will be on the 18th and will be limited to Magaly's students.


Don't worry though! I know two months is too long to go without fencing, so we will be holding a training session to get us back in the swing of things. January 14th, 10am-2pm @ the club (YMCA Glenorchy). $20 per person. The session will include footwork, bladework drills, structured bouting and more. The session will be suitable for beginners through to State reps :)


The club is seeking enthusiastic youngsters ages 7 to 10 for junior classes and club in 2012. Currently we only have a couple of fencers in this age group and the more the merrier, so please spread the word!  Fencing is great for this age group because it improves balance, coordination, agility and boosts self confidence.


Our Awards Night is on November 26th!  At the China Diner in Moonah. There will be a lot of awards to hand out! From awards for being a reliable volunteer to awards for top-ranked Senior and Junior Epeeist in 2011. Please RSVP if you wish to attend the night, as I need to book a table.  Avril: 0428 057 473


CLUB SOCIAL EVENT:  This Friday, November 11th, we will be going to the cinema to see The Three Musketeers. This film is rated M so juniors must be accompanied by a parent.  Session times come out tomorrow so please call if you want to come so I can let you know when we'll see it.  We will aim for the session closest to 7pm.  Glenorchy Village Cinemas. Approx. $17 p.p. because it's 3D. We will all wait in the foyer so we can nab good seats as a group :)

Van Diemen Fencing Club always welcomes new members! From Beginner to Experienced, the more the merrier!

Saturday Club

Van Diemen Fencing Club are going to trial club on Saturdays through November.

So, in addition to Tuesday night club from 6-8pm, we will have Saturday club from 2 to 4pm on the following dates:  November: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.

If you are keen on having Saturday club, please attend, because the continuation of club on Saturdays in 2012 will rely on enough members participating.

Regards,
Avril Holderness-Roddam
Van Diemen Fencing Club

www.hobartfencingclub.com

Club Tournament #2 and Training Snap Shots

Van Diemen Fencing Club's Second Epee tournament for 2011 was held on the weekend (Sept. 24th).
Open Epee:
1st - Jack Aylward (VDFC)
2nd - Isaac Laredo (TUFC)
3rd - Scott Morgan (VDFC)
4th - Ali Mahjouri-Healey (VDFC)
5th - Emil Kavic (TUFC)
6th - Francis Chui (VDFC)
7th - Avril Holderness-Roddam (VDFC)
8th - Georgie Holderness-Roddam (VDFC)
9th - Heather Howard (VDFC)
10th - Zeekiah Pilon (VDFC)

U20s Epee:
1st - Ali Mahjouri-Healey (VDFC)
2nd - Heather Howard (VDFC)
3rd - Zeekiah Pilon (VDFC)

U17s Epee:
1st - Ali Mahjouri-Healey (VDFC)
2nd - Zeekiah Pilon (VDFC)
3rd - Heather Howard (VDFC)

U15s Epee:
1st - Ali Mahjouri-Healey (VDFC)
2nd - Zeekiah Pilon (VDFC)

Below: Entrants of the Open Epee event.

VDFC fencers, from left: Heather Howard, Jack Aylward, Scott Morgan and Ali Mahjouri-Healey, with their medals from this weekend's club tournament. Not pictured: Zeekiah Pilon.

(Above: Heather Howard, pictured with a medal from the Fencing Tasmania State Tournament in August.)

Above: VDFC fencer Ali Mahjouri-Healey with his medals from the Fencing Tasmania State Tournament in August.

VDFC member Jack Aylward with his 3rd place medal from the Fencing Tasmania State Tournament in August.

The Club:

Training is going well. As per usual, 6-8pm Tuesdays at YMCA Glenorchy.

Here are a few snaps from this evening's club, where ten fencers ranging in experience from State and National reps to beginners were having a lovely evening:

 Below:  Two more shots from the tournament.

Beginner courses start this saturday. For info: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com / 0428 057 473

BEGINNER EPEE COURSES

CLASSES START THIS SATURDAY! (Oct 1st)

11-15 year olds: Sat (11am-12.30pm)

Ages 16+: Sat (12.30-2pm)

Classes are held at the YMCA in Glenorchy - 8a Constance Ave, Glenorchy.

Enrollment forms will be available on the day.

Bring:

• full length pants
• sneakers
• a full drink bottle
• course payment ($100 per person, cash or cheques accepted)

To contact the club:
0428 057 473  /  van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

See you there!

Club Update

Hello Everyone!

CLUB
Tonight was a lovely night!
We had a full venue with lots of friendly, happy fencers ranging from beginners to National and ex International reps.
We had a French Sabreur with ten years of experience, who will, incidentally, be running a beginner Sabre course shortly - NUMBERS ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER ASAP TO AVOID DISAPOINTMENT!

BEGINNER COURSES
Just a reminder that beginner courses in both Epee and Sabre will be starting soon so for more info call Coach Avril on 0428 057 473 or e-mail her at: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

VDFC TOURNAMENT #2
The second club Epee tournament for 2011 will be held at the venue (YMCA Glenorchy - 8a Constance Ave) on Saturday, September 24th (not this weekend but the next!).
Age groups will be: U15s, U17s, U20s and Open:
Open events are open to fencers from all clubs, the U15s, U17s and U20s will only be open to VDFC members.
There will be medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each event.
Safety requirements: chest guard, fencing jacket, full length pants OR fencing breaches with full length socks, fencing glove, suitable mask, sports shoes.

EXPERIENCED FENCERS
If you already have fencing experience, please feel free to come along to club on Tuesday nights at the YMCA in Glenorchy (8a Constace Ave), entry via the Fit N' Fun Gym.
It doesn't matter if you don't have your own equipment; all our masks and jackets are lovely and clean and we have chest guards, swords and gloves too.

EQUIPMENT
Van Diemen Fencing Club is the only club in Southern Tasmania to wash its jackets and clean its masks and chest guards after every use.
Nobody wants to wear a mask that is crusty with months of sweat. You can come to our club with the knowledge that all our equipment is clean and fresh.

WEBSITE
Our website has basic information about the club: http://www.hobartfencingclub.com.au/

We look forward to hearing from you!

Next Beginner Fencing Courses.



All courses run for eight weeks and cover the basics of Epee fencing; students will learn offensive and defensive techniques and tactics. On completion, they will be ready to fence at club and in local tournaments.


We've made a few improvements for the next lot of beginner Epee fencing courses.

EACH COURSE RUNS FOR EIGHT WEEKS.
The 7 to 10s class will run for 50 minutes and the price will be reduced to $80. We will take a maximum of six students for this class, so please register ASAP, as the class will commence on October 1st.

The 11 to 15s class will run for 90 minutes - an increase of 30 minutes - the price will be $100. Classes will have a maximum of eight students.

The 16s+ class will continue to run for 90 minutes and the course fee will remain $100.

The above classes run on Saturdays.
There will be ONE class on Mondays for ages 11 and over, so if people are interested in a parent-child class, this one will be appropriate, as all ages 11+ learn the same skills. This class will run for 90 minutes and will cost $100 per student, with a discount of $20 for parent-child pairs, so $180 total.

We've made a few new rules for the 7 to 10s class after a few issues with the current one.
The basics are: 

• Parents must stay in the hall for the duration of the class unless the coach is okay for you to leave.
• The hall will be out of bounds until 10 minutes before the class starts - when students arrive 40 minutes early, the coach is then stuck caring for them when the coach has other things they need to be doing.
• On arrival, students need to sit on a seat and wait for the coach to call everyone over for class - running around the hall is a distraction to other students.
• The coach will hand-out Epees - students are not to help themselves as they are not toys.
• If the coach asks a student to stop doing something, the student must stop immediately, no questions asked.

All it takes is one disruptive student to distract the whole class and students who are well behaved normally, will be inclined to copy the disrutive behaviour.  If a student is given a warning and they continue to act up, they must sit out until the coach intives them to join in again.

The 7 to 10s classes are designed to be fun; students play games designed to improve their co ordination, balance, agility, good sportsmanship and work on fencing specific skills.

During each class, students will do blade work, learning the parries and simple attacks in fencing. 

On completion, students aged 7 to 10 will have earned the Junior Bronze Certificate and will be ready to use junior metal Epees. Students must purchase their own junior Epees - once they out grow them (11 years old) the club will buy them back from them so they can purchase the adult sized Epee.

Please register soon as the classes are already receiving a lot of interest.

Regards,
Avril Holderness-Roddam
Coach, Van Diemen Fencing Club

CLUB WEBSITE!

Finally we've had a lovely man by the name of Peter Wallhead design a website for us.

It's very basic until we can afford to add more pages, but it covers the basics.

 

Here it is:                                     http://www.hobartfencingclub.com.au/

New Epeeists :)

Congratulations to Tasmania's newest Epeeists for completing

the Bronze Certificate in Epee Fencing!

Charlie Norman

Emalisa White

Emily Norman

Genevieve White

Julian Parr

Meg Robb

Vincent Parr

________

A reminder to all fencers that the Fencing Tasmania Inc. Tournament #2 2011 is being held at Van Diemen Fencing Club this Saturday, August 6th, and Sunday, August 7th.

Members of the public are welcome to come and have a look.

The times of events are as follows:

SAT: EPEE:
U15s - Rego @ 9am -- Rolecall @ 9.30am -- Start fencing @ 10am
U18s - Rego @ 11.30am -- Rolecall at 11.45am -- Start fencing at 12noon
Open Epee - Rego @ 1.30pm -- Rolecall @ 1.45pm -- Start fencing @ 2pm
OPEN EPEE ESTIMATED FINISH @ 5pm.
...
(The juniors are planned to fence first due to feedback from the previous tournament that parents find late afternoon to be a bad time for them.)

SUN: FOIL:
Because juniors will *hopefully* be coming from Launceston, the Open fencers will go first.
Open rego @ 9am --rolecall @ 9.30am --Start @ 10am
U18s Rego @ 12.30 --Rolecall @ 12.45pm -- Start @ 1pm
U15s Rego @ 1.30pm -- Rolecall @ 1.45pm -- Start @ 2pm

Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Participation Certificates for all fencers.

Safety requirements: 
Mask, 350N jackets, fencing gloves, chest guards (both male and female), full length pants, sports sneakers.

Remember to bring a drink bottle and food! 
Museli bars are good for munching on during tournaments!

Se you there! :)

Van Diemen Fencing Club - a fencing club in Hobart, Tasmania.

“At Van Diemen Fencing Club, the fencers are taught that fencing is about FASS: Finesse, Accuracy, Style and Speed, and they fence by the saying, “TO the target, not THROUGH the target.”  A sign of a good fencer is when they do not hit so hard that they leave a bruise."VAN DIEMEN FENCING CLUB, A FENCING CLUB IN HOBART, TASMANIA.

Tasmanian Fencer and Coach Avril Holderness-Roddam is leading the way in a resurgence of Fencing in Tasmania.

Late last year Avril put a halt to the six year decline of fencing in Tasmania by promoting the sport through flyers, advertisements and leaflet dropping.  Avril also contacted fencers around Tasmania, encouraging the small fencing community to work together to launch a new state fencing association (Fencing Tasmania Incorporated), the first in over a decade, to build a strong foundation for the soon-to-expand community.  She put many hours into researching, planning and promoting and in early 2011, Avril opened her fencing club in Southern Tasmania, Van Diemen Fencing Club.

The club is modelled on top European fencing clubs and is the only club in Tasmania with a coach registered with the Australian Fencing Federation.

Avril’s club currently has four members training to represent Tasmania at National tournaments later this year and in 2012, including one cadet (U17s) fencer.

Van Diemen Fencing Club provides classes for ages 5 and over and has club members from 6 to 60 years of age.

Van Diemen Fencing Club has a mix of recreational and competitive fencers with experience ranging from beginner to National representatives.   Fencing is a great sport for people who are not so keen on team sports, but there are also opportunities to fence in teams representing clubs, Tasmania and Australia.

Fencing as a sport has a long history and was one of the first three sports in the first Modern Olympic Games.

Van Diemen Fencing Club fencers in Tasmania:

At the recent VDFC Open Epee Fencing Tournament #1, one of Van Diemen Fencing Club’s beginner Epeeists beat Tasmania’s #1 Male Open Epeeist, Mark Scully.  One of VDFC’s junior fencers scored 3 points in a 5 point bout against Tasmanian University Fencing Club’s President, Isaac Laredo, who split the junior’s glove in a particularly rough hit.

At Van Diemen Fencing Club, the fencers are taught that fencing is about FASS: Finesse, Accuracy, Style and Speed, and they fence by the saying, “TO the target, not THROUGH the target.”  A sign of a good fencer is when they do not hit so hard that they leave a bruise.

Van Diemen Fencing Club holds Beginner Fencing Courses regularly. These courses run for eight weeks and cover all the basics of fencing with the Epee sword, the sword now commonly used to introduce beginners to the sport.

Van Diemen Fencing Club T-shirts.

http://www.cafepress.com.au/VDFC

Follow the link :)
Make sure you check the back of the T, as some have writing, some don't.

There is also a design there for the club's members who are representing Tasmania at national tournaments this year.

Feedback is welcome! :)

Next Beginner Classes Start Sept/Oct.

We kicked-off the new beginner courses this week and what a lovely selection of students we have!

For those of you who want to learn to fence, there will be one more lot of beginner courses starting September 26th and October 1st. Register ASAP because the spaces are already filling :)

Ages 5-10, 11-15 and adults. 
The course is the Bronze Certicate Epee Fencing course.


Individual lessons are also available currently.

Everyone is welcome to come along to club to have a go before registering:
Tuesday nights @ Glenorchy YMCA, 6-8pm, come at 6.30pm for an individual introduction to the sport :)

For more info, please contact us:
0428 057 473
van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

Beginner Classes Start TODAY and MONDAY.

It is NOT TOO LATE to register for these beginner classes.

Saturday July 9th: (Today):
Ages 11 to 15 - 11am-12pm
Adults - 12-1.30pm.

Monday July 11th: 
Ages 5 to 10 - 4.30-5.30pm
Ages 11 to 15 - 5.30-6.30pm
Adults - 6.30-8pm.

The courses are held at the YMCA in Glenorchy, and they run for eight weeks.

Just talk to club coach Avril  Roddam when you arrive and she will give you a registration form to fill in and you're all set!

We hope to see you there :)

RESULTS: VDFC Tournament #1 - July 2nd

Hereare the results then a write up.

1st. Mark Scully ...............................Scullduggery Fencing Club
2nd. Isaac Laredo ............................Tas Uni Fencing Club
3rd. Peter Terry ...............................Tas Uni Fencing Club
4th. Anthony Rowe ..........................Scullduggery Fencing Club
5th. Avril Holderness-Roddam .........Van Diemen Fencing Club
6th. Jamie Rowe ,.............................Scullduggery Fencing Club
7th. Jack Aylward ............................Van Diemen Fencing Club
8th. Scott Morgan ............................Van Diemen Fencing Club
9th. Saurabh Kemet .........................Scullduggery Fencing Club
10th. Ali Mahjouri-Healey ................Van Diemen Fencing Club
11th. Georgie Holderness-Roddam ..Van Diemen Fencing Club

Our fencers completed their Bronze Certificate in Epee Fencing ten days ago. Only Jack has previous fencing experience, but in foil, not really Epee.

Jack demonstrated that he has taken a lot on board and showed a real improvement since his last tournament. He beat a number of fencers, including A Rowe who came 4th.

It was Scott's first tournament. He beat 1st place Mark Scully. Not only did he beat him, but he did it after receiving a red card (one point against him) for passing the end of the strip. Fantastic bout! Scott also beat a number of other fencers. He demonstrated his ability to analyse and adapt well mid bout.

Ali is 13 and this was his first tournament. He fenced well and made good use of his long reach and fast reflexes, winning several bouts and scoring plenty of points in others, including a point against M. Scully!

Georgie Holderness-Roddam impressed me by getting in there and being offensive rather than staying back. She was constantly analysisng her opponents and trying out various techniques - she fenced very well.

Well done to Jack, Scott, Ali and Georgie! What a proud coach I am after today!  If that's how you fence after only one week of club, you're going to be great at the next tournament with another two months of training! :)

I will pop some photos of the comp up soon :)  

... BUT...

I leave you with some photos from the club launch (Tue 28/6/2011):

Above: Fencers bouting at Van Diemen Fencing Club launch.

Above: Ali V.S. Tom in the back ground. Peter V.S. Andrew in the foreground.

Above: Jack V.S. Ali (background). Peter V.S. Graeme (foreground).

Above: A fencing taster: Morgan, Peter, Javin, Heather and Meg - Coach: Avril Roddam.

Above: Delicious cupcakes, courtesy of Emerald. :)

Above: Andrew V.S. Graeme

Above: Jack V.S Ali

Above: Fencing taster in progress.

Above: Fencers put their gear on. A fencer ses the target practice area. A fencing info display bottom left corner.

Successful Club Launch

Thank you to everyone who came to the launch! We will put photos up shortly.
We had a lovely mix for fencers with a range of experience!

• New fencers
• Fencers who haven't fenced for over a decade
• Fencers who haven't fenced for a couple of years
• People who are about to become fencers (we had three register for our upcoming beginner courses)
• Regular fencers

We had lovely cupcakes courtesy of my friend Emerald - general consensus was that they tasted wonderful!
We had lucky door prizes - 3 x 30min private lessons.

I suspect we should have a good turn out for the tournament this Saturday.

Regards,
Avril Roddam
Coach, Van Diemen Fencing Club

Beginner Courses and Gift Certificates.

Hello everyone!

1) Beginner courses:  8 week beginner Epee fencing courses will start in early July. There are two days to choose from (and if during the course you can't make it to one day for some reason, you can go on the other day so you don't fall behind).

Saturdays from July 9th.
Mondays from July 11th.

Saturdays: Ages 5 to 10: 10am-11am
                   Ages 11 to 15: 11am-12
                   Ages 16 and over: 12 to 1.30pm

Mondays: Ages 5 to 10: 4.30pm to 5.30pm                  
                  Ages 11 to 15: 5.30pm to 6.30pm                
                  Ages 16 and over: 6.30pm to 8pm

2) Feedback I've been receiving is that people believe that fencing is an expensive sport, so I'd like to set you straight :) 
You can now buy a jacket, breeches, mask, and glove for less than $200AUD.
When I began ten years ago I had to pay over four-hundred dollars for my kit, so prices have dropped substantially now :)
Also, Van Diemen Fencing Club supplies fencing equipment, so you don't need to buy your own gear unless you want to.

3) The club launch is this Tuesday, June 28th. Kids ages 5-10 should come along between 5pm and 6pm, and people ages 11 and over should come along between 6pm and 8pm. Please come along and have a go, ask questions and so on.  $2 to have a go and all money raised goes to the Hobart Dogs' Home :)

4) We have gift certificates now for 8 week beginner classes. They make a very cool Birthday/Christmas gift, especially if you have a Star Wars/Pirate fan in the family ;) Available for ages 5 and over.

So, if you would like more information on the courses or you'd like the registration form, please send an e-mail to: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com  OR  you can give us a call: 0428 057 473

We look forward to hearing from you :)

Van Diemen Fencing Club Launch!

Well, the club is finally about to open to all fencers with only two weeks of the first beginner courses left! 

TUESDAY JUNE 28th 2011.

If you are interested in fencing for a child aged 5-10, please pop along between 5pm and 6pm and kids are welcome to join in :)

People interested in fencing for ages 11+ (you are seriously NEVER too old to start fencing!) please come along between 6pm and 8pm, the earlier the better :)

There will be an information display about fencing, there will be fencers there for you to watch and of course you will have the opportunity to put on a fencing jacket, mask and glove and have a go with an Epee. (We'll ask a $2 fee to have a go, all money raised will to to the Hobart Dogs' Home)

The best part is... THERE WILL BE CAKE!

This is going to be a really fun launch and we hope to see you there!

It will be at the YMCA in Glenorchy, 8a Constance Avenue.

Enter through the Fit N Fun gym.

SEE YOU THERE! :)

van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

0428 057 473

Facebook: Van Diemen Fencing Club

2011 Fees

2011 Fees:

Ages 11+: $75 June-December

Ages 5-10 only pay per class - once weekly:

1 child - $5

2 children - $8

3 children - $10

All fencers pay $2 to hire equipment each session

Beginner Courses Start Soon, First VDFC Tournament in July, AND good news!

Hello!
This update is overdue, but it's worth it!

1) The next Beginner courses will commence in July: 8 week courses: Saturdays from July 9th, Mondays from July 11th.
Ages 5-10 ($90), 11-15s ($90) and ages 16 and over ($100).
E-mail: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com for a registration form.

The junior course (5-10s) is the Junior Swordplay Certificate. The course concentrates on games designed to improve balance, agility, coordination and games to get students used to fencing moves. Students are gradually introduced to fencing bladework, using special flexible plastic training swords from Europe.

The 11-15s and the 16s+ courses introduce students to the offensive and defensive moves in Epee fencing, as well as covering some tactics, rules and safety. On completion of the course, students will be fencers, ready to fence at clubs and tournaments.

________________________________

2)

****FIRST VAN DIEMEN FENCING CLUB TOURNAMENT - EPEE****

On Saturday July 2nd, Van Diemen Fencing Club will host its first Epee tournament for 2011. This tournament is open to fencers from all clubs. $10 VDFC members, $15 non-members.
Safety gear required: full length trackpants or fencing breeches, 350N jackets, masks, gloves, chest guards.
Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
ROLECALL @ 10am, FENCING STARTS AS SOON AS SCORE SHEETS ARE FILLED-OUT.
Basic rules will be followed and safety gear must be worn at all times when fencing.

This will be a round robbin tournament - all fencers will fence each other and the final rankings will be taken from these bouts, there will be no DEs.

This tournament is to provide a friendly introduction to competitive fencing for the Van Diemen Fencing Club newest members.

Please feel free to come along and watch - fencing should definitely have started by 10.45am.
Fencers are invited to bring family and friends along to watch :)

Equipment is available for hire, $2 per jacket, $2 per mask, 50c per glove, 50c per chest-guard.

3)
I spoke with Elizabeth College's Tim Medwin today and, if I can confirm eighteen committed students studying between year 9 and year 12, we will be running Fencing as a sport option for EC's Athlete Development Program!
I'll explain:
Imagine 3 hours of training, one evening a week. $180 per student for the year. This program means fencing specific tutes, training classes, and also generic sports training in the newly decked out EC gym! $180! You pay more than $180 to join fencing clubs for the year in a lot of places!  I am so excited about this - this is such a wonderful opportunity for any enthusiastic fencers in yr 9, 10, 11 and 12!
BUT, we need 18 to enrol or it's a no go, so, I'm going to contact some local schools and start advertising extra hard to make sure we can get the 18. Did I mention at the end of the program, there is the opportunity to fly to Victoria as a team and have a tournament/train with the Victorians? :)

Ok, now that's out of my system.

Don't forget:

BEGINNER EPEE COURSES START IN EARLY JULY!

TO REGISTER, E-MAIL:

van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

Fencing Tasters

May 6 2011 saw nineteen Home Educaters rock up to Van Diemen Fencing Club and have a stab at fencing!

Participants were ages 5 -18, plus a mum and a grandmother joined-in too!

There were exactly enough jackets, masks, gloves and swords to go around and the feedback was positive!

Here are some photos of the taster followed by info on how YOU can book a fencing taster:



To organise a fencing taster:

      Van Diemen Fencing Club can come to your group, or you can use our venue. To use our venue, an additional fee of $25 per hour will be charged to cover hire expenses.

      Maximum people per taster is 12, for practicality and equipment.

      Depending on numbers present, travel distance and so on, tasters will generally cost each participant $8.50 per hr and they will receive a participation certificate.

To receive a precise idea of costs, e-mail the club and tell them:

• How many people will be participating?
• Would you like the taster held at our venue or your own (we are at the YMCA in Glenorchy)?
• Where is your venue, if you wish to have the taster there?
• How long do you wish the taster to run for? (Minimum 1 Hr; 90 minutes is usually a good ammount of time for the basics)
• What ages will be attending the taster?

Van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

Regards

Avril Roddam

Head Coach

Van Diemen Fencing Club

Successful Beginner Courses!

Tonight was the first night of beginner classes for the May 3rd to June 21st Beginner Epee Fencing course.
Apart from a few students away sick, we had a good turn-up and everyone seemed to have fun :)

For info on the next beginner course, please e-mail Van Diemen Fencing Club at: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

Cheers,
Avril :)

Beginner Classes, May 3rd.

The beginner courses in Epee fencing will all start on Tuesday, May 3rd 2011

All equipment will be provided.

5-10 year olds, Tuesdays from 4.30pm - $90 for the 8 week course.

11-15 year olds, Tuesdays from 5.30pm - $90 for the 8 week course.

16s and older, Tuesdays from 6.30pm - $100 for the 8 week course.



Beginner Classes Start Tuesday, May 3rd.

The beginner courses in Epee fencing will all start on Tuesday, May 3rd 2011.
We have made Facebook pages for the courses, with information. If you can't access them just e-mail: van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

Adult Course (16+): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211167248909016#!/event.php?eid=211167248909016

Big Kids' (11-15s) Course: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200436779978889

Kid's (5-10s) Course: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156741441052011


The basics:
Kids - 5-10s: 4.30pm-5.30pm
Big Kids - 11-15s: 5.30pm-6.30pm
Adults - 16+: 6.30pm-8pm

$100 per student - includes equipment.

Courses will be held at the YMCA dance room in Glenorchy: http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&q=ymca+glenorchy&rlz=1R2ACAW_enID362&wrapid=tlif130189095120210&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

It takes 13 minutes from Hobart to Glenorchy via the Brooker Highway.

If tuesdays don't suit you, or you wish to do a course with your child/children, please let us know in an e-mail; we can organise different days/times/class formats if we get the feedback.

Regards

Avril Holderness-Roddam
Coach - Van Diemen Fencing Club

Venue Found!

I visited the perfect venue today! Mirrors both ends of the hall, a rail down the length, perfect size for tournaments and club nights!
The best part is that the venue owner is happy to let me hire it on the days and times I requested!

I'm just waiting to hear back on hire price and insurance info.
I'll announce the venue ASAP :)


P.S. The plan is for beginner courses to start on April 12th, but we'll have to wait and see.

Beginner Courses

Hello!

Beginner courses will commence in April.

The course will cover ages:
5-10
11-15
16+

Adult courses will run for 90 mins a night and run for eight weeks. Seven weeks will be classes and the final night will be a tournament to practice your new skills.
Childrens courses will run for fifty minutes to an hour a night and will run over ten weeks.

The venue will be announced as soon as possible. The manager of the venue we're hoping for quit and didn't tell me so I was awaiting his e-mail. I'm meeting with the new manager next week.

Dates and prices soon to come.

To be added to the list of interested persons, please e-mail us:  van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you!

*Photo is not property of Van Diemen Fencing Club



Van Diemen Fencing Club at the Celebrate Clarence Expo

Saturday February 27th, Van Diemen Fencing Club held a display a the Celebrate Clarence Expo.

We provided foam sabres and masks for people to have a go.

We had kids, parents and grand parents having a stab (excuse the pun) at fencing and we had more than enough positive feedback to decide to hold beginner courses on the Eastern Shore in the near future.

 

We had a display about our club, and about fencing in general. We had posters from Commonwealth Fencing Championships, posters from fencing suppliers, photos of all ages fencing and photos of a recent fencing taster for 5-8 year olds.

 

We had thongs hanging at different heights for target practice.

 

 

 

We also ran a free raffle with six prizes of one introductory fencing lesson. The man in charge of the Archery stall next door drew the six winners from a sabre fencing mask. Georgie very kindly held the mask :) The winners will be contacted on Monday.

We all had a great day and enjoyed meeting some of our future members!

Cheers

Avril
Club President

Interview on Huon FM.

We just had a great interview with Tim on Huon FM. It would be great to run some beginner lessons down that way so if you're from the area, please send us an e-mail and if we get enough interest we'll do it.

Venue: Meeting with the YMCA next week to hopefully organize a room then we'll be ready to start lessons!

Cheers,
Avril

January 2011 Update!

Hello :)

I hope you are having a happy 2011 so far! 

We are in the process of booking a venue so soon we can announce dates for the first Bronze Certificate Epee courses!

So far we have had a lot of interest in the Adults and Primary Schools aged courses, but we're hoping to run a course for high-school ages, so if you know of anybody in high school who might be interested in fencing, please be sure to let them know!

I am actually away until January 15th, so I will answer your e-mail as soon as I'm back.

Regards,

Avril Holderness-Roddam

President, Van Diemen Fencing Club