Time to update the description. WSV50 fencer since 2004. Mostly recovered from two meniscus tears in 2006 (not fencing related) and other minor injuries. Focused on improving fencing skills and avoiding injuries. Goal is to qualify for the WSV60 team in 2012.
I'm back home and the veteran camp was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and well worth the cost and even the airfare, the hotel bill, and the car rental. Next time, however, I'm going to try to find a roommate to cut costs.
I feel that I was probably at the bottom of the skill level of those there this weekend but I don't CARE. The purpose was to have an opportunity to fence with other veteran fencers and I got plenty of that. I also had considerable input and feedback concerning my weak areas and suggestions for improvements.
I have a long list of things to work upon.
1. Deb's footwork -- those small, halting steps and parries are something I'd like to be able to achieve and while I'm catching onto the footwork, I'm not yet able to put it all together yet.
2. Technique: I've been going hand-then-foot for a long time but the hand doesn't start soon enough and I tend to land the foot while still moving the arm forward. I have fixed this in practice, but not yet on the strip.
3. Varying footwork. Fixed in practice but not in competition.
4. Relaxing the shoulder -- a work in progress.
5. Blade control. Use the fingers, not a strong grip -- another WiP.
6. Keep the hand HERE. If the blade needs to go back, I probably need to move my LEGS back.
7. Distance -- I thought I had a good eye for distance but I missed multiple times and thus need to crank this up to the next level.
8. The defending fencer can control the bout. I need to learn how to do this properly.
Some of us got together for dinner both nights and it was great fun and entertaining. We are conspiring to promote veteran fencing.
I took my camera with me but didn't think to take any pictures until the last day. Thus, the photo below shows those of us who were there at the end of the day Monday.
05-27-2008 10:12 AM