Comments on the Golubitski Clinic this past weekend

[hpfencing]

I'm just curious what those that attended thought of the clinic that was put on this pst weekend here in Amarillo.

I was not on the organizing committee of this clinic but I have heard that a lot of people from our area that were closer to beginner lever took it.. Did that hurt the clinic?

Anywa, I just want your honest opinion, how was it? Did you learn a lot, was it a wasted trip, etc?

[The0ne]

Besides the fact that I wish it was in New England. . .

[hpfencing]

I just heard from someone that there were too many video's on Sunday. What do those of ya'll that went, think?

[Jeffrey Morgan]

Is Golubitski left handed ?

[K Degnon]

Yep, Lefties rule!!!

[Event Horizon]

I was not on the organizing committee of this clinic but I have heard that a lot of people from our area that were closer to beginner lever took it.. Did that hurt the clinic?

I've always wondered about these clinics offered around the country, are they for just the higher level fencers or for anyone? Aren't the clinics suppose to help improve your fencing? Who needs more improvment but the lower level fencers right?

[hpfencing]

I agree, most aeas host clinics to sponsor there own growth of loal area people. This clinic was originally promoted as a high end fencer clinic and then a month out Coach Howard allowed a bunch of beginner to intermediate level fencers attend it... Not sure why, maybe he need the reveue. At 4200 a pop I'm surprised he had 35 peopel attend.

[millsisland]

My fencer, a "B", felt this clinic was well worth the $200 fee, airfare and time. The format, video analysis and commentary followed by drills, worked for those who could understand the lingo and actions. My fencer returned with about six pages of notes and eager to get back to training.

Perhaps the organizers had to chose between maintining the integrity of the event or losing money. Accepting begining level fencers didn't seem to hurt in this case due to the format. Had this been a training camp with only beginners to bout with, it would have been a real disappointment.

Mills

[ArcherUK]

I can see the points raised for the higher & lower level fencers out there but surely everybody needs to improve and it would be worthwhile for all.

[ArcherUK]

Out of interest and in relation to this topic has anyone been to any of his trianing classes in Italy ?

[Rolls]

I was at the Golubitsky camp. First, I must say that I did enjoy it, but I had very mixed opinions.

At first, I was disappointed for several reasons.

1) It was not as advanced as I had hoped
2) the quality of fencers there was not what I had hoped (not to say that the fencers there were bad)
3) there were a number of young kids there
4) there wasn't very much fencing. The drills seemed on one hand over-simplified and on the other hand over the heads of many there
5) I wish there had been better questions asked (I am guilty of this one also; I've been beating myself up for not having anything of great importance to ask)
6) There were a lot of videos

Now for the things that I liked about the camp

1) Golubitsky. Golubitsky. Golubitsky. What can I say the chance to ask a 3 time world champion anything about fencing...
2) New drill ideas
3) confirmed some ideas and dispelled others
4) Seeing Golubitsky in action in person (very inspiring)
5) a wealth of information
6) There were a lot of videos

Am I a better fencer for being there? No. Do I know what I need to do to be a better fencer? Yes (most of which involves a lot of practice and training). I had a better time the second day than I did the first day. I just thought it was more useful the second day. I wished that Golubitsky had simply made copies of the notes and passed them out rather than writing them on a chalk board and have us take notes (I think it would have saved time).

I felt like a lot of people there had touble getting past the stardom of Golubitsky. Even though he is the closest thing to a fencing hero I have, I made up my mind that I went there to learn from him. So, I tried to refrain form asking any questions that weren't relevant. I must say that I found him to be very nice and approachable, and it was a pleasure to have the oppurtunity to learn from him. I am sure that going will have an impact on my fencing. Oh, and without a doubt, he is the best foilist.

A few things about Armarillo College Fencing Club:
I thought they had wonderful facilities. Everyone I met there was extremely nice.

One last thing about the clinic. I felt that it was lacking in organization in some way. I'm not sure how other than maybe if the organizers had been more out-spoken, it might have been helpful. Maybe it was the 14 hour drive there that made it seemed disorganized.

Oh, and to set the record straight, Golubitsky is not fencing in the Olympics. A friend of his who maintains his website put that statement on there as a joke. The statement was left there to raise speculation and rumors. So, no Golubitsky in Athens 2004, but as for 2008... well, I won't say anything concrete, but I did hear a rumor about that.

Rolls.

[hpfencing]

Thanks Rolls, great comments and ideas.....