For those of you who teach fencing.......

[Hitman]

....are any of you not competing or have never been on ranked competition? Reason for asking is this, Since I want to try to get some fencers together in my area I may be approached by someone with no experience at all. Is it feasible for me to help them learn basic tecnique and drills or refer them to an instructor regardless of driving distance. Nearest clubs are 2 hours away. I am considering the USFA Learn to Fence program this summer. I don't know if I'll ever be able to compete or even be ranked but I hope the chance comes around.

What do you think?

Regards,
Chris

[Stryder]

If it is too far to drive to a more experienced coach, then what is the question? If the would-be students that approach you want to get better, they will go. If they can't go that far, consider yourself a training partner / mentor.

Remember that the other coaches in the area (even if you resent the fact that they will steal all of your good students) know more than you. And try to encourage your students to go to them when they can. They will bring their lessons back to you.

If you are asking if you can do better than a coach who has trained and competed with skilled fencers. I would guess not. But they all started somewhere. When I started there were no coaches to be had. So we just sat around and fenced. Going to competitions helped us avoid our bad habits was invaluable. This also exposes you to better fencers and you are free to speak to coaches and referees about anything that you have problems with.

If you are the best choice for fencing in the immediate area, then fence!

[Hitman]

Thanks for the info. Just to clearify, I don't think I'm better than an experienced coach or instructor, just that until I find some better fencers in the area, I'm all there is. I hope I can find someone better or at the very least equal so I have someone to learn from. I guess that is my main point and question: when dealing with a new fencer what is the best way of dealing with them in the absence of a more qualified fencer, coach or teacher? Considering I've never competed, plus had some pretty large breaks in between fencing I wouldn't want to have a new guy say they don't want to work with me because they might think I don't know much. I think I know enough to get someone started but I would definately encourage them to make the long drive to visit with a seasoned instructor. Heck, if I can get enough time off work I would make the drive now and then.
Thanks again

[attila]

Hi

You are in a bind,huh?! Tough place to be. I have been there. I was the only intruction for 200 miles. When you start you are definetly going to suck. But as you aggressivly seek out intruction/ bout experience you will suck less and less. And eventually ( If you are driven) you too will gain enough skill and experience so that you will be sought out for advice and lessons. When this happens you can then start making a big difference in the game. Good luck.

[arcon]

[ 10-19-2001: Message edited by: arcon ]

[vegan]

Chris,
You fence epee, right- do the learn to fence seminar, and do the Epee level one!!! They are great- and worth every penny. Some years ago I did the foil level one area seminar (the last one until now). It was great, and lots of fun. I will go back and do the level one sabre and epee (Or try) next year. It will help you to learn, and you get to work with great coaches (check out the staff!!) and aspiring coaches, plus you'll make contacts all over the country.
GO GO GO
LEARN!
TEACH!
grow your own opponents!!
B.

[swordsen]

Go to the coaches college if at all possible.
Get Bradford's book "Taking Foil Groups to a competative Level."
Study it. Start slow and work on what you know.
If you can get up to some of the bigger clubs during their summer camps or periodic seminars go, and watch the coaches. (AFC is pretty good for this.)
In fact, once you have a group you can get guys like Rudy Volkman from Augusta to come and give a weekend training camp at your place very reasonably.
Good luck

[Hitman]

Originally posted by swordsen:
Get Bradford's book "Taking Foil Groups to a competative Level."
Study it. Start slow and work on what you know.

I've been looking for this since you posted and can't seem to find it, what is Bradfords first name? Where is this book available?
Thanks

[Mergs]

Her name is Vinnie Bradford. Her book is great. Coaches College is great, too. Go and enjoy. Try out the Finish Line after workouts.

[Chris]

Originally posted by arcon:
Better hurry on your consideration of Coaches
college if you want to make it this year.
The Deadline for entry is May 1st.
................The Arcon................

THis is true, however, the deadline for the 'Learn-to-Fence' program is June 1st; this is the one he said he was considering, and from what he said about his experience, is probably the most appropriate.

Know your Game!

Fence On!

[Hitman]

thanks for the info guys. I have sent emails to the athletic director and intramural/club sports director at Valdosta State Univ., the airforce base newspaper and the local paper so we'll see where it goes. I want to do the learn to ence program but will not be able to commit till real close to the 1 June deadline.I also ordered Vinnie Bradford's book, if not to help others, than at least to help myself. Cheers.

[swordsen]

Good luck. I hope to bump into you at some function here in Georgia and find out how things are working out.