Traveling Fencer

[waldo]

I have a job opportunity that would require me traveling all the time. I would be in one spot for about 3 to 5 weeks at a time. Being dedicated fencer and want to continue working hard on my fencing. I would like to get lessons / practice when ever possible. I am wondering how clubs / coachs around the nation would receive someone in this situation into their club. Has anyone ever done this?

[longs]

Although I've never done this personally, I know people who have. They've said that most fencers are open and are welcoming to "traveling" fencers. They all called or emailed ahead of time to get times, costs and just to send an introduction. Fencing is like baseball and church: everyone's welcome!

[Peach]

Happens all the time. Any time you're in Philadelphia, stop by FAP.

[Chris Aher]

Hi Waldo,

You will certainly be welcome at our club in Danbury CT. We have had fencers in similar circumstances before and something can always be worked out.

<a href="http://www.candlewoodfencing.com" target="_blank">www.candlewoodfencing.com</a>
203-778-0808
Call Tom Ciccarone for details.

Regards,
Chris

[veeco]

Well you will be getting a lot of bouting opportunities provided you are travelling to the right places. But on the other hand you would be in trouble finding a coach ready to spend some time with you for lessons.

[reptile]

[quote]Originally posted by longs:
<strong>Although I've never done this personally, I know people who have. They've said that most fencers are open and are welcoming to "traveling" fencers. They all called or emailed ahead of time to get times, costs and just to send an introduction. Fencing is like baseball and church: everyone's welcome!</strong><hr></blockquote>

At our club you are welcome without an introduction or email ahead and free of charge.
Fencers just drop by.
It's a little far from Iowa though...

[Mergs]

I did a fair amount of traveling last summer and did what has been previously suggested, called/emailed ahead and let them know that I was interested in fencing with them. Was very warmly received everywhere I went. Good luck. There are a bunch of really great folks out there.

[HilandDoug]

Well, Waldo, if you're ever in or around Detroit, you are welcome to fence with us! Schoolcraft College Fencing Club in Livonia, Michigan. Fridays only. We occaisonally have a Maestro (a real one) drop in for lessons. He knows four words of English, and three of them are "no." His name is Maestro Shapiro, and he's from the Ukraine. There's also Renaissance Fencing Club on the East Side (we're west side), and the A list fencers can be found there. Maestro Shapiro is there, too. We're pretty social around Michigan, so you'd have some eating and drinking company as well.

[suregrip]

The Baltimore Fencing Center (off of I-83) in Maryland has people drop by all the time from different states. The building is a simple warehouse that has been converted into nothing but strips with constant bouting going on all the time. There are always new faces.

[Kodiak Kid]

Well, here's my $.02 and extended hand. If you anticipate being in Kodiak, Ak (or anywhere in Alaska) drop me an e-mail and we can fix you up with a fencing date. always looking for fresh talent.
Hmm, O.K. not just anywhere. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Eagle River or Homer have clubs as well. We can supply you with good competition but the coaching is spread pretty thin. Good luck with your new job!

[Catlady]

[quote]Originally posted by HilandDoug:
<strong>He knows four words of English, and three of them are "no." </strong><hr></blockquote>

Sounds like our coach. He's Ukrainian as well, his favorite English word however is faster. No matter how fast you did it the first time, he wants you to do it faster. Had to chime in.

Now for the topic at hand. We have no problem with visiting fencers, although they do have to pay a floor fee. We've had people who are just in for the summer, or something like that come in to take lessons and play around. I'd recommend e-mailing, or calling just to get details on who's around when. I would think if you're going to be consistently traveling to the same area(s) most clubs would welcome you as a temporary member. I doubt you'll get out to Utah, but if you do, I think I could say you'd be welcome at SLF.

[jspierre]

I've got a similar issues, but I travel internationally, mostly S. America these days. It'd be nice if the USFA had a deal set up with the major clubs overseas for visiting US fencers, contact names, numbers and a pre-agreed deal, like what health clubs do in many instances. A further dream would be a description of the club, which nights which weapons are fenced and what hours, etc.

[Point Control]

Waldo,

You are always welcome at the Tidewater Fencing Club if you ever get in the Virginia Beach Norfolk area. Email is gldrum1@juno.com.