Maestro Martinez Rocks!

[HilandDoug]

I just got back from New Jersey this morning after having driven through the night and morning in a convoy with another Porsche (a Boxter Sport) and one of those new Lexus 2-seater sports cars. The gal in the Boxter had radar, so we felt safe, even at 3 digit speeds. Got the film developed, and took a big nap. I want to say one thing loud and clear:

THE WEEKEND OF THE SABRE WAS AWESOME!

If any of you sport fencers have ever been curiouos about classical fencing, you owe it to yourself to get to one of Maestro Martinez's seminars. He and his wife (who Sean and I referred to as Mrs. Maestro because she's one herself, and is married to Maestro) have a contagious passion and enthusiasm for their subject matter that lent to a tremendously positive learning atmosphere. We (Sean & I) attended the 4 hour seminar Saturday night. It was so intense, my elbow almost gave out and my hand was cramping up! I learned what a proper Moulinet is, and we talked about what it meant to prepare for a duel. We learned and talked about so much, it would be impossible to relate it all here. Suffice it to say, I highly recomend everyone with even a little curiosity try to make one of his seminars. I just can't say enough good things about it!

The tournament was Sunday morning, and there were a few extra of Maestro Martinez's students there to compete. We met them all, and Sean and I were impressed with their openess and welcome. A great bunch! The double elimination tournament began, and my first bout was with Jana Umbs, Chris's wife! Chris and Jana assisted Mr. and Mrs. Maestro with the seminar, and it was a pleasure to meet and fence with them both! On the short piste with no where to run, I fell to Jana by 2 touches. Sean won all of his bouts, and had to fence Chris at the end (Chris eliminated me from the competition in our bout). Chris beat Sean, and that made them tied on the day! In an extremely close and exciting final bout that went la belle, Chris defeated Sean by one touch to win the whole thing! Sean took second! I was very proud, and Sean was (and still is) on Cloud 9!

After the competition, Chris brought out some of his toys, and treated me to a nice show of rapier and dagger, as well as a ton of other things. Maestro Martinez gave another 2 hour lesson, and we free fenced. What a blast! It was like the fencing weekend vacation dream come true.

After we were through on Sunday, a bunch of us walked down the street to a nice cafe and had a bite to eat. Maestro Martinez amd his wife, as well as one of the judges and a few of the competitors, took up a few booths and shared stories over good food and drink. I have the ppictures developed, and will post them on Tuesday night. Check my webpage (link through my profile) and take a look on Wednesday, June 13. I'm going to jump back in bed again for a few more z's.........zzzz


Doug McLaren
Schoolcraft College Fencing Club

Well, It sounds like you had a blast! That's great. Are you or any of your group coming to the Indiana Cup on Sunday. We'd love to have you, though I can't say it would be as exciting as this weekend was for you.

[arcon]

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

[Christopher J Umbs]

Doug,

Glad you and Sean had a good time. It was a blast for us as well. Of course, we always wish that we had more time to show techniques, but we did get to cover quite a lot simply because you and Sean picked up on everything so fast.

For those who were not at the seminar, I know that I try to explain what it is that we (classical fencers) do, but it really has to be seen to be understood. Unfortunately, with so many schools starting to call themselves classical, some people have gotten some strange ideas of what we do.

Sean should be on cloud nine. He did extremely well for fencing in a different style under different rules (like the 20' by 3' piste) and both of you showed some really nice and clean technique.

After the tournament I entered my normal post-tourney coma, but I think I'm finally starting to wake up again and I can't wait to see the pictures.

Chris