 On March 5-7, 2004, Columbus, Ohio hosted the 16th annual Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Expo and the first ever Arnold Fencing Classic (organized by Julia Richey). The Arnold Fencing Classic was a one-day team tournament and exhibition to showcase fencers of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds competing in all three weapons.
The venue for the fencing exhibition was located in a ballroom off to the side of the main expo events in the Columbus Convention Center. The ballroom was nicely laid out with a main 'Elite' stage and four strips set up for the open team events.
A new and somewhat awkward format (Titan Tournament Rules: http://www.royalarts.org/titanrules.html) was used for the elite fencing and the open team events followed the standard USFA relay team rules. Team events ran rather smoothly but the focus of the classic was the exhibition put on by some of the top ranked fencers in the world.
The elite fencers were split up into four groups, each consisting of two epee, two foil, and two saber fencers. Each team was named after an Arnold film (Terminators, Barbarians, Commandos, Predators), but what mattered more than these catchy names were the team members themselves.
Some of the elite fencers participating were: (just to name a few…sorry if I leave someone out) Keith Smart, Sada Jacobson, Emily Jacobson, Michael Cho, Ann Marsh, Chelsey Howell, Justin Purcell, Patricia Szelle, Jeff Snider, and Jason Rogers.
In natural fencing fashion the events seemed to take longer than anticipated, but we all have come to expect that. Never the less, many kudos go out to Julia Richey and the marvelous job she did with bringing some well deserved attention to this fine sport. I’ll definitely be back next year, and hopefully not just taking photos.
Photos from the Arnold Fencing Classic can be found at the Photo Gallery.
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