Recently Instructor Bowles posted a series of target drills on his website Benjamin Arms.  While the configuration of the target and drills are somewhat different from what we practice in class, practicing these exercises are of great benefit to all of our students.  Currently, Benjamin Arms is having a sale so, if you are considering taking advantage of this time of social distancing to refine your technique, please click on the following link to visit their page for more information: https://www.benjaminarms.com/fencing-target-practice-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR3rT626IEYgDuI0KFpWx1LW5fEn-TgZPagvwytR4WcjUmg4c7IO35ZZJXs

In the above video, Maestro Kirby both demonstrates and emphasizes the key points in the lunge as practiced in the Classical French school.  Focusing on these elements while training will certainly improve one's efficacy when employing the lunge.   

On Saturday, February 8, 2020, we were fortunate enough to have Maître Longino instruct our fencers in the French Smallsword.  With the French Foil being the traditional training tool for the smallsword, practicing this weapon with a traditional master is certainly a beneficial experience for any serious student of the classical French school. 

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the students who participated in this workshop as well as Maître Longino for taking the time to provide us with this unique learning opportunity!     

​Having trained with Maître Longino at the Salle Saint-Georges for over half-a-decade, I continue to be amazed by both the breadth and depth of knowledge that he is able to convey.  This weekend, I attended a workshop on the Lightsabre.  While this weapon never existed historically, I was struck by the balance of fun and learning the workshop was able to achieve.  For many of us with childhood memories of playing as Jedi saving the galaxy, we were able to live out a small part of that fantasy among good friends and cinematic reveries.  On the other hand, for the classical fencer in me, it was fascinating to see how a ‘fantasy’ weapon is—fundamentally—still a weapon.  Maître Longino was not only able to explicate but also demonstrate how the principles which keep one safe in Poignard, Longsword, and Grand Bâton equally applied to the Lightsabre.  After grasping the concepts presented, it was truly memorable to feel the effortless safety and control that one possess when applying leverage and geometry to one’s defence.  I imagine that if there were Sith, Jedi, and the Force in this world, wielding a Lightsabre with confidence would feel much like the experience that I had.  For myself, moments like this past weekend’s workshop reminded me why I train at the Salle Saint-Georges and continue to be grateful for the opportunity.  

​Family, friends and the fencing curious are encouraged to attend these exhibitions so they can support the exhibition candidates and take part in the potential celebrations immediately following the ordeal. During the public exhibition, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be available. Should guests care to bring any special or favorite dishes, they are welcome to do so.

The Public Exhibition for Caroline and Bianca has been scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 2:00-5:00pm.  As this is an important event in the fencing lives of these two young women, please wear suitable Semiformal attire (click here for further guidelines: www.emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie/ ).  

On Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at 12pm, the Renaissance Fencing Club and Salle Saint-George will be presenting a demonstration of Classical Fencing in the Agora of the AMS Nest.  This is a unique opportunity to observe a tradition that is a descendant of the martial arts of Europe.  A variety of weapons ranging from the Foil to Spear will be demonstrated showing how scientific principles were employed consistently through history to survive serious encounters.  This event will provide a glimpse into the Foundations of Classical Fencing course offered by UBC Recreation on Saturday, October 15, 2016.

As stated earlier, the testing process includes three parts namely a verbal examination, a practical examination (both performed as part of a private test), and the public exhibition.  While Dominic and Edison have been hard at work completing their verbal and practical examinations, it is the public exhibition where we will require the help of friends, family and fellow fencers.  The final phase of the public exhibition is both an examination and celebration of a fencer’s training thus far.  Akin to a recital for a classical musician, the public exhibition gives a Scholar candidate a chance to demonstrate the artistry which he has acquired over the course of his training.  Since the spotlight is placed squarely on the candidates and they will only be fencing senior fencers who have been invited to take part, they will be held to a standard even higher than on an ordinary day.  I strongly encourage all the members of our club to not only come and support Dominic and Edison in their endeavour but to also see what lies ahead on their own personal journey.

Family, friends and the fencing curious are encouraged to attend these exhibitions so they can support the exhibition candidates and take part in the potential celebrations immediately following the ordeal. During the public exhibition, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be available. Should guests care to bring any special or favorite dishes, they are welcome to do so.

The Public Exhibition for Dominic and Edison has been scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 2:30-5:30pm.  As this is an important event in the fencing lives of these two young men, please wear suitable Semiformal attire (click here for further guidelines: www.emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie/ ). 

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, the West Point Grey community will once again be celebrating Fiesta Days.  This year, we will be participating in the annual parade and performing a demonstration on the main stage at Trimble Park.  We will also be doing some free fencing by the baseball diamond at the northwest corner of the park from the end of the parade until 11:00am.  This will also be an opportunity for members of the community to observe what we do and ask any questions they may have about classical fencing. 
 
Following the parade, we will also be holding Movie Day back at OLPH.  During Movie Day, we will not only be reviewing recorded footage from this year’s Mock Tournament and Concours Internationaux but will also screen a swashbuckling film.  Concurrently, we will also be hosting a potluck lunch so please bring food or beverages to the event.  Our club Secretary Ms. Andrea Maru (Avi’s mom) has kindly volunteered to provide plates, cutlery & napkins and has setup a link to coordinate items being brought.  Please click here to view the link and let us know what you’ll be bringing as well as see what other members are planning to bring. 
 
Below is the planned schedule for the day:

9:00am - Gather at the OLPH gym to drop-off fencing bags and check attendance
9:15am - Walk from OLPH gym to parade rallying point at W.12th Ave. & Blanca St.
9:30am - Assemble at rallying point to rehearse marching drill and light practice
10:00am - Parade begins
10:30am - Conclusion of parade at W.8th Ave. & Discovery St. 
10:35am - Pose for group photo before walking to the Trimble Park baseball diamond
10:40am - Free assaults at the Trimble Park baseball diamond
11:00am - Return to OLPH gym for Movie Day & Potluck Lunch
2:30pm - Conclusion of Movie Day
3:30pm - Trimble Park Main Stage Classical Fencing Demonstration

Should anyone have any further questions, please let me know.  For more information about Fiesta Days, please refer to http://www.pointgreyfiesta.org/.  Looking forward to seeing all of you Saturday.

Parade Start Point:                                                         Parade End Point: