Renaissance Fencing Club
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Beginners Course: Starting Thursday, January 31, 2019

1/25/2019

 
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Offered four times a year, this weekly course (spanning four evenings) is required for all new students. Participants in this class will learn how to form the Classical French Guard followed by the Advance, Step Back, Lunge, and Subterfuge. Students will also be introduced to the French Foil (click for video) and be instructed in how to grip and carry it while in the Salle d'Armes (Fencing Hall).  The dates for the next beginners’ course are as follows:
 
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 7, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 28, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Registration:  
For Adults (ages 16+) online registration, click here.

For Children (ages ages 7-15) online registration, click here.

Cost:  $55 for 4 lessons

Equipment:  Sweatpants, long-sleeve shirt, indoor cross-training or court shoes

(Please do not wear outdoor street shoes in the Salle d'Armes)

Lightsabre Workshop at Salle Saint-Georges

9/30/2018

 
​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.  

Public Trial & Exhibition: Ms. Caroline Barton & Ms. Bianca Lok

6/22/2017

 
​After years of dedicated study and training, two of our longtime members, Ms. Caroline Barton and Ms. Bianca Lok, are testing to become formal students of the Renaissance Fencing Club. A formal student is an individual who is well-versed in the fundamental philosophy, concepts, and skills of the art and science of defense. She is both a representative of our school and of Classical Fencing as a whole. As such, after showing a long-term commitment to learning our martial art, clear fencing ability, and demonstrating manners and behaviours congruent with a respected member of polite society, a candidate must undergo a three-stage testing process.
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​The testing process includes three parts: a private verbal examination, a private practical examination, and a public exhibition. Caroline and Bianca have worked hard to complete their verbal and practical exams. It is here at the public exhibition where we require the help of friends, family and fellow fencers.  The public exhibition is the final stage and is both test and celebration of a fencer’s training thus far. Akin to a recital for a classical musician, the public exhibition gives the exhibition candidate a chance to demonstrate the artistry which she has acquired over the course of her training. Since the spotlight is placed squarely on the candidates and they will only be fencing senior fencers who have been invited to participate, they will be held to a standard even higher than on an average day.
​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/ ).  
​The exhibition will take place at the Aberthau House at 4397 W.2nd Ave.  Please RSVP here to confirm your attendance as this will greatly help us in planning this event.  I look forward to seeing all of you on June 24th!   

Félicitations aux nouveaux Maître d’Armes!

11/18/2016

 
Upon the completion of their Masters' Examination, I am happy to report that the Martinez Academy has recently promoted three new masters to its lineage.  They include Maître Cecil Longino, Maître Antone Blair, and Maître Jared Kirby.  We would like to take this opportunity to send our congratulations to the new Maîtres d'Armes.  We certainly look forward to continuing learning from and working with them for many years to come. 

Félicitations Maîtres!
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Classical Fencing Demonstration at UBC

9/11/2016

 
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.

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Public Trial & Exhibition: Mr. Dominic Denofrio & Mr. Edison Tse

6/17/2016

 
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After many years of dedicated study and training, two of our longtime members, Mr. Dominic Denofrio and Mr. Edison Tse, are in the process of testing to be accepted as formal students.  A formal student of the Renaissance Fencing Club is an individual who is well-versed and well-practiced in the fundamental philosophy, concepts, and skills of the art and science of defense.  A formal student is both a representative of our school and of Classical Fencing as a whole; and, as such, must undergo a three-stage testing process only after having clearly shown a long-term commitment to learning our martial art, proven a clear competence in fencing ability, and demonstrated manners and behaviours congruent with a respected member of polite society. 
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/ ). 
The exhibition will take place at the Aberthau House at 4397 W.2nd Ave.  Please RSVP here to confirm your attendance as this will greatly help us in planning this event.  I look forward to seeing all of you on June 25th!   

Fiesta Days & Movie Day 2016

6/14/2016

 
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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:

Classical Fencing Demo at Dunbar Community Centre

1/10/2016

 
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The Renaissance Fencing Club will be presenting a demonstration of Classical Fencing in the Dunbar Room of the Dunbar Community Centre at 6pm on Thursday, January 14, 2016.  A variety of weapon systems from the 18th & 19th centuries will be presented . 
There will also be an exploration of how exercises such as footwork, and plastron lessons all help develop the strategic Classical fencer.  Those who are interested in the Classical Fencing courses offered by the Dunbar Community Centre are highly encouraged to attend this demonstration.

Also, please note that the regularly scheduled novice class will be cancelled that evening while Group 1, 2 & 3 will have their class rescheduled to 7:30-8:30pm that evening and will take place at OLPH.  There will be no Group 3 Foil & Poignard class that evening.  All students & parents are welcome to attend this demonstration.

Classical Fencing Demo at UBC

1/10/2016

 
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On Tuesday, January 12th, 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, January 23, 2016.

Redirection, Opposition & Interception Workshop

12/30/2015

 
On December 12, 2015, Maestro Martinez & Maestro Acosta-Martinez gave a workshop in Seattle on three universal concepts that apply to all combat but with a focus on how they apply to classical fencing namely: Redirection, Opposition & Interception.   A small contingent of us had the honour of attending this workshop and working with the maestri and Prévôt Longino.  While the majority of our fencers primarily train with the French Foil, we had the opportunity to not only look at how the French look at the use of these integral concepts but also how the Italians and Spanish employ them as well.  For myself, I particularly enjoyed how our fencers who focus mainly on Redirection were able to quickly apply Opposition and Interception in the drills practiced and see their amazing efficacy in situations that commonly arise in assaults.  Working with the maestri is always a wonderful way to reconnect with the origins of our tradition, receive feedback on the current state of our fencing, as well as glimpse and be inspired by the vast breadth and depth of what there still is to learn. 

Respect aux Maîtres. 
Honneur aux Armes.               
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