GBFC MAY EDITION 2007
By Mike and Moh
SUMMER NATIONALS:
Applications are due THIS WEEK MAY 18th.
Those fax machines clog up early so don’t wait until the last minute. Get them in before the triple fee date.
ALSO, please be advised that there are TWO convention centers in Miami. Miami and Miami Beach Convention Centers. The tournament is at the Miami Beach Center….thought that might be important in making your travel plans!!!
QUALITY SPORT FENCING EQUIPMENT - Direct from China
GBFC is proud to announce the first delivery of quality fencing equipment from China. Mike Haley made two trips to China in the last 6 months personally visiting the factories and establishing relations with manufacturers of quality sport fencing equipment in China. On May 2, 2007 GBFC received the initial delivery of equipment. Coaches Moh and Elliot examined the equipment closely and declared it very suitable for beginner through intermediate level use. Competitive fencers may also be interested in many of the items as well in order to spare their expensive European-made FIE equipment from the use and abuse of daily club practices. Items received include, Nylon Uniforms, Masks, Epees, Foils, Epee and Foil Blades, Gloves, Epee Guards, Epee Body Cords, Shoulder Weapon Bags and Wheeled Weapon Bags as well as other small parts. The equipment is available for purchase starting May 3, 2007.
ARMORY SERVICES – A Valuable Member Benefit
Every fencer knows how important it is to have both weapons and body cords in which he or she can have confidence. Our equipment takes a lot of heavy use and abuse in the normal course of fencing. When something breaks it is good to know you have an expert who can get you back in action. At GBFC Coach Moh will get you back in action. As a benefit of club membership he will repair your equipment without charging you a fee for his labor! This is a valuable benefit. Many armorers charge between $10 and $25 depending on the specific repair for labor – the parts are extra, of course. But Coach Moh charges only for the hardware he has to replace, you don’t pay for his time and effort. He is doing all he can to help keep your fencing affordable and to keep you in the action. Several of our members are training to help Moh in the armory and we are planning an armory class soon (probably after Nationals).
LEASE RENEWED! We have 3 more years at our current location
GBFC is proud to announce that our current club location is secure for the next three years. We have just signed the lease with our landlord to keep us open and operating through 2010! Floor space like a fencing club requires is quite costly. You have all seen the burst of commercial construction in the Grapevine-Southlake area. Renewing our lease with only modest increases in lease costs will permit us to continue to provide a wonderful facility with our prized wooden floor. Now we just have to keep the scoring machines and air conditioning working, right?
PARTNERSHIP with Sport Fencing Clubs in Other Lands
How would you like to visit France and while there stop in to fence a few bouts with the locals? Perhaps you would enjoy hosting a foreign student and fencer during their school break visit to the USA? Well, both may be possible in the near future. GBFC has started exploring a partnership with a sport fencing club in Nantes, France. As many of you know, the French are top competitors in sport fencing. They are eager to visit the USA and would enjoy fencing a few bouts with their American competition. At the same time they would welcome a USA group who might like to see the sights and enjoy the food in beautiful Brittany. As we learn more we will keep you informed. Next countries in our sights include Mexico, Germany and China. If you have contacts and suggestions please let us know.
WEBSITE is under construction – And almost ready for Prime Time!
GBFC has been hard at work on updating and upgrading our website. The results are impressive we feel. Our new website is expected to be up and operating sometime during the month of May.
ON THE HORIZON
As school completes for the year and Summer Nationals approach there are some activities which we are planning.
1st - The Annual Summer Camp. Coach Salem who is the coach of the US Olympic Team and the US Air Force Academy team will lead our Summer Camp. It is a wonderful opportunity to sharpen your skill and get ready for Summer National competition or to prepare for competition in the coming fencing year commencing in August after Nationals.
2nd – Parents Tournament. Our Fencing Kids think it would be great sport to have Mom and Dad participate in a Gold Blade tournament for Parents Only. The Parents would be given equipment and their kids would give them an hour of instruction and then coach them through the tournament. Of course it is only meant for fun and education. Parents would get a first-hand taste of what fencing is like from inside the mask and on the strip while kids would enjoy telling their folks all the things that Coach Moh constantly reminds them about; things like “Arm First!” “Finish!” and “Move your feet!” This kind of tournament would have no losers and only winners. We could polish it off with burgers, hot dogs and soda outside. Look for more news.
3rd – Kids Social Nights. Our Kids have so much fun socializing at the club most evenings that we have decided to try a social night for them. They will organize it themselves and Coach Moh or Mr. Mike will keep the club open on one Friday night a month from 7:30 to 10 PM just so the kids can come and socialize. They can fence if they choose or they can just have fun doing what teens and pre-teens do. Shanie Schwartzman has already been volunteered by her mom to organize the first one.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
See the separately attached worksheet for all the latest results!!!