----------------------------------------------------------- New Message on Irish Fencing Forum
----------------------------------------------------------- From: wawawannabe Message 3 in Discussion Dan, I appreciate your perspective. As an "outside fencer" (U.S.), an Irish Fencing Wannabe, and dad of fencers, I could add what has worked locally. 1. All local clubs have internal "Club Cups" for novice fencers. They get a chance to bout internally, and then locally with other clubs, to build their skills for the next level. 2. The beginners are mentored by an older or more advanced fencer during class. The novice also goes to several tournaments with their mentor to get a sense of what happens and how. Hopefully the mentor is both a good winner and a good loser...attitude counts. 3. The mentor plays a role as "support" (as opposed to coaching) as the novice goes into their first several tournaments. This system starts slowly, but grows quickly if it has club support. 3. We are now offering classes for 6-10 year olds, with battery operated plastic foils and big rubber tips that "buzz" when contact is made. With these pieces in place, we've seen a dramatic increase in new fencers through the area, and growth in Unrated tournaments throughout the Section. Dr. David G. Beighley Corporate Smokejumper 616.847.9217 ----------------------------------------------------------- To stop getting this e-mail, or change how often it arrives, go to your E-mail Settings. http://groups.msn.com/IrishFencingForum/_emailsettings.msnw Need help? If you've forgotten your password, please go to Passport Member Services. http://groups.msn.com/_passportredir.msnw?ppmprop=help For other questions or feedback, go to our Contact Us page. http://groups.msn.com/contact If you do not want to receive future e-mail from this MSN group, or if you received this message by mistake, please click the "Remove" link below. On the pre-addressed e-mail message that opens, simply click "Send". Your e-mail address will be deleted from this group's mailing list. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
