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"Hi there. I ran across your web site and I'm really interested in taking classes (I'm not crazy am I? I did read something on there about
beginner classes, right?)"
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At the beginning of every semester there is a Beginner's Class that is open to ANYONE. No experience is neccesary.
There is no fee for the lessons. You get SIX WEEKS of FREE lessons. We will teach you everything there is to know about fencing, except for the stuff
that we don't teach in the beginner's class. For the start date of the next beginner's class, email fenceweb@vt.edu. |
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"Do you have a class for kids?"
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The answer is a qualified "yes." We do allow kids to participate in the beginner's class, however they must be able to be self directed and able to keep
up with the class; we do not have the facilities or manpower to give special attention to kids. For children 14 and under, a parent or guardian must be in attendance during the class.
Following the beginner's class, there are some rules in our constitution with regard to kids (Junior Members) that govern whether or not
they may continue on and join the club. |
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"When are the beginner's lessons, and where are they held?"
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The beginner's lessons usually run Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7:30pm to about 8:30pm. They are held in room 37A, the Dance or Aerobics room
(depending on who you talk to) down in the lower level of War Memorial Hall. These times and places may change, so check with an officer just to be sure. |
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"What is appropriate attire for the beginner's class/practices?"
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You will want to wear sneakers, loose fitting pants (athletic shorts, sweatpants, etc), and a tshirt. It gets hot in the room, and the funny thing about
fencing is that it requires you to move around a bunch, so wearing jeans or khakis can be pretty uncomfortable. |
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"Do I have to buy my own gear?"
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Yes and no. We require that you buy personal protection gear (a glove, and chest protectors for the ladies). Both of those things are fairly cheap. Aside from that, jackets, knickers,
masks, weapons, electric gear, and other things are all things that you can borrow from the club with permission of an officer. If you would like to buy
your own gear, thats fine as well, but you might not believe how much some of this stuff costs. |
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| Q: |
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"I've missed the last two classes because of (work/illness/etc). Is there a way I could come early one day or come on an alternate day and get
caught up on all the stuff i've missed? These classes are so fun, I'd hate to miss out."
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You're absolutely right, these classes are so fun. You rock. If you are in the beginner's class and would like to come to practice outside of the beginner's
lessons, either to catch up on stuff you've missed or to get in some more fencing time, SURE! Email an officer and let them know what's
going on, or just drop by practice and ask someone to work with you. Tuesday and Thursday practices are tougher, and more focused on more experienced members, but
whenever you can be there we'll be glad to make you do lunges! |
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| Q: |
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"I would like to email someone for information about the club. Who should I email?"
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You should contact our Member at Large. His/her email address is vtfcinfo@vt.edu. If you
have already sent an email to someone else (fenceweb@vt.edu or one of the other officers) don't worry about it, you're in good hands. |
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"How much are dues?"
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Dues are paid in McComas at the Rec Sports desk; be sure to tell the Treasurer that you paid them. At present they are $55 per semester; however, if you pay for the entire year at once it is only $100 ($10 cheaper!). This allows you to borrow gear, use the electric strips, etc, etc. For non-VT members (associate and junior), dues are $110 per year; the difference is due to the athletic fees that VT students and faculty pay each semester. |
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"When are practices, and where are they held?"
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Fifty lashes for you. The practice schedule is posted on the main page of this website. We practice 5 days a week, from 7:30pm to 10:00pm in the Dance room on M/W/F,
and from 8:00pm to 10:00 or 11:00pm in the Golf room on T/R. |
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"Are practices mandatory?"
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YES. You must come to EVERY practice or we will set the sabre team after you! That said, NO, practices are NOT
mandatory. We have a room to practice in 5 days a week so that people can come when it fits into their schedule. Now, the more you come, the better you will get,
but that is up to you. |
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"I keep hearing all these acronyms (NIWFA, MACFA, VIWFA, USFA, USACFCABCD). What do they mean?"
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USFA - United States Fencing Association
NIWFA - National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association
VIWFA - Virginia Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association
MACFA - Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association
USACFC - United States Assocation of Collegiate Fencing Clubs
These are all basically organizations that hold fencing competitions for different groups of people. We field teams in all of the collegiate conferences.
USFA tournaments are mostly individual, so essentially anyone who is a member can compete (must pay USFA dues). |
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"Is the class at VT open to the public? I cant seem to find any classes in this area, do you know of any?"
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Yes, the beginner's class at Virginia Tech is open to the public. In a pinch the focus will be on our competition teams, but we do welcome community members -
the more people to fence, the better! As far as other classes . . . we're it. There are no other Virginia Division clubs this far south/west in VA.
You can try looking at the USFA website for other clubs and their locations, but we're the only folks down here. |
