First practice of the season!

The first practice of the season will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at our regular meeting place (West New Bern Recreation Center) and time (7:30 pm). Past and current members, guests, interested parties, kids, parents and spectators are all invited to join us!

Armory Clinic This Weekend!

For those who expressed interest in learning more about armory and otherwise troubleshooting your fencing equipment, there is a clinic in Wilmington this weekend with USFA armorer Kathy Walters. Starting at 12:30 pm at Cape Fear Fencing Association, the fee for the clinic is a mere $15. Don't miss this opportunity! Sign up on Ask Fred.

Skirmish at Jack's Island

Our outdoor epee tournament is this Saturday, May 16! Location is Jack's Island in Lawson Creek Park, New Bern, NC (pictured below). Sign up and find more details on Ask Fred!


View Jack's Island at Lawson Creek Park in a larger map
Map to rain location

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Last Day of Practice Coming Up!

Wednesday, April 29 will be the final day of practice for Salle New Bern until the fall. All equipment will need to be cleaned and turned in by this date, with the exception of those participating in the outdoor epee tournament on May 16. If you will not be fencing in this tournament but are able to volunteer your time, please let Donnie know. This tournament helps cover the costs of USFA membership and equipment for our club, and it takes the effort of many people to pull it off! Your help is always appreciated.

Tournament Follow-Up and Upcoming ECU Tournament

Thanks to everyone who attended our tournament this weekend! We had a successful event with 21 foil fencers and 18 epee fencers in our D & Under events. Results are available at AskFred.

Also, this weekend is the St. Pirate's Day tournament at East Carolina University. This is the closest event to New Bern without being IN New Bern. Attending this event supports the ECU Fencing Club, so please sign up early!

John Martin Memorial Tournament

If you plan on attending the Salle New Bern tournament on March 21, please pre-register on Ask Fred. This website is the standard for registering for fencing events, and helps encourage out-of town fencers to compete based on estimated attendance. At our last tournament, only a few of our competing fencers pre-registered, so if you haven't already, please sign up!!!

Wiring an epee blade.

On Monday, 2 March, the epee class will be learning how to wire a blade. This will only take 10-15 minutes of class, and parents are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Such skills will not only help out with equipment maintenance, but also weapon preparation and troubleshooting.

Rec center OPEN on Monday

Just a note that the Rec Center will be open on President's Day, February 16. Practice will be held at the usual time.

Upcoming tournaments

Feb 21-22: Mid-South Grand Open Durham, NC

Summer Camps

Thinking of attending a camp this year? Why not fencing camp? Many camp opportunities are posted on AskFred nearing summer, or on individual college or club websites. Here are just a few:

March 13-15: Michael Marx Epee Clinic, Raleigh, NC*
July: UNC Super Camp, Chapel Hill, NC
June: Louisville Fencing Center Summer Camp, Louisville, KY
June and July: Nellya Fencers Club Summer Camp, Atlanta, GA
June: Lilov Fencing Academy Summer Camp, Montclair, NJ
June and July: Ohio State Fencing Camp, Columbus, OH
July: Penn State Fencing Camp, State College, PA

Camps vary widely in ages, skill level and price, so you're bound to find one suited just for you! Ask a coach for a recommendation.

*Marx also offers foil clinics on occasion. This clinic is open to adults and is highly recommended for both coaches and students!

Youth results and upcoming tournament

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the youth tournament! You can view the results in AskFred here.

Our next tournament is the John Martin Memorial on March 21. We will be hosting a D and Under Mixed Foil and Epee. Please preregister early if you are coming! Fees are not due until the tournament day, but registering early helps encourage attendance from out-of-town fencers. Click here to preregister in AskFred.

No Practice Monday, Jan 19

FYI, there will be no fencing practice on Monday, Jan 19 due to the Recreation Center being closed for the holiday.

More Upcoming Tournaments

Three hometown tournaments plus one in Greenville:

Feb 7- (New Bern) SNB Youth Tournament
Mar 21- (New Bern) SNB D & Under Foil and Epee
Mar 28- (Greenville) ECU Open Foil and Epee
May 16- (New Bern) SNB Outdoor Epee

See you at practice in the New Year (Jan 5)!