ARIZONA FENCING CENTER
Where fencers are born, grow and develop into champions…
Arizona Fencing Center welcomes all interested fencers from beginner to Olympic level with our Introductory, Beginner and Advanced classes, open fencing, and private lessons! We have something for everyone. AFC hosts the scouts, birthday parties, team building events, social meeting events, home school fencing programs, and Fencing For All Foundation’s Zorro Project.
AFC is proud to be the home of some of the best fencers in the country. We are very fortunate to have the coaching expertise of Head Coach, Florin Paunescu. Coach Florin has developed numerous fencers to national and international levels of fencing both here and in Europe; he is the ONLY Olympic level coach in Arizona.
SUMMER CAMPS @ AFC
Time once again to look toward AFC’s annual Summer Camps! AFC will hold two camp sessions this June.
Beginner Camp -June 10-14, 2013 -Beginner Camp is for the absolute beginner fencer through novice fencer. Camp will meet Monday-Friday 10am-1pm. The cost will be $175. All Equipment is provided. Students must wear long athletic pants, athletic shoes, and bring a water bottle and light snack. Reserve your spot by calling 480-969-1424 or in the club office. A 50% deposit is required. Space is limited.
Advanced Foil and Sabre Camp- June 17-21, 2013. Head Coach Florin Paunescu will hold Advanced Foil and Sabre Camp Monday through Friday 10am-1pm. This camp will include intensive conditioning and fencing drills in preparation for the USFA Summer National Championship. This camp is for experienced fencers. Electric equipment is required and will not be provided. Cost $275. Students must wear long athletic pants or fencing knickers as well as appropriate footwear. Please bring a towel, change of shirt, water bottle and a light snack. Reserve your spot by calling 480-969-1424 or in the club office. Space is limited. 50% deposit required.
NEWS……
Teresa McBryan is at it again! Congratulations to Teresa for taking 5th place in the Division II Women’s Foil event this past weekend in Reno at the USFA’s North American Cup! Well Done!
Congratulations to AFC’s Matthew Jacobs for his 2nd Place finish in our Winter Duel Sabre event. Congratulations to Jax McBride and and Thomas Jacobs for their 3rd Place finish in the Sabre event. Thank you to all who came out to fence this past blustery weekend!
Follow this link to see AFC in action at Channel 12 News ‘Today Show’ Friday January 25, 2013:
http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/Fencing+on+the+plaza/2118253822001
AFC’s first tournament of the new year will be held January 26 and 27th at AFC. Look for AFC’s Jr/Cadet/Y 3 Weapon Winter Duel on askfred.net and pre-register. Foil and sabre will be held on Saturday January 26th; epee will be held on Sunday January 27th. The time for beginning your competitive fencing is now!
For those new to fencing as a fencer and/or a fencing parent: once you have chosen your weapon to study (foil or sabre) and are attending classes, it is time to also consider taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity to work one on one with Head Coach Florin. The study of fencing can best be related to the study of a musical instrument. When joining the band or orchestra, the student learns about music and playing with other musicians, however, the individual technique necessary to excel in a particular instrument must be gained through private lessons. The private fencing lesson exists for Coach to work on developing and improving a fencer’s technique; class and open fencing time should be utilized to perfect those techniques through practice if progress is to be achieved.
We here at AFC are very fortunate to have a coach with the credentials and experience of Coach Florin. Don’t miss an opportunity to work with the best to become the best!
AFC announces the start of a new class “Get Fit With Fencing”! If you are tired of the same old exercise routine and would like to try something new and unique to exercise both the mind and body-this opportunity is for you! All you need are athletic clothing, shoes, a water bottle, and a towel. Call for more information and to reserve your spot now! 480-969-1424
AFC congratulates Teresa McBryan! Teresa placed first in both the Cadet and Junior events in this weekend’s Junior Olympic Qualifier in Tucson. She will attend the Junior Olympic Championship in Baltimore, Maryland in February. Teresa is also leaving for Germany where she will compete in Women’s Foil Tauberbischofsheim GER European Cadet Circuit Event over the Thanksgiving holiday.
AFC is proud to recognize some of our younger fencers who will compete in the Bernie Stein Memorial SYC November 30th – December 2nd in Chandler, AZ. Seth Logan, Naina and Usha Bhalla, and Jackson McBride will all take part in this Super Youth Circuit event.
Good Luck to all!
FYI
An excerpt from The Wall Street Journal Sept. 7, 2012 “Opting Out of the ‘Rug Rat Race’” by Paul Tough:
“American Children, especially those who grow up in relative comfort, are, more than ever, shielded from failure as they grow up. They certainly work hard; they often experience a great deal of pressure and stress; but in reality, their path through the education system is easier and smoother than it was for any previous generation. Many of them are able to graduate from college without facing any significant challenges. But if this new research is right, their schools, their families, and their culture may all be doing them a disservice by not giving them more opportunities to struggle. Overcoming adversity is what produces character. And character, even more than IQ, is what leads to real and lasting success.” (Emphasis added)
What is the connection with fencing? Fencing provides this opportunity to struggle for your children- to develop character, self-discipline, perseverance, and decision–making skills through their participation, practice and competition. These attributes remain with the student throughout their lives in career and personal endeavors.
Located at 1905 South Macdonald, Ste. 5, Mesa, AZ 85210
480-969-1424