Happy Holidays to you all!  I hope you are doing well this season.  Here, we have some new information for you about equipment, classes, closures, and tournaments.

Club Uniform/Equipment Requirements:

Due to insurance requirements and obvious safety considerations regarding H1N1 and other nasty stuff, as of January 1, 2010, we are requiring fencers to have their own, personal, safety equipment.  This includes the following:

Mandatory Equipment:

Jacket: $35-65 (Youth Medium fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Mask: $50-65 (Youth Small or Medium fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Knickers (Pants): $40 (Youth Medium fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Underarm protector (Plastron): $20 (X-Small fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Glove: $12-20 (Size 5.5 fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Plastic Chest Protector (Women and Youth): $35 (X-Small fits most kids 8-10 years old.)

Suggested Cheap Source for Equipment:

The Fencing Post is a great source for all equipment, adults' and children's.  Sometimes ordering online is tricky at this website, but if you call (1-800-459-7207), they can help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Absolute Fencing Gear is another great source for cheap gear.  They are always reasonable and sometimes have amazing discounts and sales.  With free shipping for orders over $200, each year we like to help families and loved ones organize equipment purchases for unsuspecting fencers for the holidays.

If you have any further questions about sizing or equipment options feel free to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by email.

If for some reason you cannot or do not wish to buy equipment, you will be able to rent a package for $10 per month.  This way you can have your own clothing for classes so that you can return home, wash it, and be certain that you are safe from germs/cooties.

After School Classes:

Our 4:15-5:30pm classes end Thursday, December 17.  All fencers are welcome to join any other class, evening or weekends, during December to make up for any lost sessions.

Winter Adult Class and Club Closures:

During the holiday season, the club can always be opened and locked by a volunteer with keys.  Contact members with keys or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like to get together to fence.

Otherwise, the club will be closed:

December 24–27 and December 31–January 3

Tournaments:

Here is a list of upcoming tournaments in the New Year.  Click the links for more information via askFed.net or USFencing.org.  We are cancelling the youth event scheduled for December 19, but it has been rescheduled for January 23.

January 8-10: ROC Duel in the Desert – Las Vegas, NV

January 15-18: NAC D Division I/Junior – San Jose, CA

January 23: New Mexico Fencing Foundation Y10/Y12

January 23-24: Texas Tech Open – Lubbock, TX

January 29-31: ROC Battle in Seattle – Seattle, WA

February 6-7: Amarillo College RYC – Amarillo, TX

February 6-7: ROC Alice B. Memorial Tournament – Houston, TX