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What time is it? Summer time!
The month of July, the heart of the summer season, is already upon us as you read this. We hope you had a great Independence Day and that you got some quality family time in, either at home or at Summer Nationals.
Speaking of Summer Fencing Nationals – THEY’RE HERE! We all know that this is a big time for fencing, and we certainly wish everyone the happiest and most rewarding time. It’s no small feat to get here, and we’re incredibly proud of everyone who made it and also everyone who made the attempt to make it. The next few days are going to be full to the brim of excitement and challenges, of time spent with our larger fencing community. Whether you’re reading this from Salt Lake City or from Campbell, good wishes to everyone.
Once Nationals are over and the dust has settled, the real work begins for next season. Yes, there’s some down time right now, but that doesn’t mean time off. It’s the perfect time to start planning for next season, whether you made all of your goals this year or not. A solid plan is the basis for success in anything, and that includes fencing.
We will sit with each family to build individual plans for fencers. We’ll work to understand each fencer’s goals for the new season and to analyze their progress for the season that just passed. During August and September, we’ll be sending out invitations to schedule meetings. This process is what helps to set our fencers apart, and it’s one that we believe in! We’re so excited to sit down and help make those dreams a reality.
Coming off of Fencing Summer Nationals, we’re full of good spirits and look towards success for all. And we’re looking forward to starting new journey with you - the 2017-2018 season! Like everything, there is a cycle to the fencing year, which basically makes this coming month fencing new year. Happy Fencing New Year! Here’s to plans and goals, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of the season past.
We are going to begin the season with 2 special events for our epee and foil fencers, to prepare them for a strong season. Read the details below!
Irina |
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AFM at Summer Nationals - Go AFM, Go!
Photo credit: Kseniya Bulavko
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Special Congressional Recognition
 Recently we received this incredible letter and certificate from the United States Congress. It’s an honor that we are just amazed about, and it speaks to the incredible things that our fencing family has done for the community.
We had no idea that our work had reached so far, and it truly unexpected surprise. We cannot thank our fencing families enough for the hard work and dedication that they bring to our club.
The certificate says:
“Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Presented to Academy of Fencing Masters in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community.”
It was signed by a member of the United States Congress, and it’s an honor that we could not be prouder to share with our amazing fencing families and staff. THANK YOU!! This is for all the work our members, coaches and parents do and their fantastic achievement! Really a team effort! Thanks to all!!!
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2017-2018 Season Schedule is here
The whole season has been published - SYC, ROC, RJCC, RYC, and NAC. There are some fantastic competitions coming up, and it looks to be a very exciting year for fencing.
SYC’s (=Super Youth Circuit which is suitable for Y12, Y12, Y14 categories) and ROC’s (=Regional Open Circuit, which is aimed at senior fencers, i.e., 2003 and older are published here:
http://www.usfencing.org/news_article/show/763961?referral=rss&referrer_id=669372
See 2017-18 USA Fencing National Events Schedule here: http://www.usfencing.org/news_article/show/795648?referrer_id=708436
Get your calendar out and start making those plans! Of course we’ll be walking you through lots during our one-on-one meetings. But don’t wait to go peek at the schedule and start thinking about all of the possibilities!
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Beginner Summer Camps - bring friends and earn credits!
Did you know that if you bring a friend to Beginner Fencing Summer Camp that you can get a referral credit? That’s right – not only could you get a good friend excited about the sport of fencing, you could also get a boost to your own fencing account at AFM.
We want to spread the word about how awesome fencing is, and the absolute best way to get introduced to the sport is through beginner fencing camp. Reach out to your friends and family and let them know about AFM!
Beginner Fencing Summer Camp #1: July 17-21, 2017 (children ages 7-10)
Beginner Fencing Summer Camp #2: July 24-28, 2017 (children ages 10-14)
Beginner Fencing Summer Camp #3: July 31-August 4, 2017 (children ages 7-14)
Camp hours: 9am – 4pm
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Epee camps
Epee fencers – this is your last call to sign up for camp. Slava Zingerman will conduct these camps, and they are so important as they will give a great boost for our Intermediate/Advanced level fencers, preparing them for the next season. We cannot overemphasize how much we want our fencers to participate in these camps!
There are 2 different dates:
Camp #1 - July 10-14: https://askfred.net/Clinics/moreInfo.php?clinic_id=36903
Camp #2 - August 7-11: https://askfred.net/Clinics/moreInfo.php?clinic_id=36926
A few words about Slava:
Up until now, Slava worked as the epee coach for the Duke University fencing team. Prior to that, he had an extremely successful coaching career at the New York Fencing Academy in Brooklyn, where he worked with fencers to claim eight medals and two championship titles. His name is synonymous with great fencing, and we are so fortunate to have him here with us!
His camps will be extraordinary, helping our fencers to get to a level that they need to be to move forward for a great season.
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Special Foil clinic at AFM
Featuring Celebrity Guest Renal Ganeev
 We gladly accepted coach Bogdan’s initiative to start inviting the best of the best fencers to share their wisdom and teach our talented foil fencers! We have a very special celebrity guest coming to run this foil clinic.
Renal Ganeev - a famous Russian fencer, who is now 32 years old. Here are his credentials:
• member of the Russian National Men’s Foil Team
• winner of the Bronze Olympic medal in the team foil competition at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens
• Silver medalist at the World Championship 2015 in Moscow with Russia senior men’s foil team
• Many times Senior World Cup winner and medalist
• Junior World Champion and medalist and national champion and multiple medalist.
Renal just finished his competitive career last year and started his coaching career. This clinic will provide foil fencers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best. In addition to drills and exercises, Renal will fence, which is a special treat as it’s not every day that you have an opportunity to fence with an Olympic medalist!
The clinic will be run by both Renal and Bogdan, who as you know was member of Ukrainian national Men’s Foil Team and his himself a six time national champion! Two stars in one day for an awesome fencing adventure. Not to be missed!!! Thanks coach Bogdan for inviting Renal!
Date: August 27, 2017
Time: 10am - 3pm
Lunch 12pm-12:30pm (not included)
Price: $150
Link on askFred: https://askfred.net/Clinics/moreInfo.php?clinic_id=37329
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Special Epee Clinic at AFM!
Featuring Celebrity Guest Dmytro Karyuchenko
and legendary 3x NCAA Champion Slava Zingerman!
Join the unique epee camp with Ukrainian Team Member, 2x Olympian, World and European Champion Dmytro Karyuchenko and NCAA Legend, 3x NCAA Champion Slava Zingerman!
All epee fencers are welcome to enjoy valuable time with an incredible fencer and celebrity as well! Dmytro Karyuchenko is an accomplished fencer and a member of the national team of Ukraine since 1997 He’s a two time Olympian, and will be AFM’s special guest in August!
Dmytro started fencing at age 10 and at age the 15 he won the Junior Championship of Ukraine. In 1997 at the age of 17 he went to the national team for the first World Championship, and in 1998 he became to be Junior World Champion.
His fencing results are extremely impressive. He earned a bronze medal in the épée team event of the 2006 at the World Fencing Championships. He also attended the 2012 Olympics in London. He’s been a champion and top 3 medalist at many World Championships, and was the champion of several World Cups and Grand Prix. He’s a Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist of European Championships in team events and more.
Dmytro and Slava will both fence with the camp participants.
Date: August 12-14, 2017
August 12: 9am-12pm
August 13 and 14: 10am - 3pm
Price: 3 Days - $410; Daily - $150
Link on askFred: https://askfred.net/Clinics/moreInfo.php?clinic_id=37330
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New season schedule
We are glad to inform everyone that the schedule will be held as it is now. All promotions to the next level will be sent out to each family individually via email.
After Summer National coaches will have meetings to decide which fencers are ready to move up to the next level based on performance (not place!), attitude, current level, private lessons, and readiness to compete. The important thing to remember is that we at AFM believe in quality and not rushing to push kids up in levels. Everyone is different! This is a beauty of being human. Someone will go faster with the program and someone might take more time. It’s fine (in fact, it’s good!). Please don’t push coaches to make decisions based on your convenient hours or the parental dreams that you have to see your child on the Olympic podium faster :)
Private Lesson Schedule:
We plan to release the private lessons schedule for the next season by the end of the month. Stay tuned.
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One-on-one planning meetings
The planning for next season is about to step into high gear!
We cannot overstate how important these meetings are in getting together your plan for next season. No matter what level you are as a fencer, no matter what your goals are, we’re here to get you there. These one-on-one meetings are the heart of getting thing going. Yes, this season is just wrapping up, but the importance of planning for next year is incredibly real!
During August and September we’ll contact everyone about scheduling a meeting. Please work with us to make a time to get this aspect of your training nailed down. We’re here for you!
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