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Absolute Fencing Epee Blade

by Mackenzie Doty on January 17, 2012

I ordered my first epee from Absolute Fencing (AF STANDARD E. EPEE W/: PISTOL GRIP) almost two years ago, and it’s still my go-to weapon, so to say that it’s a durable product, is an understatement. For the money, I think it is one of the best blades you can get and it makes a [...]

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Blue Gauntlet Knickers

by Mackenzie Doty on January 17, 2012

I got my knickers from Blue Gauntlet, they are the BG 350NW Stretch fencing Pants (CE Rated), and I absolutely love them! They are cut very trim through the waist and hips and are a good choice for girls. The material is extremely slick on the outside and your opponent’s blade will slid right off, [...]

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Duel at Dawn – December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011

What an exciting morning!  With the temperature below freezing, only the bravest dared to attend this special yuletide event!  Some of the competitors must have made Santa’s “nice” list since they showed up with their new Leon Paul SR-71 blades. The frost on the ground made things challenging for the competitors and their equipment.  With [...]

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Information on Electrical Fencing Weapons

October 10, 2011

Points & Blade Wires Many fencers have experienced trouble mixing their points, barrels, and wires. They are best used in matched sets. Points are regularly tested in competition. Both foil and épeé points must pass a weight test, by lifting a mass (500 gm. for foil; 750 gm. for épeé) after the point is depressed. [...]

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Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)

October 7, 2011

Starring:  Jose Ferrier (as Cyrano), Mala Powers (as the beautiful Roxanne), William Prince (as Christian), Ralph Clanton (as the Comte de Guishe), Al Cavens (as the Vicomte de Valvert). This movie is based on the original play written by Edmond Rostand, in 1897.  There was, in fact, a Cyrano de Bergerac, who lived in France [...]

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Conan the Barbarian (1982)

October 4, 2011

Directed by John Milius. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger (as Conan), Sandahl Bergman (as Valeria), James Earl Jones (as Thulsa Doom), Gerry Lopez (as Subotai), Mako (as the Wizard) and Max von Sydow (as King Osiric). This is a movie adaptation of numerous novels and short stories about the Cimmerian character, Conan. The character was originated by [...]

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Introduction to Fencing – Class Tournament – September 27, 2011

October 3, 2011

At the completion of our Fall 2011 Introduction to Fencing Class, we held a non-electric (dry)  mini-tournament.  Due to the size of the class, we had 3 pools – Men, Women and Children 13 and under.  Everyone was very competitive and had a great time.  Please enjoy the pictures of this wonderful experience.

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The Prisoner of Zenda (1952)

September 29, 2011

Starring: Stewart Granger (as Rudolph Rassendyl/King Rudolf V), Deborah Kerr (as Princess Flavia), James Mason (as Rupert of Hentzau), Louis Calhern (as Col. Zapt), Robert Coote (as Fritz von Tarlenheim), and Robert Douglas (as Michael, Duke of Strelsau). This is a movie adaptation of a story written by Anthony Hope. The story is set at [...]

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The Spanish Main (1945)

September 28, 2011

Directed by Frank Borzage Starring Paul Henreid (as Captain van Horn/the Baracuda), Maureen O’Hara (as the Contessa Francesca, daughter of the Viceroy of Mexico), Walter Slezak (as Don Juan Alvarado, the governor of Cartegena), Binnie Barnes (as Anne Bonney), John Emery (as Mario Du Billar), and Barton MacLane (as Captain Benjamin Black). This movie is [...]

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The Three Musketeers (1948)

September 26, 2011

Directed by George Sidney Starring Gene Kelly (as D’Artagnan), Lana Turner (as Countess De Winter), June Allyson (as Constance Bonacieux), Van Heflin (as Athos), Angela Lansbury (as Queen Anne), Frank Morgan (as King Louis XIII), Vincent Price (as Richelieu), and Gig Young (as Porthos) This movie is based on the classic novel, of the same [...]

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Duel at Dawn – September 24, 2011

September 24, 2011

What perfect weather! (Except when the dew and humidity played havoc with the electrical systems.) Eight fencers showed up for this morning’s festivities. It was good to have Chris Hughes rejoin us. Although his forte (pun intended) is Foil, he handled himself quite well and proved to be a spoiler for several regulars. Congratulations to [...]

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To Have And Have Not (1944)

September 21, 2011

Based very loosely on the book of the same title by Ernest Hemingway. Directed by Howard Hawks.  Starring Humphrey Bogart (as Harry Morgan/Steve), Lauren Bacall (as Marie Browning/Slim), Walter Brennan (as Eddie), Hoagy Carmichael (as Cricket), Dan Seymour (as Captain Reynard) and Aldo Nadi (as a plain clothes officer). This movie has nothing to do [...]

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Information on Practise Foils

September 20, 2011

Blades There are a large number of variables to consider when shopping for blades, including stiffness, length, durability, flex point, weight, balance, corrosion resistance, and (of course) price. Stiff blades provide better point control, but less “flickability”. A flex point less than 1/3 of the length from the tip indicates a strong middle, but may [...]

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The Sea Hawk (1940) – 2nd Review

September 19, 2011

Directed by Michael Curtiz (who also directed “Captain Blood”), music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold (who scored “Captain Blood”} Starring Errol Flynn (as Captain Geoffrey Thorpe), Brenda Marshall (as Dona Maria Alvarez de Cordoba), Claude Rains (as Don Jose Alvarez de Cordoba); Flora Robson (as Queen Elizabeth I),  and Alan Hale (as Carl Pitt). This story [...]

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By The Sword (1991)

September 16, 2011

Directed by Jeremy Kagan.  Starring: F. Murray Abraham (Max Suba), Eric Roberts (Vilarie as Maestro), Mia Sara, Chris Rydell, Elaine Kagan, Brett Cullen The fencing instructor for F. Marray Abraham was Dr. Aladar Koglar.  I would think that Dr. Koglar might be a little bit embarrassed by some of the fencing scenes that ensued, especially [...]

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Captain Blood (1935) – 2nd Review

September 16, 2011

Directed by Michael Curtiz; Musical score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Starring Errol Flynn (as Captain Peter Blood), Olivia De Havilland (as Arabella Bishop), Lionel Atwill (Colonel Bishop), Basil Rathbone (as Captain Levasseur) This movie is based on the novel by the same name, by Raphael Sabatini. How many times have you asked someone, “How did [...]

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Scabbards – Easy, Inexpensive and Durable

September 13, 2011

One of the first things that a fencer needs for any new sword is a scabbard. Unlike the times of old when a scabbard was worn on the hip, modern fencers need a scabbard to protect their blades while they are being transported in their equipment bag or case. An easy solution for this problem [...]

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The Mark of Zorro (1940)

September 13, 2011

Directed by Rouben Mamoulian Starring Tyrone Power (Don Diego Vega as Zorro), Linda Darnell (Lolita Quintero) Basil Rathbone (Captain Esteban Pasquale); Gale Sondergaard (Inez Quintero)  and Eugene Pallette (Fra Felipe, who looks an awful lot like Friar Tuck, from another movie we know of). This movie is based on the Johnston McCulley novel, “The Curse [...]

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Beginning Foil Class Study Guide

September 12, 2011

The 10-page Study Guide for the Beginning Foil Class is HERE.  You will need the Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader software. This hand-out has been prepared by myself (Jon Spryer) and Roger Van Denhende. Please print it off for your class.  If you cannot print it, then please inform your instructor.

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Frenchmen’s Creek (1944)

September 12, 2011

Directed by Mitchell Liesen Starring Joan Fontaine, Arturo De Cordoba, Basil Rathbone; and Nigel Bruce This movie is a screen adaptation of a novel by the same name, written by Daphne Du Maurier.  Like most of Du Maurier’s novels, it is set in Cornwall.  It was lavishly produced, and the costuming, which may seem somewhat [...]

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The Duellists (1977)

September 9, 2011

Directed by Ridley Scott.   Starring:  Keith Carradine as D’Hubert, and Harey Keitel as Feraud This is a movie adaptation of a true story written by Joseph Conrad.  The military weapons and uniforms are impeccable.  The story begins in the year 1800, after Napoleon has made himself emperor, and ends eighteen years later with the restoration [...]

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Safety

September 8, 2011

Fencing is a very safe sport but only as long as sensible behavior is followed. Fencers must always be masked at weapon point forward. Inspect masks and weapons each time you choose them and inspect tips occasionally during bouts. Do not use defective or broken equipment and if broken in a bout, stop immediately. Stop [...]

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Appropriate Clothing

September 8, 2011

Ensure your clothing is sturdy, snug fitting yet allows freedom of movement. No skin should be visible when fencing. Shoes should be athletic shoes designed for multidirectional movement like cross-trainers or tennis shoes. Running and walking shoes are not designed for lateral movement and present a potential for ankle injuries. Additionally, shoes should have white [...]

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Parts of the Foil

September 8, 2011

The primary components of the foil are the blade and the handle. The blade is steel and consists of two parts. The blade proper which extends from the guard, is quadrangular and tapers to the blunted tip (aka: button), and the tang which runs through the handle and is joined to the pommel. The blade [...]

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The Salute

September 8, 2011

Assume first position. Sweep the foil into line with your opponent’s chest with a circular motion from rear to front and from low to high, blade and arm forming a straight line parallel to the floor, hand in sixth position. Flex the elbow and bring the arm back toward the body so that the forearm [...]

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Lunge

September 8, 2011

A lunge is the most basic and common attacking movement in modern fencing. This description adheres basically to the French school of fencing, and describes the legwork involved. The actions of the hand/arm/blade are considered separately from this discussion. From en garde, push the front heel out by extending the front leg from the knee. [...]

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On Guard

September 8, 2011

  From first position, sweep the foil upward in a circular motion, from rear to front and from low to high, while simultaneously sweeping the rear arm in an identical fashion but in the opposite direction. Conclude these circular movements with both arms extending in a straight line, level with the floor and in opposite [...]

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Positions

September 8, 2011

Prime – Parry #1 – Blade down and to the inside, wrist pronated. The point is lower than the hand. Covers the inside line, generally the inside high line (though it can be used to cover the inside low line). Seconde – Parry #2 – blade down and to the outside, wrist pronated. The point [...]

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Italian Grip

September 8, 2011

The Italian grip is rarely used today in sport fencing but is common among classical fencers. Advocates say that it has most of the French grip’s agility with a much greater degree of power and stability. The Italian grip consists of a straight handle, a crossbar (the quillions), and two rings. The fencer’s fingers actually [...]

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French Grip

September 8, 2011

The French grip is contoured to the curve of the hand. Compared to the other primary grip used in modern sport fencing, the pistol grip, the French is thought to have greater speed and maneuverability, but less strength and stability. The French grip also allows the fencer to “post”, holding the grip towards the base, [...]

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The Sea Hawk (1940)

September 4, 2011

In his second pirate movie, Errol Flynn portrays Captain Geoffrey Thorpe, a privateer in the service of Queen Elizabeth I. Charged with the task of keeping the sea lanes open for shipping, Captain Thorpe fate becomes intertwined with the Spanish Armada. Here is the YouTube link to the original movie trailer.  Enjoy!

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Father and Son Fencing

September 3, 2011

The day my son was born I began to looking forward to playing catch with him in the backyard. I thought maybe I’d help coach him in little league or Pop Warner or maybe even on the hardwood.  I remembered the days of my dad coaching my brother and I and hoped that my son [...]

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Fencing Gloves

September 3, 2011

One of the smallest but still important pieces of fencing equipment is the fencing glove.  I purchased my fencing glove from Absolute Fencing.  I am thirteen years old and have been fencing for two and a half years.  I still have my original size 8 fencing glove.  It is comfortable and has worn well. My [...]

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Chest Protectors

September 3, 2011

Being one of the youngest members of the Tulsa Fencing Club, I have found that one of the most important and valuable pieces of equipment is the chest protector.  Being smaller and less experienced in fencing means you probably will be getting hit a lot.  I recommend that you purchase the hard plastic chest protector [...]

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Fencing Bags

September 3, 2011

Some would argue that a fencing bag is not an essential; I  believed that at first. I soon realized that, although, you can fence without one it sure makes storage and traveling with your equipment much easier. There are two fencers in my family so we needed an extra large bag.  We decided to research [...]

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Video clips by Corps a Corps

August 26, 2011

I am not sure who prepared these videos, but they are still very entertaining. I think this is a re-hash of an NCAA Fencing commercial with a different arrangement of action, music and graphics:

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The Parent Trap (1998)

August 26, 2011

Separated at birth, twin sisters finally meet each other at summer camp.  The big reveal happens AFTER the bout when they have to shake hands. Please keep in mind, that fencers must salute each other and the director before each boat with their masks off!  Plus, once you leave the designated fencing area, the director [...]

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Captain Blood (1935) – 1st Review

August 26, 2011

Errol Flynn ….. and Basil Rathbone ….. as Pirates ….. fighting to win the affection of Olivia de Havilland ….. with Swords ….. filmed in Black & White. What else do you need to know? It’s a great movie! By the way, it has inspired countless generations of fencers. The original movie trailer:   Here [...]

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Commercials

August 26, 2011

What do Adidas, Audi, Doritos corn chips and Ernest P. Worrell have in common? Absolutely nothing!  Except that they used fencing in a commercial. (Yeah, yeah, I know.  A commercial is not the same as a movie.  But they are still fun to watch!) Enjoy! Adidas   Audi     Doritos   Ernest P. Worrell [...]

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Scaramouche (1952)

August 26, 2011

Scaramouche is loosely based upon the historical novel of the same title by the French author, Rafael Sabatini. Scaramouche begins before the French Revolution.  The idealistic childhood friend of our hero is provoked into a duel by the very-talented swordsman, Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr.  Our hero, Andre-Louis Moreau (played by Stewart Granger), vows his [...]

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Magnum Libre d’Escrime (Big Book of Fencing), 3rd Edition by Rudy Volkman

August 25, 2011
Thumbnail image for Magnum Libre d’Escrime (Big Book of Fencing), 3rd Edition by Rudy Volkman

One of my favorite fencing books of all times is Rudy Volkman’s Magnum Libre d’Escrime (Big Book of Fencing).  This 271-page, comb-bound, self-published book is well worth its price. But what really sets this book apart from all the others is the plentiful use of pictures and the helpful description of what is being shown.  [...]

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Footwork – The Basic En Garde Stance

August 24, 2011

All of us, at one time or another, have used some type of catchy rhyming mnemonic poem to remember stuff.  Remember this? In fourteen-hundred and ninety-two,Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Or how about this one? Thirty days hath September,April, June, and November;All the rest have thirty-one,Save February, with twenty-eight days clear,And twenty-nine each leap year. [...]

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Fencing Socks

August 24, 2011
Thumbnail image for Fencing Socks

Yes, I am a brand conscious consumer for my clothes.  Not because I am a fashion conscious snob, but because I consider it a grown-up version of the Garanimals line of matching clothing.  On occasion, I have unintentionally embarrassed my daughters by wearing a striped shirt with plaid pants.  I need all the help I [...]

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Many Thanks to Roger Van Denhende

August 5, 2011

As my first official act as the President of the Tulsa Fencing Club, it was my honor and privilege to present to Roger Van Denhende the Tulsa Fencing Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award at our annual meeting on August 5, 2011. Roger has agreed to continue to serve the Tulsa Fencing Club as Chairman Emeritus. Many [...]

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Duel at Dawn – July 30, 2011

July 30, 2011

Wow!  Nine people showed up at 6:30 am this morning for our Duel at Dawn!  The competition was so intense and robust that we had a 3-way tie for 2nd and 3rd place!  After it was all said and done Rob King took 1st place (Gold), Scott Griffith took 2nd place (Silver) and Jeff Starkweather [...]

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Duel at Dawn – July 16, 2011

July 16, 2011

This bright, cheery and hot July morning only 4 brave fencers arrived to participate in the Duel at Dawn. But make no mistake, the competition was fierce and the rivalries were intense! Congratulations to Jeff for 1st place (Gold), Scott for 2nd place (Silver) and Reece for 3rd place (Bronze). Rob vowed to fight another [...]

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Duel at Dawn – June 25, 2011

June 25, 2011

This morning 5 brave souls arrived for the Duel at Dawn!  Congratulations to Scott Griffith for 1st place (Gold), Rob King for 2nd place (Silver) and Karen Welch for 3rd place (Bronze).  Although Mike Rusk and Reece Morrel went home empty handed they still had fun!

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Duel at Dawn – April 30, 2011

April 30, 2011

Promptly at 6:30 am (a.k.a. Dawn), the 6 intrepid fencers of the Tulsa Dueling Society began their tournament! Rob took home the Gold Medal.  Michael, a dedicated foil fencer with amazing point control (had never fenced epee before), took home the Silver Medal.  And, Reece took home the Bronze Medal.  Reece had beaten Michael earlier [...]

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2011 USFA Junior Olympics – Dallas, Texas

February 21, 2011

In February 2011, Mackenzie Doty competed in the Junior Olympics held in Dallas, Texas. To say that she was nervous would be an understatement. But, she made us all very proud! Now that she is a veteran competitor she is more than willing to share with her classes her insight and experience. Here are pictures [...]

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A Sport For All Ages

August 30, 2009

Club offers introductory fencing class By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer Published: 8/30/2009  2:34 AM Last Modified: 8/30/2009  4:46 AM Let’s get this out of the way: 76-year-old Roger Van Denhende figures he could probably out-duel his boyhood idol Errol Flynn in a fencing bout. After all, Van Denhende, who’s not the least bit cocky, has been [...]

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2009 USFA Summer Nationals – Dallas, Texas

July 15, 2009

In July 2009, Jeff Starkweather competed at the USFA Summer Nationals that were held in Dallas, Texas. Jeff fenced epee, had a great time and learned a lot.  Although he did not place, he did well in his pool. Here are some pictures of that event:

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Tulsa World Slideshow – August 2008

August 30, 2008

During the Summer Olympics in 2008 the Tulsa World came out to the club, wrote a story, and made a slide show of people at the club. Tulsa Fencing Club would like to thank the Tulsa World for sharing with the community what TFC offers and what we do. Here is the Tulsa World Slide [...]

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