In addition to our normal classes, PVFA will be having week long summer classes in 2012.

Hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.

Session 1 July 9 - 13

Session 2 July 23 - 27

Session 3 August 6 - 10

Winter Session December 26 - 28

Cost: $325 (including $50 registration fee).

Session 1 -Fundamentals - No experience is required. Suggested ages 11+. These classes make a great introduction to fencing and are also very good for current fencers looking to improve their skills or try all three weapons. We've taught these classes for several years now and can say from experience that they are a lot of fun. Equipment is available at the club to use, but we suggest students use their own equipment if possible. The focus will be on learning fundamental skills as well as physical conditioning. Mornings will focus on warm-up exercises, games, footwork practice, and drills. Afternoon sessions will begin with warm-ups, then move to technical and tactical group lessons, and bouting. Sign up for session 1 here.

Session 2 -Intermediate - New for 2012! - Suggested ages 11+. Some experience required. (Completion of the Intro Course , Session 1, or a previous Summer Class is sufficient.) Excellent for current fencers looking to improve their skills or try all three weapons. Equipment is available at the club to use, but we suggest students use their own equipment if possible. The focus will be on improving fundamental skills, gaining tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. Mornings will have warm-up exercises, games, footwork practice, and drills. Afternoon sessions will begin with warm-ups, then move to technical and tactical group lessons, and bouting. Sign up for session 2 here.

Session 3 -Competitive- At least six months of experience and electric equipment are suggested. This class is an advanced competitive class that will focus more heavily on tactics, training bouts, physical fitness, and competition preparation. Suggested for ages 13+. This class has been described as being even more helpful than similar camps held at large universities which our fencers have also attended. A one to two page self-evaluation paper will be required for completion of this class. Sign up for session 3 here.

Winter Session - Competitive - Similar to Session 3 but for three days between Christmas and New Years. $180. Sign up for the Winter Session here.

What fencers have said about the PVFA competitive class:

“I was able to push myself and somehow draw upon energy when it seemed as though I had none...I made a mental and psychological leap.” --Mariam I.

“After surviving (if somewhat narrowly) all that this week has thrown at me so far, I'm feeling just a tad more fearless and confident than I was at the beginning.” Rachel M.

“Although speed training and weight work helped me a great deal physically, training bouts and deliberate play were what really changed the picture for me. The training bouts helped open my eyes to something I had not understood before about fencing.” Alex D.

For all sessions:

Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 12 students per session. Current PVFA fencers who do not meet the minumum age requirements may be considered for enrollment.

Fencers will arrive each day at 9 am. There will be a 1 hour break for lunch. Fencing each day will end for 4 pm.

Fencers will be expected to bring their own food. Water will be available but fencers must bring refillable water bottles.

Students need to bring a t-shirt or two each day and sweat pants (or better yet fencing knickers). Boys will need to wear a protective cup. PVFA will provide the rest of the necessary fencing equipment for those who need to borrow equipment.

To sign up: Send a check for $50 payable to PVFA and register ahead of time on the Askfred website. Links to the Askfred registration are in each class description.

PVFA

94 Cottage St.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Phone: (413) 204-6387

Note: A $50 deposit will be required one week prior to the start date of the session week. There will be a minimum class size of four fencers per class. If fewer than 4 students preregister for a session, the session will be canceled and deposits will be refunded. The $50 deposit is otherwise non-refundable.

Note:Children must behave appropriately at all times, must pay attention to the coaches' directions, and follow the safety rules. Disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise misbehaving children may be asked to be brought home, and no refund will be given should this occur.