We have moved!
The Madison Fencing Academy has moved to a new location and a new night.
When: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Where: Eagle School, 5454 Gunflint Trail, Madison.
The Eagle School is located on a beautiful campus. Parking is plentiful, but park around the back and you'll be closer to the gym door, which is directly across from the playground.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Posted 6-25-10
MFA Coach Brian Duckwitz, Moniteur D'Armes
We're proud to announce that on Saturday June 12, 2010 Brian Duckwitz passed his Moniteur d'Armes practical examination.
We're thrilled to have Brian join the Madison Fencing Academy coaching staff and be available for beginner's lesson in all three weapons.
Congratulations Brian and welcome aboard!
June 28, 2010: Last day at Orchard Ridge Church
The Orchard Ridge Church, our home since 2005, is preparing an extensive remodel that will include months of construction in the Friendship Hall. After the remodel the Friendship Hall won't be so friendly, at least to fencers. The renovation will change the nature and layout of the room and, according to the church officials, it will no longer be appropriate for fencing.
They informed me that construction will begin at the end of June, so Monday June 28 will be our last fencing night at the Orchard Ridge Church.
I just received this notice, so I'm scrambling to find another venue. Please watch this space closely for news and updates.
Any questions?? Please ask.
Mike
Posted 6/11/10
Laith Al-Shihabi Graduates from Medical School
Our good friend, and former MFA sabre coach, Laith Al-Shihabi graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin on Friday 5/21/2010.
Laith graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for scholastic excellence, and winner of the Ben and Ella Wagner Memorial Award in Anatomy.
Some of you may remember Laith when he was a UW Madison fencer (2001 - 2004).
Laith is going to travel a bit for the next few weeks, then move to Chicago to begin his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center.
We're all VERY proud of Laith and wish him all the best.
Heinz Klug earns his E
Congratulations to Heinz Klug for earning his E in foil on 4/11/2010. Heinz has returned to fencing after a 20 year absence and we're all better for it. When not on the strip, Heinz is a professor at the UW - Madison Law School.
Way to go Heinz!
Posted by Mike
4/13/2010
Morales and Shilakis named USFA All-Academic First Team
MFA fencers Cruz Morales and Alexander Shilakis have been awarded First Team All Academic honors by the USFA. Eligibility for All-Academic honors require the fencers to submit school transcripts, letters of recommendation from coaches and teachers and maintain a GPA between 3.85 and 4.00.
Way to go guys!!
Here's Cruz saluting the crowd...
...and here's Alexander wearing yet another medal. How many is that now??
MFA coach Mike Garrison named Midwest Conference Coach of the Year
Mike Garrison was named Midwest Fencing Conference Coach of the Year on 3/7/2010 at Notre Dame University during the award ceremony for the Midwest Conference Championships.
The distinction, which was voted on by the other conference coaches, is a first for a Wisconsin fencing coach and especially noteworthy given that the UW fencing team is a club sport and Garrison is a volunteer coach.
Garrison has coached the Badger fencers since 1999. Off campus, he owns and operates the Madison Fencing Academy.
posted 3/17/10
Super Sabre Shin Dig
Ahoy all,
The Madison Fencing Academy continues its tradition of monthly single-weapon tournaments and this month it's Sabre.
These events have become so popular and have attracted so many fencers that it only makes sense to sanction them. So, the Super Sabre Shin Dig is a sanctioned event.
Date: Monday 3/29/2010
Time: registration closes at 7:40 PM. Fencing starts immediately afterwards.
Cost: $2.00
As always, full USFA kits are required and mask tests will be performed.
Please register at AskFred.
Any questions???
Please ask Mike
posted 3/11/10
The Virtual Scoring Machine has arrived...
The MFA has taken delivery of Shawn Hart's Virtual Scoring Machine.
If you've not fenced with this system before, you're in for a treat. The VSM is a software-based scoring system that replaces the traditional scoring box and allows for specification changes with the click of a mouse.
We'll run the VSM on a laptop and use Shawn's bungee reels as well.
Mike
Posted 2/21/2010
Hell yes we're fencing on President's Day
Come on. It's President's Day. Pffftt! It's not even a real holiday like Secretary's Day, Bosses Day, United Nations Day or Daylight Savings Time Day.
We're fencing, so brave the 0.02" of snow fall and I'll see you tonight.
Mike
2/15/2010