L'Arme Blanche

Newsletter of the Fencing Institute of Texas

Copies of original newsletters complete with photographs are maintained at the front desk.

Edited by Sharon Page

L’ARME BLANCHE means the White Arm— a French term for the sword. Fencing, the art of swordsmanship, has been practiced for centuries. First, it was to train for deadly combat-the duel. Now, it is for Olympic gold. Through fencing you can acquire the reflexes of a boxer, the legs of a high jumper, and the concentration of a tournament chess player.

April 2000 Issue

Making Our Programs Better

New fee structure will reduce student costs and give students greater control over their personal development.

The Board of Directors and FIT Coaches have devised a new fee structure which will give students greater control over their personal development and, in many instances, reduce student fees. The fees outlined below were modeled after college costs and will be implemented MAY 1ST. Continuing students should complete new contracts.

TUITION. Students select one of the following:
BASIC: This allows the fencer unlimited fencing and access to all FIT facilities and equipment during regular business hours. Students will pay $45 per month, or $450 annually (save $90).
MASTERS: Students who have greater competitive goals may opt for the Masters Program. Tuition is $60 per month; $600 per year if paid in advance (save $120). In addition to unlimited fencing, students enrolled in the Masters Program come to private group practice sessions established for the development of competitive team fencing skills. These group practice sessions concentrate on technique, tactics, and strengthening exercises. Private team sessions are held at least once per week, usually Monday or Sunday; more often prior to select tournaments.
BUSINESS: Visiting fencers and those unable to come on a regular basis are welcome for an evening floor fee of $10. There is never a charge for spectators!

COURSEWORK.
Introduction to Fencing is held every Friday evening from 7-8 pm for friends and family to try fencing. Each person is allowed one FREE night. FIT staff will explain the various weapons and rules, show basic fencing footwork, and answer questions about the school.
Fencing 101 is a 6-week class for beginner fencers to introduce the sport to them. Classes meet one evening per week. All equipment is provided. After this class, students should be able to begin recreational fencing or go on to private lessons.
Fencing Lessons are 20-minute private sessions with a coach and may be scheduled as often as the student wishes during a week, schedule permitting. Advanced students may schedule double sessions (40 minutes). Lessons are prepaid and should be scheduled in advance at the front desk; however, walk-ins will be accommodated as much as possible.

YOUTH CURRICULUM (ages 6-13) The Youth Curriculum is a 3-tiered structure based on skill level:
Musketeers, Saturdays, 9-10 am, $35; developmental skills
Intermediate Youth, Saturdays, 9-11 am, $40; first hour of developmental skills and last hour of fencing; students may schedule private lessons for an additional fee during this time.
Junior Development, Saturdays, 10-12 noon, $45; skills nd tactics development plus bouting; students may schedule private lessons for an additional fee during this time.
Fees include tuition (no other fees)
Students will move into the next level at the discretion of the Coach.

Musketeers, for fencers ages 6-13, fees are unchanged ($35 per month, tuition included); however, the program time and structure will change. Group instruction on Saturday mornings will begin at 9 am. These students will practice basic fencing skills, footwork, and strengthening exercises. The younger children and new beginners will leave at 10 am.

Intermediate Youth come 9-11 am; fees are $40 per month. Intermediate students are Musketeers who are ready to bout. Fencing is from 10-11 am. No other Musketeers are to remain at the salle during this time for safety purposes unless they are closely observed by their parent.

Junior Development Youth will come from 9-12 noon, fees are $45 per month. These are advanced competitive youth who will learn tactics and bouting. Junior Development Youth are also allowed to come to open fencing during regular business hours. School Program remains unchanged except for the fact that students may now come during all regular business hours, instead of only two days a week. Students still pay $45 per month. Private lessons may be scheduled for an additional fee.

School Program beginners will be asked to come 5:30-6:30 pm weekdays and 9-11 AM on Saturdays to learn basic footwork, safety, and other items required before getting on strip for the first time.

The new curricula gives our fencers greater control of their own training schedule. Fencers, and fencers’ parents, should consult with the respective coach to see how often their lessons should be scheduled and how many nights per week they should be fencing.

The Browns touch people in many ways

By SHARON PAGE

Fencer Felton Brown has a lot to be proud of. He and his wife of 23 years, Frances Griffin-Brown, have been partners in championing causes that affect the survival of many young people. They also have successful careers and loving families, which includes their first grandchild Trey.

Felton will proudly tell you about his wife’s recent recognition in the community. Frances was awarded 1999 Volunteer of the Year in Collin County for her efforts in individual education. She founded Club Generation Success five years ago to enrich the lives and minds of young people through academic achievement and personal development, empowering them to achieve success in a positive environment.

This group of 200 students at three Plano schools meet monthly learning to develop a professional image. Professionals address the group, such as judges, doctors, lawyers, police and gang units, and professional athletes. Students learn how to study and set goals. They are motivated to get better grades, be responsible for their actions, volunteer in the community, develop relationship and leadership skills, and combat negative stereotypes. Students learn specific employment skills, such as how to write a resume and handle a job interview. Through field trips to corporations and fine restaurants, students are taught proper behavior for professional environments. Students also participate in community service projects.

A friend of the Browns commented, “The world needs people like them. Touching lives is what it’s all about.”

Emeric DeGall, 1922 - 1988

A pioneer in fencing in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area

If you had the good fortune to know Emeric DeGall, you saw his vision become reality in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. His goal to broaden participation in fencing was by no means an easy task, but he was well qualified for the endeavor.

Born in Hungary, Maestro DeGall was a former member of the Hungarian Olympic Circle competing throughout Europe. He left his native country in 1948, settled in Canada, and taught at the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. In Canada, DeGaul coached the Royal Canadian Regiment, Queen Elizabeth’s own paratroopers, and two Canadian Olympians. In addition, he founded the prestigious Canadian Hero’s Memorial Tournament held annually for more than 25 years.

DeGall arrived in Dallas-Ft. Worth in the late 1950s. Fencing was virtually unknown to the general public and its introduction to schools and colleges was greatly hampered by the overwhelming status of ball sports. He first coached with the Dallas Fencers Club, created the sports program at the Cistercian Prep School in Irving, conducted fencing classes in Ft. Worth at the Texas Boys Choir School, and opened his own fencing salle in Dallas.

In 1960, DeGall was invited to teach fencing at SMU and remained fencing master at SMU until 1988. He founded and sponsored the annual Mustang Invitational Tournament, the largest collegiate event in the Southwest during that time.

The North Texas Division of the USFA honored Maestro DeGall’s contributions to the sport by creating the DeGall Invitational in 1987. This upcoming annual event will be May 20-21 at St. Mark’s School. His wife, Lisa DeGall added, “Maestro DeGall frequently likened his endeavors to pioneering. As participation and enthusiasm increased and talents emerged through the labor, effort, and dedication of numerous fencers and supporters, Maestro de Gall always considered it a privilege to have been able to share in the growth and development of the sport of fencing in the Southwest.”

Mrs. DeGall serves on FIT’s Board of Directors.

FENCING NEWSLINE

REGIONAL YOUTH CIRCUIT #3: Kudos to three of our young fencers who competed in the RYC in Austin, March 4-5. In Y-14 Women’s Foil, Sarah Ellefson finished 23rd; Rebecca Ralph, 26th. In Cadet Women’s Foil, Rebecca Ralph took 20th; Sarah Ellefson, 21st. Jordan Page finished 19th in Y-12 Men’s Foil and 14th in Y-14 Men’s Epee.

FIT TOURNAMENT—”E” and Under Mixed Foil/Mixed Epee—March 19: In Mixed Foil, Aimee Matheny finished 6th place; Rachel Maxwell, 8th. In Mixed Epee, José de Olivares and Tom Page tied for 3rd; Felton Brown, 5th; and Jordan Page, 8th. In 14 and Under Mixed Foil, Jordan Page finished 2nd; Matthew Fingerett and Santana Trevino tied for 3rd; Steven Valenzuela, 5th; and Max Holditch, 6th. Congratulations to our FIT winners!!!

REGIONAL YOUTH CIRCUIT #4: Congratulations to Stuart Small who finished 6th in Y-14 Men’s Epee and 9th in Cadet Men’s Epee at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, April 1-2.

2000 SUMMER NATIONALS: FIT fencers who have automatically qualified for Summer Nationals are Howard Chang, Y14MF, Witt Chang, DV2ME DV3ME U16ME, Josh Guevara U19ME, and Hossam Mahmoud D1AME. The Summer Nationals will be held in Austin, June 30-July 8.

This document maintained by info@fenceintexas.org.
Material Copyright © 1998 Fencing Institute of Texas, Inc.