Things have been changing rapidly on the corona virus front.  Sunday, I went to the Manchester club and mopped the floors, and sprayed all the masks, bathroom fixtures and door knobs.  I also went to the Rochester club, and did the same, except for the mopping, which will be done today (there wouldn’t have been time for the floors to dry before classes started).

But last night, the governor closed all the schools, and more reports came out about what segment of the population is most vulnerable.  One group, those 60 or 65, affects me- I am 68.

I have decided to close the club until the statewide closure of schools ends, or the consensus on exposure and self quarantining changes.  To that end, starting this coming Friday, I will be sending out a google spreadsheet every Friday, where the fencers and their families can indicate whether they want the club to remain closed or reopen.

The classes scheduled to start the first week of April will be pushed back to the first week of May.

I am sorry I am taking these steps, as my original belief that coming to the club would be a beneficial relief from the social isolation that we are all experiencing led to my first decision to stay open. The continued and escalating concerns have prompted my decision.

Stay home and stay safe- I hope all of us will go through this crisis in good health.

Fencers and Families,

At this point, I am keeping the Seacoast Fencing Club open, but check the Seacoast Fencing Club Website (or your email) before coming to the club for any change to that decision.

First of all, as long as the club remains open, email me ASAP if the fencer or a family member shows signs of illness- fever, coughing, sneezing,  or run down. And stay home!

Second, while at the club, keep six feet of distance between fencers while warming up and stretching.

Footwork drills will be adjusted to maintain the recommended distance.

Do not touch other people- no hand shaking, or elbow bumps (I personally like the martial arts bow).

Fencing usually keeps the recommended six to eight feet of distance. For the duration, do not fleche, and avoid infighting.

Spring Term (March, April, & May) starts next week. All training groups will continue on their regular days and times.  As always, please bring payments to the first meeting of the term.  Cash or checks should be made payable to Seacoast Fencing Club- we do not accept credit cards.

I will offer an advanced class in both locations this term.  Private lessons are offered in both locations as well.

Manchester Schedule – Meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 

Children are being combined with Youths, 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Youths are being combined with Children, 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Juniors and Adults will meet three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  

Rochester Schedule

Children are being combined with Youths, 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Youths are being combined with Children, 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Juniors and Adults will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and Sundays, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

All Seacoast fencers can come to both the Manchester and Rochester locations if you want to pick up an extra day of fencing (with new mix of fencers). No extra charge.  

As usual, we are happy to stay an extra half hour if fencers want more time on the strip!

Tuition for the three month Winter Term  (December, January, and February)

Children        $310

Youth            $325

Junior            $340

Adult             $340

Advanced Class  $100  (a great way to learn more offensive and defensive techniques for newer and younger fencers).  Meets once a week for 30 minutes, for nine classes, 7:45 to 8:15 pm.  Manchester on Thursdays and Rochester on Tuesdays.

The only upcoming scheduled closing is Memorial Day Weekend – Sunday in Rochester, and Monday in Manchester (May 24 & 25).  We generally don’t close for federal or school holidays.

September is the start of the 2019-2020 season!  The training schedule and prices are below.  I hope to see all of you at the parent’s and the fencer’s meetings in each club.  Manchester will open on Monday, September 9.  Rochester will open on Tuesday, September 10. 

The Manchester parent’s meeting will be 7:00 pm on the first day, Monday, September 9.  The Rochester parent’s meeting will be 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 10.   All groups will be fencing that day, so bring your children at the normal time (below).  Please bring payment, and be ready to take notes on the upcoming competitions for your child.  Also, my private lesson schedule will be set at that time.  Please be there!

Fencers will have their orientation and a discussion on upcoming competitions at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 11 for Manchester fencers, and on Thursday, September 12 for Rochester fencers.  Junior and Adult fencers who want to fence on Sundays will need to set up an contact system at the September 12 meeting to ensure enough people will be there for those Sunday practices.

Manchester Schedule – Meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 

Children will meet twice a week from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Youths will meet twice a week from 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Juniors and Adults will meet three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  

Rochester Schedule

 Children will be 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Youths will be 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Juniors and Adults will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and Sundays, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

All Seacoast fencers can come to both the Manchester and Rochester locations if you want to pick up an extra day of fencing (with new mix of fencers). No extra charge.  

As usual, we are happy to stay an extra half hour if fencers want more time on the strip!

Tuition for the three month Fall term (September, October, and November)

Children        $310

Youth            $325

Junior            $340

Adult             $340

Advanced Class  $100  (a great way to learn more offensive and defensive techniques for newer and younger fencers).  Meets once a week for 30 minutes, 7:45 to 8:15 pm.  Manchester on Mondays and Rochester on Tuesdays.

Please bring cash or a check (payable to Seacoast Fencing Club) to the first meeting.  I do not have credit or debit card, paypal, or bitcoin capability.