Well, it appears that the Governor’s opening up businesses in NH does not include fencing. We will have to remain shut down until May 31.

I will send out an email this week with a link to a google doc to see if there is interest in weekly group call in phone lessons (not video).  I plan to start the lessons at 6:30 pm.  Pick which days will work for you- I will hold the lesson on whatever day the most people selected.

First will be hydration, diet, and nutrition- during this shut down, normal activities may have led to some, shall we  say, less than stellar decisions on that front.   Second will be a discussion on tactical and strategic theory and implementation.  Third will be on directing bouts (yes, I know we covered that earlier in the season).  Read the rule book before that class!  The fourth will be how to prepare for a competition.   Hopefully, we will come back to the club and start fencing again on Monday, June 1.

I miss working with all of you!

Governor Sununu has shut down all non-essential businesses in New Hampshire through Monday, May 4.  Unfortunately, fencing clubs are included in that category.  So there will not be any fencing at our facilities in Manchester and Rochester until May 4.

Hopefully, we will be able to reopen on Tuesday, May 5.  All ongoing classes will be completed as soon as we reopen.  But this is a fluid situation, and when things improve, or if the shut down is extended, I will post that information on this web site.

The club has enough cash on hand to cover the next two month’s expenses.  If we are able to reopen in May, we will be able to start a new set of classes, which will help get us through summer.  So if you know anyone who might be interested in learning to fence, please have them contact me at cjpullo@gmail.com, or call me at 603/428-7040.  The club you save may be your own!

Keep as active as you can:  running, walking, biking.  And remember to stretch! I hope to see all of you in May.  Stay healthy!

The National Office of USA Fencing has just issued a directive that all fencing activities in the United States is to stop for three weeks starting March 18 and ending April 6.  We must close both the Manchester and Rochester facilities at least until April 6.  This may be extended. If it does, I will post any new information here.  Below is the directive from the national office.

In order to protect the health and safety of all of our members – including athletes, coaches, staff and their families – clubs should suspend practices, lessons and gathering for the next three weeks. This applies to any club activity, including group sessions as well as individual lessons. In consultation with our insurance carrier, we will not be providing insurance coverage for Member Clubs beginning March 18 and continuing through at least April 6. Coaches at Affiliate Clubs will not have liability insurance coverage for the same period of times. 

All students currently taking beginning and intermediate classes will get all nine classes for which they have paid.  I will notify you when the classes can resume.

I will not be sending the Friday email (requesting feedback from the fencers and their families) as stated in the earlier posting.

I recommend running, walking, biking as a means of keeping up with physical activities during this time.  Stay home, stay active, and stay healthy.

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.