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How to use this forum (PLEASE READ THIS FIRST)

9/14/2007 12:35:32 PM

Will

625 posts

How to use this forum (PLEASE READ THIS FIRST)
Modified By Will on 4/22/2008 11:38:17 PM)

*This post is retired...read note at end**

*read my reply to this post*
~~You'll notice that I've posted some tournaments marked "NFC Series".~~ These events are ones I've designated as good events for people to attend. Some are picked because of their strength, or attendance levels, others because they're easy to get to, or simply smaller, low-key events which are great for beginning competitive fencers. I've put a note in where I could about WHO should attend these events, and WHY. If you have questions or comments about these events, please post them in the thread related to THAT event. I've started off with the events running through Oct. 21st, but I'll add several more in time. I'll also post events which I DO NOT recommend so strongly. Those will be labeled simply with the event date and name, and I will include a note as to why specifically I'm not sure it's the best event for some of our fencers. Sometimes because I have reservations about the people, location, quality, or prices of the event, but many times it's simply because they may not be a proven tournament host, so we can't be sure whether or not it will be worth your while. Being selected does NOT mean it will be a huge tournament, or a big deal at all. Many are just small local things which I can be reasonably sure a young fencer will have a shot at some good experience. I will comment on each event to make it clear why I feel you should or should not consider an event. Again, if you have questions, post them.

10/23/2007 1:18:45 PM

Will

625 posts

Re: How to use this forum (PLEASE READ THIS FIRST)

I've decided to remove the series concept, for a couple of reasons. While I think it's a good tool for some fencers, I don't want to give the impression to our younger fencers and their parents that they had to buy into a constant life of tournaments. I want to restate AGAIN that NFC's use of tournaments is as follows:

TOURNAMENTS ARE FOR FUN, AND TO TEST YOUR TRAINING.

If you don't think you'll have fun, or you simply are STILL WORKING ON IMPROVING SOMETHING, and that thing ISN'T READY YET, then I recommend you don't go to the event. Only go either for fun, or for a learning experience (I would hope you can do both!)

I want you to actually discuss with me what events you're thinking about going to, and why. But again, the point is the training we do in our practices, not the competitions. The goal is the creation of the person, of the fencer, not a medal, a rating, a ranking.

I will not support the fencer who strives only to beat others, or who only desires some reward or outside motivation. If your goal is to be a great fencer, those things will come easily enough. You will win ratings, medals, and all that goes with that, but not at the cost of you being a jerk.

Focus on the process, and trust the results.

So tournaments are important, in a weird way, and can be a huge amount of fun, and a great time for teammates, and families, as many times entire families can compete in a tournament with different weapons and age groups. But if you turn it into a stressful quest for glory (which doesn't mean anything anyway), you risk ruining it. So sorry to get preachy, but I think it's a pretty important thing to make clear.

4/22/2008 11:37:44 PM

Will

625 posts

Re: How to use this forum (PLEASE READ THIS FIRST)

Obsolete post. Moving this function to members only section of site. Retiring.

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