The seminar will examine 20th
century American fencing, including the change from the classical (19th
century) era to the modern era, as well as the changes (both good and bad)
wrought by the introduction of electrical scoring. Selberg will also explore the divergence of modern and post-modern fencing into two different games over
the last 20 years, including his views on where modern (and post-modern) fencing is going.
The theme that will be woven throughout
the entire weekend will be one of the most fundamental aspects of foil
and sabre fencing: right-of-way. (Epeeists, take heart, there
will be plenty here for you, as well!)
Maestro Selberg was fortunate to be in San
Francisco during a time when many great European (and American) fencing masters
were teaching there. His anecdotes from this time period will be sprinkled
throughout the weekend. In addition to historical
information, Maestro Selberg will include plenty of technical teaching and practical
work. Additional topics will depend on the skills and needs of the
participants.
Schedule
| Saturday, March
12 |
Sunday, March 13 |
9:00-
9:30 a.m. |
Registration |
9:00-
10:00 a.m. |
Free Fencing |
9:30 a.m.-
12:00 p.m. |
Fencing Today
and Yesterday |
10:00 a.m.-
12:00 p.m. |
How to Spar:
Goals and Objectives |
| |
Lunch (provided) |
|
Lunch (provided) |
1:00-
4:00 p.m. |
Rules of Play:
Theory and Practice |
1:00-
2:00 p.m. |
Importance of
Footwork and Mobility (lecture) |
2:00-
4:00 p.m. |
Importance of
Footwork and Mobility (theory and practice);
Methodology of the Individual Lesson |
| |
Dinner (on your
own) |
|
Dinner (on your
own) |
7:00-
9:00 p.m. |
Optional Evening Workshop:
The Learning Process
(for those currently teaching fencing or considering teaching) |
7:00-
9:00 p.m.
|
Optional Evening Workshop:
Competitive vs. Recreational Fencing
(lecture and discussion) |
About the maestro: Maestro Selberg has been fencing
for more than 50 years. In 1970, he was a member of the three-man team that won
America’s first international fencing gold medal at the World Masters’
Fencing Championship. He
studied under many of the expatriated European masters in the United States,
including Erich Funke, Hans Halberstadt, George Piller, and Aldo Nadi, as well
as American fencing master Jack Nottingham (who was himself a Nadi protégé).
Selberg is also the author of the textbook Foil, as well as an extensive collection of instructional videotapes (carried by
American Fencers
Supply). Maestro Selberg is retired in Ashland, Oregon, where he
lives with his wife, Julie (who is herself an accomplished fencer).
Venue: The seminar will be held at our salle at 354
Belmont Street NE. The salle features raised wood floors that are kind to
your feet and knees, changing rooms, restrooms, bottled water, a refrigerator,
off-street parking, and free wireless Internet access.
What to bring: Bring your full fencing kit (clean white uniforms only,
please). Specifically, you will need: weapon(s), mask, jacket, glove, underarm
protector, knickers, and knee-length white socks. Salle rules require breast
protection (cups or a chest plate) for all female fencers. We strongly recommend
that you bring a notebook. If you have a copy of Selberg's book, he would be
happy to autograph it for you (copies will also be available for sale at the
seminar).
What not to bring: Please leave your lames and body cords at home --
we don't use electrical equipment. Our lease prohibits alcohol on the premises.
The use of historical weapons is not permitted by our insurance. If you must
smoke, please know that smoking is prohibited in our building (a 160-year-old
wood structure). Smoking is permitted outside in a designated area. Videotaping
the seminar is not permitted (still photography is okay).
Getting here: Salem Classical Fencing is located in Salem, Oregon. If
you are driving, the salle is about one mile west of Interstate 5 off of exit
256 (Market Street exit) -- click here for an
interactive map to the salle.
Salem is one hour south of Portland, Oregon, which has international air service
at Portland
International Airport (PDX). Regularly-scheduled shuttle service from PDX to
Salem is available seven days a week through the Salem
HUT. (Salem Airport does not have commercial air service).
Amtrak
serves Salem with several north-south trains a day (connections for points east
are made in Portland and Sacramento, California).
Accommodations: Hotel accommodations are available within a mile from
the salle. A limited number of
homestays are also available, by prior arrangement only, in exchange for a $40
donation to the salle.
Things to do: Non-fencing family members might be interested
to know that we are about one hour from the Pacific Ocean and about an
hour from the mountains. For more information on the many activities in
and around Salem, please visit Travel
Oregon and Travel
Salem.
