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Where Do I Start?

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Where Do I Start?

By Sergey Danilov

Where do I start? That’s a common question for anyone new to a sport. Let’s say your friend brought you to fencing and they’ve been doing it for a while. Then you have someone you can turn to for help with some of your questions… But what if you discovered fencing by watching the Olympics or a movie…or you simply have more questions?

Well, you’ve come to the club for a reason. You did some research and decided to give your trust to your club and your coach. Good, the first step is done.

1. Communicate with your Coach directly

While it seems like your Coach is too busy all the time, please remember that the Coach is there for you. Find the time and politely push to get an answer to your question. After all, you know very little about the sport and you deserve to have some answers. You chose to learn from the Coach for a reason: because he/she has expertise in this sport. But it’s important to realize that the Coach’s expertise goes beyond teaching technique and showing how to “stab” an opponent. The Coach also has a wealth of knowledge about how best to set your training schedule (how often, when, and what training you need based on your goals), nutrition, time management, and more. So don’t be afraid to “bother” the Coach. Believe it or not, Coaches are also inquisitive and curious by nature, just like their students.

2. Set your goals

Well, this one, we believe, is very important during your journey in the sport. The goal makes you train harder, not only on regular days, but also on those days when you do not want to. On days when you do not perform the way you like, goals can help you focus on the tasks and training, and can remind you to put aside other things that won’t help (like electronics and social media.)

Also, setting your goals should come from your heart. No one can push you hard enough except you. Coaches can motivate you, guide you in the right direction, help you to push yourself, maybe help you find motivation, but at the end of the day, your motivation should come from YOU. This will drive you in the sport to the highest possible results you desire. Of course, over time, your goals may change… well, whatever it is, remember the advice in the first paragraph – you need to discuss it with your Coach.

3. 21st Century, time of the Internet…so let’s talk about paragraph #1 again

You chose the sport, you learned the basics, and now you are dreaming about becoming an  Olympic Champion, NCAA Champion, or High School Champion. You start researching the Internet and find so much information (equipment, supportive training, fencing videos, advice and much more) that now you’re getting lost. Well, we come back to where it started. Before committing to some “cool” looking exercises, buying an extremely good-looking piece of equipment, or following a certain “direction” in your training routine, communicate with your Coach. In our opinion, if you decide to trust the Coach, trust all the way. At the end of the day, your Coach knows you the best, well at least in fencing, and he/she knows what is best for you so your performance can be effective.

4. Tournaments

The last stage is when you decide to become competitive. And you discover that there are numerous tournaments and events, starting from little local events, to regionals (RYC, SYC, RCC, RJCC) and nationals (NAC, etc.) — the list can be extensive. In fact, there is an event every weekend in the drivable distance for you. Here is where you have to be very careful. Going to events, gaining experience, becoming a stronger fencer, is important. But on the other hand, training, mastering the skill, learning new skills, is also important for your competitive performance. So, you have to learn to find the right balance, choose wisely when to go to a competition and when it’s better to stay at the gym and train. And who knows best??  Yes, you are right again – the Coach!!

To conclude, trust the professionals that you chose to learn from. They did not become experts right away – they went through all the ups and downs, mistakes and successes, defeats and victories themselves and with many, many other students, and now they are here for you, helping you to avoid those obstacles. Oh well, sometimes you will still run into them – and your Coach will help you to overcome them.

So, listen, learn, and always ask your Coach!

BLOG, CLUB NEWS, Parents

What Is So Important About The Warm-up?

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What Is So Important About The Warm-up?

By Sergey Danilov

A warm-up involves doing exercises at a lower intensity and slower pace, exercises which prepare athletes for the specific work, improve athletic performance, and prevent injuries. Are these not enough reasons to take it seriously?

NY Fencing Academy workoutWarm-up activities might include, but definitely are not limited to, light jogging, jogging with some additional exercise, and warming up muscles necessary for the future work. Warming up before exercise prepares your cardiovascular system for physical activity by increasing the blood flow to your muscles and raising the temperature of your body. It also helps to lower the risk of injuries — when your muscles are adequately warmed up, the movements, stretches, and strain put on them during your workout is less severe. This also minimizes muscle soreness.

So why exactly do we warm-up?

1. Injury Prevention

The most important reason for doing a warm-up is to prevent injury during practice in general and during specific work. Keeping the muscles warm will prevent injuries such as hamstring strains, for example (one of the most important muscles for fencing). Stretching is considered part of the warm-up and should be included all the time in your preparation for practice, events, and private lessons.

2. Mental Preparation

A side benefit of warming up is that your brain will become focused on your body and your physical activity as you go through the process. This focus will carry over into your training or competition session to help improve your technique, coordination and skill.

3. Relieving Stress Before Events

One important thing we have to learn is that competition creates stress and that will never go away. So we just have to learn to deal with stress and find ways to reduce it so we can focus on more important tasks.

Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers. Conventional wisdom holds that a workout of low to moderate intensity makes you feel energized and healthy.

Scientists have found that participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, and improve self-esteem. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects. So bottom line – make sure you warm-up – it will help you physically and mentally.

And finally – specific warm-ups before events:

With all the points stated above, do not forget that warming-up before events takes a lot of time and as you prepare it should include the following:

  • Warm-up itself
  • Stretching
  • Light footwork
  • Light blade work with your teammates to feel the actions, blade and point control
  • Warm-up bouts (where you should be trying out all “arsenal” you have, to see what feels best at the moment).

A lot of athletes ask what are appropriate amounts to do for each part of the warm-up? The answer is pretty simple – it is up to the individual, and you should develop your own routine during practices at the gym according to what is best for you.

To conclude, remember: warm-up every time you come to the gym, try to listen to your body and see what routine makes you feel your best mentally and physically. Once you figure out what is the best warm-up for you, stick to it and adjust when you feel you need it.

BLOG, CLUB NEWS, Parents

Why Should I Start Fencing?

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Why Should I Start Fencing?

By Sergey Danilov

7 Reasons to Start Fencing

1. Fencing improves your fitness and coordination

Hours of sitting for online classes, computer games, or Netflix will inevitably make your body feel a little clumsier and out of shape. Well, fencing improves fitness and develops a number of skills. As you learn to move quickly on the fencing strip (2 x 14 meters) in specific positions and with different motions, you aim to outsmart your opponents and execute the actions before they even realize that you “fooled” them. Fencing makes you work hard physically, keeps you in shape, and improves your coordination, speed, agility and strength.

 

2. Fencing makes you think

All actions in fencing require not only focus on your own position, but also the ability to read and anticipate actions and movements of your opponent. Fencing develops strategic thinking on the same level as chess or other logistical games. That is why the common nickname of fencing is “physical chess”. Fencing teaches the athlete to find the way in situations when it seems there is no way, and find the most effective ways to make the right decisions in a short period of time. These skills will help you succeed off the strip as well — in school, college, careers, family, life.

3. Fencing teaches you focus and resilience

You win, you are happy. You lose…well it happens, but you will be responsible for it and only you. Every loss will teach you to find your own mistakes, practice and master the skills and try again and again, until you succeed. Isn’t this what we need in life? Instead of stressing out, you learn to focus and work hard to perfect something (even if nothing is ever perfect) until you achieve your goals.

4. Fencing is a very safe and low injury sport

Fencing is one of the safest sports in the world. Hard to believe, right? Fencers must wear protective gear, made of high-tech materials, including masks and gloves. Body contact is prohibited, and safe and proper protocols are taught from the start. Fencing is one of the sports with the lowest risk of injury — occasionally, there may be a few small bruises if someone hits too hard accidentally, but that is a big maybe!

5. Fencing teaches you time management

Well, you learned the sport, you got busier… now you have to manage all the time you have to succeed everywhere. During sparring with your opponents, you will learn to manage time in “split seconds”; during practice you will learn to manage your time to complete everything the coach told you to do; outside of practice you will learn to manage your time for academics, training, competitions, family and friends so you can accomplish everything you want.

6. Fencing is for everyone

Any size, any age, any gender, any ability — you can succeed in fencing! This sport is called “physical chess” for a reason. It’s all about using your unique traits to your advantage. Unlike sports like volleyball and basketball where height is an absolute game-changer, fencers primarily utilize their lateral movement, quickness, and precision. This means that shorter and taller people can both use strategy to score a touch on their opponents. Fencing is a demanding and safe sport that one can practice throughout a lifetime, which means that you may cross paths with fencers from ages 8 to 80 and learn from all different kinds of people throughout your fencing journey.

7. Fencing can help you get into college

Your child may not be thinking of fencing as they prepare for college admissions, but maybe they should — especially, if he or she has a passion for and dedication to the sport. Fencing can give your child that extra edge that’s needed to get into a great college. 32% of male fencers and 38% female fencers who compete in high school will continue to compete in college with a partial or full scholarship. Compare that to football which only sees about 7.8% of its students continue with the sport in college. Fencing can really benefit your college application and enrich your college experience.

BLOG, CLUB NEWS, Parents

NYFA Guidelines to Reopen!

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NYFA Guidelines to Reopen!

By Sergey Danilov

While I am lost in time, figuratively and literally, I realize how much I want to be back to a somewhat normal life. The past almost three months went in a blink of the eye and it was the longest three months of my life at the same time. We learned a lot during this time of the pandemic COVID-19 – new virus, what is social distance, online training, online learning, spending more time with the people we did not have time for before… I can continue on and on. But the bottom line… we are all ready to be back to normal.

At New York Fencing Academy, looking through different guidelines, such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), United States Fencing Association (USFA), New York Department of Health and Nassau County Department of Health, we are putting together our Academy guidelines for reopening when it will happen.

While both of our clubs are in New York, they are in different zones and it looks like the Long Island location is moving towards reopening a bit sooner than the Brooklyn location. The health and safety of our community is our top priority and we will work hard to follow all the guidelines before and during the reopening. So, both locations will follow the guidelines of the local Health authorities.

Meanwhile, we developed some New York Fencing Academy guidelines for all athletes, parents, coaches and staff.

While we will be reopening the facilities with strict guidelines stated below, we will provide full support to our NYFA family by continuing all online classes and online private lessons. So, you can choose either one or even a combination.

NYFA will be providing:

  • Group classes with limited number of participants (when permitted by region’s control room);
  • Private lessons at the NYFA facilities (by appointment only);
  • Zoom training including group classes and private lessons;
  • Any combination;

The following guidelines will apply to facilities, athletes, parents, coaches and staff who might be involved in fencing activities with NYFA.

Facility and cleaning:

  1. The gyms will be ventilated daily, and air purifiers with UV-C light & True HEPA filters, and ozone generator machines will be working overnight to sanitize the air.
  2. The gym, hallways and restrooms will be cleaned and fully sanitized daily, including the door handles of the street entrance, elevator doors and buttons.
  3. Hand sanitizing stations will be installed throughout the facility.
  4. The sign of all the necessary precautions will be posted in the lobby.
  5. Temperature checks for all who are entering the facility (including the coaches and staff) will be made by touchless thermometer. All who have temperatures of 37.2C (99F) or higher will not be admitted to the facility and will be asked to isolate themselves at home for 14 days (in case of good health, Zoom classes are still available for those who cannot attend).
  6. Changing rooms will be closed for all athletes. Gearing up should happen at home or in the car, prior to entering the building.
  7. The water fountain will be closed at this time. Only personal bottles are allowed for use (before and after private sessions only – in the designated bag area or outside the gym).
  8. NO PARENTS are allowed in the facility. The drop off for fencers will be right in front of the door. Anyone who does enter the facility must wear a face mask.

The Fencers and Coaches:

  1. NYFA Coaches and staff will be wearing face masks at all times.
  2. All fencers must wear face masks before entering the facility of NYFA. If not single use mask, it should:
    · Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
    · Be secured with ties or ear loops
    · Include multiple layers of fabric
    · Allow for breathing without restriction
    · Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
  3. Fencers, coaches and staff should come to the gym directly from home.
  4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home, self-isolate and call your healthcare provider.
  5. Practice proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
    – Wash your hands frequently with soap and use hand sanitizer;
    – Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze into a tissue;
    – Practice social distance;
    – Do not use or share other people’s devices such as phones, tablets etc;

Fencing and sport equipment:

  1.  Coaches and Fencers are not allowed to leave any equipment in the gym under any circumstances.
  2. All personal equipment should be washed and/or sanitized after each use. If the equipment cannot be washed (mask, epee) – it must be sanitized.
  3. The club equipment will not be available for anyone. If Fencer forgot the equipment, he/she will not be able to participate in the club activity – no exceptions.
  4. Some sports equipment (i.e. jumping rope, tennis ball, resistant band, etc) will not be provided by the club; all fencers must have their own. Please consult with the coaches about what you need for upcoming practices.
  5. Due to closure of the changing rooms, there will be a designated bag area, marked with tape, which will be clearly visible. Please follow the 6 feet social distance rule when in the bag area.

Private sessions and group classes:

  1. Only fencers who have previously booked lessons or classes will be admitted to the gym (contact Marina at 516-472-7042 for Long Island location and 718-996-0426 for Brooklyn location). Fencers who have no appointments, please contact our office OVER THE PHONE ONLY! Availability of group classes will be announced separately when permitted by state.
  2. The fencers who have booked lesson(s) will be admitted to the facility no earlier than 15 minutes prior in order to warm-up. There will be a special designated area for the warm-up.
  3. All games including sharing of objects or possible physical contact are canceled.
  4. All fencers must wear face masks, covering the nose and mouth.

At the end of the day, we would like to keep everyone safe and healthy. We will continue Zoom classes and the combination of Zoom and in-person training. Stay healthy and We Will Fence Again!

Team NYFA!

BLOG, CLUB NEWS, fencing, Parents

The Online World of Fencing!

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The Online World of Fencing!

By Sergey Danilov

The new world and the new reality came fast and, surely, unexpectedly. While we’re all adapting to the new way of life, looking out of the window, and thinking: “Is it real?” – we have to continue our routines as much as we can – this will be over at some point. We just have to be patient and positive!

Well, the new reality came to the fencing community, and as we’re all adapting to the new ways of studying, shopping, etc., we also have to adapt to how to exercise, stay in physical and fencing shape the best possible ways. The main question I have right now from some of the fencers – “will I get worse during this quarantine?” My answer will be: “It is up to you, in fact you still can get better, and remember the entire WORLD is in the similar situation”

So, moving on, I would suggest a few things to keep in mind and prepare for the new world of online training and be ready to come to the gym (don’t you miss gym and your Coach more than ever?)

1. Stay positive!

It is important, even though sometimes it is hard. And when I say positive, I don’t mean just the smile on the face. Remember, each situation has a solution – you just have to find it. The best example – creating the target – a) put the pillow in the jacket, zip the jacket b) tie the strap (so the pillow does not fall out) c) hang it against the wall on the hanger. Target is ready! Can not come up with the solution? Sometimes it is simply a lack of experience – talk to your Coach, I am sure they are full of ideas!

2. Safety, safety, safety!

Assuming you are getting positive and then moving to training… but remember, SAFETY FIRST. Unfortunately, we Coaches cannot control as much as we could during training in the gym, so please make sure that you listen for the coaches’ guidelines and warnings. Communicate with the Coaches any concerns or worries.

  • Before each online class, prepare the space (ask coaches how much space you would need for the upcoming class)
  • Make all the equipment ready and keep it near you in a safe place.
  • Wear appropriate attire (yes, even at home, even online – it is exercise and you should wear clothes appropriate to exercise).
  • Make sure there are no objects around you to harm during the exercises.

3. Space for online fencing training

What is a good space at these challenging times? Well, make your imagination work, maybe it is time to rearrange the furniture in your home. I heard it is good to move the furniture from time to time, and you will spend quality time with your loved ones Or you already have it? Great! But generally speaking:

  • Hardwood floors will work perfectly!
  • Have a garage? Haven’t you planned to organize it for a while? This is a great place as well. I would suggest preparing some floor mat, as I am sure your Coach will have some exercises on the floor.
  • If you have a basement covered with carpet? Well this is great (short carpet though will be the best and it will take no time to adjust)!
  • Otherwise be creative, and always consult with the coach and remember – SAFETY FIRST!

4. Your coach should definitely see you!

Another important point I notice during classes – the position of your device with the camera as well as the position of yourself, is important. Remember, while these are challenging times for you, these are challenging times for us Coaches as well.

This is the time where we can not come and correct you using some tools we used to do in the gym. So, make sure, when the Coach looks at you – he/she sees your entire posture, not your head and ceiling or your sibling doing homework.

Also, think of what is the most important for your Coach to see. Usually when you stay sideways, the Coach has a better opportunity to control your position and is able to give correction if needed.

And yes, we know that most of you are using the same devices for homework, so please don’t forget to charge the devices for the lesson – you really don’t want to miss those words of wisdom from your favorite master!

5. Behavior

I guess this will be our new world and we need a new code of conduct… Wait, nothing changes online. All we have to do is show respect to each other:

  • Show up for the class on time, so your Coach does not have to get distracted from explaining or showing the exercises by admitting you to the online room. At the end of the day, the excuse “there was an accident on the road and a lot of traffic…” does not work anymore.
  • Yes, it is online, but still, greet your Coach and maybe a simple“how are you” will be a great way to start the class.
  • NO CHAT! Have a question? Signal your Coach and I am sure the Coach will be happy to answer. But leave the chatting with friends for after or before the class. Remember it is challenging for Coaches as well to be able to provide quality instruction over the internet – respect this and listen instead of chatting.
  • Ask your family to stay away from the space and let you concentrate on your Coach and exercises, meaning no party or movie night around.
  • Make sure you “mute” yourself on the online platform during the class unless you need to ask a question. The main reason for that – every time you produce some noise – everyone sees you not the Coach. So if for some reason the Coach forgot to mute you – you always can do it yourself.

6. Equipment

As for equipment, I would really speak to the Coach before each class if you need something specific. Otherwise:

  • Small towel would be nice. I found the online classes more intense as there are almost no breaks, social breaks, hiding in the changing room, playing on the phone etc. So be ready to sweat a lot.
  • Bottle of water. I said almost none, so I am sure the Coach will give you some breaks. But during these classes, breaks are short, so making a trip to the kitchen might cause you to miss some important information.
  • Floor mat for exercises. Again, you can be creative on this one if you don’t have it or you may find one in an online store.

And did I mention to stay positive? As I said earlier, this will be over – meanwhile, stay connected to your Coaches, keep yourself in shape, focus on something you can improve right now and you will improve as a fencer… competitive shape? We will get it back quickly as long as we keep training!