Pre-season Veteran Sabre Clinic with David Sierra and Kim Phillips @ Zeta

The Veteran Sabre Clinic experience is taking to the road!! Thanks to the gracious invitation of our friends at Zeta Fencing and their enthusiastic group of Veteran-age Sabre Fencers, we are combining efforts and heading up to Boston for the Pre-season Sabre Clinic with Kim Phillips, current V50MS national champion and Veteran World Championship Team member in October 2024. Previous clinics in this series have been very popular and well attended by fencers from across the country. The Veteran Sabre Clinics are led by experienced Sabre Coach and Maître d'Armes David Sierra. Maître Sierra (also the Head Coach of the Division 1 NCAA program at Wagner College) has coached veteran age sabre athletes to more than 30 medals in North American Cups including multiple team championships. Maître Sierra is deeply committed to expanding access to training opportunities for Veteran Fencers, and brings a dynamic and exciting focus with a deep understanding of the modern sabre game.

Following in our usual progression, the Theme of the Pre-Season Clinic will be "Tactics Off-The-Line." We will work on common tactical progressions in the off-the-line game, premeditated vs preparation actions that can be used, and mental and psychological components. There will be theoretical and roleplaying scenarios, along with "real world" practical exercises and situations. Plus of course, plenty of time for bouting and fellowship! You will leave this weekend a better sabre fencer than you started, and make new friends and contacts within the exciting world of veteran sabre fencing.

Ages 35 and up. Full uniform and bouting equipment is required for participation. 

Cost is $100 if paid in advance on askFRED by 9/8/2024. $120 at the door.

One-on-one lessons are available to participants in the clinic. Please email David Sierra - Sierra.sabre@gmail.com to reserve a spot. Lessons are $70 each, payable directly to the coach.

Saturday September 14th

1. Optional Morning Practice: Fencers who are pre-registered for the clinic are also welcome to attend the Adult Class at Zeta Fencing on Saturday morning from 11AM - 12:30PM. There is time here for lessons with Maître Sierra or other coaches at Zeta on Saturday morning (email zetafencing@gmail.com for a link to the lesson calendar after completing the clinic registration on askfred).
2. Training Clinic: 3 PM - 7 PM The training will include a mix of discussion, footwork exercises, partner drills, tactical bouting exercises and free fencing. There will be breaks built into the schedule and healthy snacks will be provided!

Sunday

1. Optional Morning Practice: 9-11 AM for additional bouting and lessons for people registered for the Saturday Clinic.

Accommodations

The closest hotels are in Natick and Framingham, about a 15 minute drive from Zeta's location. Hotels are in walking distance from each other. All room rates are similar to each other.

1. Aloft Framingham: 130 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01702
2. The Hampton Inn Boston/Natick: 319 Speen St, Natick, MA 01760
3. Residence Inn Boston/Natick: 1 Superior Dr, Natick, MA 01760
4. The Verve Hotel Boston Natick, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: 1360 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760

About Maître David Sierra

Maître Sierra Currently serves as the Head Men's and Women's Fencing at Wagner College, a Division 1 NCAA Institution in Staten Island, New York City. With over 30 years of experience in the sport of fencing, he has filled a variety of roles in the sport including athlete, coach, coach developer, referee, and administrator. He is a certified Maître d'Armes by the United States Fencing Coaches Association and the Academy d'Armes Internationale and has produced multiple regional and national champions in North America.

About ZETA Fencing:

There are three airports within easy reach of Zeta Fencing: Logan Airport (Boston, 31 miles), Worcester Regional Airport (30 miles), TF Green International Airport (Providence, RI, 50 miles).

The nearest Amtrak train station is Route 128 Station, 24 miles from Zeta. The Worcester Metrowest Regional Train Station is less than a mile from Zeta.

Zeta's well-lit facility with AC features 12 full length fencing strips and wireless scoring machines. There is a changing room and a comfortable visitor viewing area with free wifi. There is plenty of free parking around the building and across the street. A local coffeeshop with bakery and sandwiches is next door.