Post by schlager7 on Aug 6, 2005 20:13:22 GMT -6
I copied this from the new board LongBlade runs as it seems particularly apt, here:
Sonoma State University unveils fencing master program
Ulysses Torassa
The San Francisco Chronicle
August 5, 2005
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/08/05/NBGREE1GUR1.DTL
There will be much swordplay in evidence this month at Sonoma State University, where a new program for aspiring master fencers is getting under way.
John P. Sullins, an associate professor of philosophy who is also a master fencer, is in charge of the program, which focuses on the classical Italian style of fencing. It has fewer adherents than the Modern International Style, which is used in the Olympics, but Sullins said it is truer to fencing's historical roots. He described the difference this way:
"When you have to make a decision, you respect the martial traditions (of fencing).... We realize what we are doing is a simulation, but when a question comes up, we always ask ourselves, 'How would the ancient masters do it?' and we default to those answers, more than just what's technically possible or what's more expedient politically. ... My fencers can still do well in the modern setting, but they have a firm conservative background from which they can do what they want.''
Sullins was introduced to fencing through a small program sponsored by the Boy's Club when he was growing up in Petaluma. He received his master's in fencing from San Jose State University.
It typically takes at least four years of training to become a fencing master, and Sullins said he expects to be producing master fencers in five to seven years. Meanwhile, the program has attracted at least 10 students to the first two-week training session, which begins Monday.
For more information about the program call Sullins at (707) 664-2277 or e-mail him at john.sullins@sonoma.edu.
Sonoma State University unveils fencing master program
Ulysses Torassa
The San Francisco Chronicle
August 5, 2005
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/08/05/NBGREE1GUR1.DTL
There will be much swordplay in evidence this month at Sonoma State University, where a new program for aspiring master fencers is getting under way.
John P. Sullins, an associate professor of philosophy who is also a master fencer, is in charge of the program, which focuses on the classical Italian style of fencing. It has fewer adherents than the Modern International Style, which is used in the Olympics, but Sullins said it is truer to fencing's historical roots. He described the difference this way:
"When you have to make a decision, you respect the martial traditions (of fencing).... We realize what we are doing is a simulation, but when a question comes up, we always ask ourselves, 'How would the ancient masters do it?' and we default to those answers, more than just what's technically possible or what's more expedient politically. ... My fencers can still do well in the modern setting, but they have a firm conservative background from which they can do what they want.''
Sullins was introduced to fencing through a small program sponsored by the Boy's Club when he was growing up in Petaluma. He received his master's in fencing from San Jose State University.
It typically takes at least four years of training to become a fencing master, and Sullins said he expects to be producing master fencers in five to seven years. Meanwhile, the program has attracted at least 10 students to the first two-week training session, which begins Monday.
For more information about the program call Sullins at (707) 664-2277 or e-mail him at john.sullins@sonoma.edu.