People in snappy white uniforms hitting each other with 36 inches of steel...

NDA Fencing Club 

What does the Fencing Club do?
We fence, of course, which means we wear special safety equipment and attempt to hit other people with swords while trying not to get hit ourselves. At our weekly practices we learn the techniques of modern sport saber fencing, apply them vigorously upon each other, and applaud when someone does something that works really well. We regularly compete against other schools, students and adults included. We perform a skit or demo during Cabaret Night where we can show our talents in front of an audience.

Who's in charge of this?
Our fencing instructor is Mr. Steven Stary, (NDA '92) an English/Social Studies teacher at NDA. He learned fencing from the University of Wisconsin and has been fencing since 1995. Assistant instructor is Ms. Dierdra Baumgart, who has been fencing since 1997. But that's just the adults. The more advanced students do rather a lot to help the beginners, and in teaching others the basics, they become better fencers in the long run as well. 

What do you need to join us?
Not much at all. We're open to all students who are willing to follow the safety rules. We do our best to provide equipment for beginners, but most of our members get their own gear sooner or later. Club dues are $35 and are used to maintain club equipment.

*At this time, we are only able to teach NDA students and alumni.  We will try to organize an off-site class or practice time for others in the near future.*

What is the Robert Burns Tournament?
The Robert Burns Memorial Tournament is NDA's annual fencing tournament. It is held on or around January 25, the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, and author of such poems as "Address to the Haggis" and "Auld Lang Syne." The event began as an informal, in-house competition that happened to occur on Jan. 25 the first year. Realizing that it was Burns Day, we named the competition for him. As an unfunded club, we had no money to spend on prizes, instead awarding the winner with the title, "King Haggis." (There has yet to be a Queen Haggis, but it has been close.) Since then, it has become a bigger social event, featuring fencing competition, tartan-wearing, group picture for the yearbook, Scottish food, and even occasionally bagpipes.

Helpful Links:
www.wifencing.org
Home page for fencing in Wisconsin.
http://www.usfencing.org/
Home page for the US Fencing Association.
http://www.fencing.net/
A great site for fencing forums, information, and equipment.
http://www.askfred.net/
Fencing Results and Events Database. Go here to find upcoming events, register for them, and see results.
http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/
A good place to get a decent price on beginner and practice equipment.