Japanese Fencing Association
11th Annual National Veterans Competition
Dear Fencer,
This year, we are planning a trip to Japan in early November for the JFA Veterans Competition, the Japanese equivalent to the AFF’s Veterans Competition in early December.
About the Trip
For Veterans, this trip represents a great training opportunity. It is sandwiched between the Commonwealth Veterans in Melbourne (or World Veterans Championships in Croatia), and the Australian National Championships in Brisbane, and the trip is specifically targeted at Veteran fencers.
Although this is not an AFF-sanctioned tour, we encourage all fencers to treat it as if it was; we will effectively be representing Australia while overseas, so having the Australian logo and naming on your fencing gear would be in the spirit of things. If you can afford (and are entitled) to purchase an AFF track suit, that would be even better.
Details of the Competition
Each year, the JFA Veteran Championships are held on 3 November (a Wednesday this year), starting at about 9am.
There are men’s and women’s events in all three weapons. Events are held as small poules of 4 or 5 fencers (to 5 hits) after which the bottom fifth is eliminated, then a DE (to 10 hits). There is a handicapping system that gives an older opponent one hit (two hits in the DE) per decade of difference between competitors. As an indication of event size, last year’s numbers were men’s: foil – 34, epee – 41 (inc two Australians), sabre – 16 (inc one Australian), women’s: foil – 14, epee – 13, sabre – 9 (inc one Australian). Multiple weapon event entry is permitted.
Although there are only planned individual competitions, if we have sufficient fencers going, we may be able to convince the JFA to put on a Japan vs Australia team match or two.
The tournament will be held at Taito Riverside Sports Center, 1-1-10 Imado, Taito-ward (Tokyo), a new-renovated multi-purpose venue. The nearest train station is Asakusa, which is 10 minutes walk from the venue (see www.city.taito.tokyo.jp/foreign/e_guide/adm/public_main.html).
Cost per event is ¥4,000 (about $A50). If you are fluent in Japanese, the JFA web site is here: www.sportsweb.ne.jp/fje.htm
Pre-Requisites
As a matter of protocol, any fencer wanting to compete needs to have a full senior affiliation through their respective State fencing association (i.e. have AFF capitation). It is necessary to have an FIE licence to compete.
In Japan, the classification for male veterans is 40+ (born in 1969 or earlier), and female veterans is 35+ (born in 1974 or earlier).
There is no nomination requirement, but there will be a form that must be completed and sent off to the JFA by mid-October. Also, as a courtesy, the JFA will require reasonably firm numbers by the first week of September.
Equipment Requirements
FIE-standard equipment is recommended. We will not be travelling with an armourer, and equipment availability at the Japan end of things is highly uncertain, so take your repair kits.
Competition Preparation
Last year, we were invited to train at a couple of clubs in Japan. These were as follows:
- Fridays, 7:00pm to 9:30pm, YMCA Wellness Sports Center (5 mins walk from Toyocho station).
- Saturdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, Taito Riverside Sports Center (competition venue)
We will be confirming training days and locations for visiting fencers closer to the trip date.
Travel and Accommodation
We will need to arrange our own travel and accommodation, although it is likely that once again Lesley Witkop will be offering to assist (globeintl@optusnet.com.au, 02 9692 9000).
Our Japanese contact has suggested the following accommodation options, which are reasonably close to the venue:
- Hotel Sunroute Asakusa (www.sunroute-asakusa.co.jp/english) from about $A135 per night.
- Asakusa Central Hotel (www.pelican.co.jp/asakusacentralhotel/eng/index.html) from about $A120 per night.
- Blue Wave Inn Asakusa (www.bluewaveinn.jp/asakusa/english.html) from about $A140 per night.
The approximate cost (at the time of writing) for a discount economy return airfare to Japan is $1,100 from Melbourne or Sydney, with a stopover in Queensland (Cairns or Gold Coast).
Coaching Assistance
If we have sufficient interest and general agreement, we may ask everyone to chip in an equal amount to pay the airfare for a coach experienced in all 3 weapons to accompany us.
Regardless, coaches are more than welcome to be part of this trip, if desired.
Other Information
The day of the competition is Culture Day in Japan – a day of celebration of Japanese culture (art, music, etc.). This may affect transport options and times to and from the venue. Also, there is usually a large parade in the Asakusa District in the afternoon, which may also affect things.
Another important thing to remember is the Japanese cultural significance of street shoes and indoor shoes. Fencing shoes are considered to be strictly indoor shoes, and not to be worn in the street.
What Next?
Diarise this event. Towards August / September, we will start to confirm numbers and supplementary arrangements.
Last Modified on 25/08/2010 17:43