Coach Ilya's blog

Farewell and thanks for reading!

ivlcoach — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:26:52 +0000

Dear all,

I am freezing this blog so I can focus on writing for the Washington Times Communities. It is basically just a blog like this, but it’s attached to an actual publication, so I though that would serve the sport better. Please feel free to use any of the registration forms or info collected on here, and I will see you at The Washington Times: To The Point.

Yours, Ilya V. Lobanenkov

Obama, Tim Morehouse and Daria Schneider fencing at the White House!

ivlcoach — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:11:05 +0000

It’s gone viral! I love it, very good exposure for our sport. The first photo is a classic. I would not mind if Obama referees my bouts. Looking good, Mr. President!

One of my students works for the BBC, so quite possibly she had a hand in making this story popular. Or in making this video. She also grabbed audio snippets of Obamas having fun with fencing and an interview with Tim Morehouse.

Obamas and fencing:

Tim Morehouse interview:

Fencers have strong legs!

ivlcoach — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:52:35 +0000

Eric Hansen, US Team member and one of the best in the game. Dead Lifting at Muscle Beach, Venice CA. Yes, fencers can lift. Usually with the legs only. No, this is not for everyone. Eric is a great fencer, been around forever and fights in a very Germanic manner. Lots of strong blade actions. Lots of power in the footwork. Likes to work out a lot. However…

To quote master coach Vladimir Nazlymov circa 2004:
-Eric has “over pumped” himself.
I don’t have enough information to make specific judgements, but I do remember there was a time Eric Hansen was rather injured and looked heavy compared to times when he was on the US team. Fencing needs elastic, snappy muscles. Bulk can slow you down, but that does not give weak athletes an excuse not to develop strength. If you do decide to lift, please, for the love of god, learn to do it with an experienced trainer. High risk of injury switching from lifting to fencing in the same day. One needs to take an individual approach to training, especially for a highly specialized sport like fencing. I just think this video is funny with the ska soundtrack and a fencer doing seemingly well in weightlifting.