I just got back from the NAC A in Memphis, and it was a pretty good time. I finished 39th in Div 3 Men's Epee, and not so well in Div 2. Apparently, I need early mornings and no food to fence well. Memphis is a nice town, if difficult to get around - and Beale street was almost as loud as Bourbon Street. Too bad I was exhausted Saturday night and headed to bed after only one drink and a movie. I will have to return with reinforcements.
The NAC was run really well, although there were some issues. I was a bit spoiled by the 80% advance rule from Nationals - it forces people to actually try in the pools. It also would mean that my 14th seed after pools would mean something. I lost my first DE, even though I had a bye - so I was a bit bitter.
The other significant issue was a nice life lesson for me. Curvy and hot directors are not necessarily good directors. Although the fact that this particular director didn't call corps-a-corps - thereby turning a gentleman's game into something akin to the WWE Hardcore Championship match - didn't bother me, it was that I didn't find out until I got touched after I stopped where a halt should have been called. The "let them slug it out" school of fencing works in my favor, but I prefer not to clock people with a right cross after attacking in prime. It wouldn't have been so bad except an older gentlemen directed a few bouts in my pool, and the difference in quality was dramatic.
Lots of fun, and I learned a lot about my own style and how I need to improve. Next time, top 8.
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