Don’t Miss the USA Fencing and Absolute Fencing Guangzhou IRC this December

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing and Absolute Fencing are excited to announce the second and final International Regional Circuit (IRC) competition of 2024. And with a location that blends fencing, lodging and family fun, this IRC promises to be unforgettable. 

The setting is the spectacular ChimeLong Tourist Resort Area, which serves as both tournament venue and lodging for the competition — set for Dec. 28-29, 2024 at the Chimelong Hotel's Convention and Conference Center in Guangzhou, China. The hotel is a convenient 1-minute walk from the competition venue making it super easy for fencers and families.

Fencing at this IRC promises to be world-class, with age categories including Y10, Y12, Y14, Cadet and Junior. The Guangzhou IRC is set to welcome top fencers from around the world — just like our August tournament in Wuxi, which saw more than 540 competitors. 

Secure your spot now as registration opened Sept. 6, with regular fees running through Dec 6.

But the fencing tournament is only the beginning. The Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou is ideally situated near must-see attractions, including the Changlong Aquatic Park, the International Circus, and Xiangjiang Safari. Fencers can test their skills during the day, then wind down at the hotel’s tropical pool or visit the incredible on-site gardens — home to white tigers, flamingos and more.

Fencers with International Competitive Licenses: You’ll be able to register starting at the beginning of registration on Sept. 6. Avoid triple fees by registering before the Dec. 6 deadline.

Competitive Members (athletes who regularly compete/live in the United States): All will be welcome to attend and fence, including those who live in the United States. Registration opened Sept. 6. Be sure to heed the Dec. 6 regular-fee deadline.

Cadet and Junior Events 

All athletes who place in the top 32 of the combined IRC list for Junior and Cadet are eligible to compete in these events at the 2025 July Challenge (part of Summer Nationals in Milwaukee).

Youth Events 

In addition, international youth athletes who fence in an IRC in Y10, Y12 and/or Y14 will meet the prerequisite for fencing in the March 2025 NAC.  

For U.S. athletes living abroad that fence in an IRC in Y10, Y12 and/or Y14, they will qualify for 2025 Summer Nationals for each respective event in which they place in the top 40%. 

The Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou offers luxurious accommodations with access to top attractions like the Changlong Aquatic Park,, Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Paradise - the largest amusement park in China, and the International Circus, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of fencing. For the discounted IRC rate, be sure to book using the PDF and instructions on the IRC page. An important note for international fencers that are using an international credit card - please email Miss Yang — 2948191930@qq.com and she will send over a credit card payment form.

• Guangzhou Airport to Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou (Taxi - 50 minutes)
• Guangzhou South Train Station to Hotel (Taxi - 15 minutes)
• Hong Kong to Guangzhou South Train Station (High Speed Train - 60 minutes)
• Macau to Hotel (Direct Bus 120 minutes)
• Subway Station to Hotel ( Hotel Free Bus 5 minutes

Tournament Dates: Dec. 28 and 29, 2024

Registration Opens: Sept. 6, 2024

Withdrawal Deadline: Dec. 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM MT

Regular Fee Deadline: Dec. 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM MT

Events Offered: Y10, Y12, Y14, Cadet and Junior

Location: ChimeLong Tourist Resort Area Convention/Conference Center

Additional information regarding equipment check will be posted in the coming months. If you have questions regarding rules and regulations, please take a look at the event page for the IRC on member.usafencing.org. If you still have further questions you can email nationalevents@usafencing.org.

Participation in the IRC requires one of the following USA Fencing memberships:

• International Competitive License (Non-U.S. Athletes) - $115

• USA Fencing Competitive Membership (U.S. Citizens) - $99

The tournament is open to USA Fencing members with either of those membership types, regardless of where you live. That means USA Fencing members living either in the U.S. or abroad are eligible to compete! Please note that if you are a new member, in order to register for this event you need to submit proof of age before registering.