Stephen Pashby

Foil Coach and Instructor

Stephen Pashby started fencing with Chris Pullo at Seacoast Fencers Club in Manchester, NH.  Stephen fenced and coached at the NCSU Fencing Club as well as Raleigh Fencers Club.  He has taught fencing at Meredith College and Peace College and holds a Level I Epee Certificate from the USFA Coaches College.  Stephen is a nationally certified referee in all three weapons.

Questions & Answers

How long have you been fencing? Since 1992

How long have you been coaching? Since 1998

What was your Greatest Coaching Moment?

Seeing my first student make the finals of the Southeast Sectionals Championship.

Where have you coached?

• Raleigh Fencers
• NC State Fencing Club

What is your approach to coaching and how has it evolved over time?

I focus on developing fencers’ awareness of themselves and what their bodies can do. I’m constantly amazed at how fencers can exceed their perceived limits and excel. I’ve learned to question my assumptions about fencing. There is no destination in coaching fencing, only the journey. Fencing is never finished.

What type of group instructor are you? What would your students say about your as an instructor?

I like to keep people engaged both physically and mentally. My students would say I try to trick them. I would say I help my students learn focus and self-reliance–skills which fencing rewards.

What is your focus in an individual lesson?

Staying relaxed while making choices under pressure.

You love fencing because?

• It’s constantly changing
• It allows for self expression
• It’s exciting
• It’s difficult
• It’s fun
• It attracts a variety of interesting people
• There is no “one way” to fence

You love coaching because?

• It helps me learn more about fencing.
• I can provide an opportunity for personal and physical growth.
• It’s very satisfying seeing a student’s hard work pay off with improvements in their fencing.
• Every student is different so I never teach exactly the same lesson twice.