About the Coaches

Coach Jen — Coach Jen is the empress.  It would be foolhardy to underestimate the amount of work Jen puts into making sure that each and every fencer gets out exactly what they put in.  Jen is supportive and competitive, and her drive to teach ingrains in every fencer an identical drive to learn.  Her openness and respect for her fencers is evident, as she considers each opinion and adjusts accordingly; in giving lessons, Coach Jen tends to focus on the big picture. As the title of the club would suggest, the whole business is about the fencers, and no one represents this better than Coach Jen.

Coach Matt — Coach Matt is an incredible communicator.  His approach to managing the emotional state of his fencers and the mental direction they take is inexplicably impressive.  In cheering up, teaching, or simply holding a conversation, Matt has the capability to remedy a situation and guide one, if not to the answer they seek, at the very least in the right direction.  This translates very well into his coaching style, that promotes deep understanding of the sport, its ideals, and the great rewards of its practice. Coach Matt shows a great love and understanding of the sport, and never ceases to impress upon his students not only what he’s learned about fencing, but also the broader implications and connections to life as a whole.

Coach Kallio — Coach Kallio is hilarious.  He pushes you hard, jokes around with you, and more than anything provides an incredible example.  Kallio never stops working hard, which is extremely clear in his coaching methods and in the way that he fences.  He generally focuses on the small stuff in lessons, and tends to converse easily and put words in terms the fencer will understand.  Kallio tailors his approach to every new fencer, constantly altering his methods as the times change.  His affinity for fencing and learning translate very well into his coaching approach, as he connects with each individual fencer, finds out what they need, and provides it.  Kallio is also a very talented strip-side coach, and when it comes to propelling the body and mind of a fencer to reach its full potential, Kallio succeeds.

Coach Ned — Coach Ned defines fun.  His method calls for work as well as enjoyment, and his support is unwavering throughout a fencer’s career.  As a fencer grows and develops, Ned aids them in their efforts to define fencing for themselves, and provides an insightful eye into what each kid really wants to get out of the sport.  Ned not only teaches many of the life lessons inherent in fencing, but also a true sense of loving what he does.  His open-mindedness and humorous, caring demeanor provide an incredible learning environment for young fencers and it takes only his presence to remind fencers of all ages that the sport is fun that lasts a lifetime.  

Coach Stephen — Coach Stephen is insightful and diligent.  Stephen pushes a fencer to do their best, and his determination and advice are invaluable.  His impressive work ethic is immutable and it provides not only an example, but also a basis for fencers learning how to approach fencing. Stephen’s coaching method melds passion for the sport with a guiding hand that promotes openness and support within the club.  Coach Stephen relates well to the issues that fencers go through, and his intensity in training combined with his affability as a coach provides fencers with a true enjoyment of the sport and understanding of the work that goes into it.

Joey Lew, Durham, NC
2010 Southeast Section U19 Women’s Sabre Champion