Fencing (Foil & Epee)

John T.

Martial Arts

I began fencing in 1995 when I was 37. I continued to take lessons and began competing. As time passed, I took the Fencing Officials Commission exam to become a referee. I have refereed at tournaments large and small, of local and national in scale. In 2002, I "inherited" duties (from a friend who was re-activated after 9/11) with a local Club. In 2006 I took over as the lead coach for that club. I also continue as a coach during evenings for another Fencing Club. For a few years I taught a Continuing Education course in foil for the College of the Mainland. I currently teach a "lunchtime" foil fencing class at a local fitness shop. This fall I will be teaching evening Continuing Education courses in fencing at two community colleges, as well as a morning, before-class course for gifted and accelerated middle school students. I recently completed the United States Olympic Committee's SafeSport course in detecting and preventing bullying and abuse. I have also completed the Special Olympics course in Protective Behaviors. As a Professional member of the United States Fencing Association (USA Fencing) I am the subject of a background check every two years. Currently, I serve as chairman of the Gulf Coast Texas Division of USA Fencing, the national governing body for our sport. I am a professional member of USA Fencing (required of coaches and referees), a member of the United States Fencing Coaches Association, and an associate member of the Society of American Fight Directors (the NGB for stage combat practitioners).