SEBASTIAN PALLIER

Club lead coach/Squad Coach/Schools Coach Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Guiding with calm, coaching with purpose, inspiring with precision*/*/*BIO: As a former international athlete for Great Britain, Coach Sebastian brings elite-level experience, a deep tactical mind, and a grounding presence to the club. Whether he’s coaching beginners or preparing competitive squads, his approach blends calm encouragement with unwavering high standards. With a passion for the art and discipline of fencing, Sebastian is known for drawing out the very best in every athlete.*/*/*QUOTE “Every fencer has a spark. My job is to help them fan it into something extraordinary.”

GEORGE (Jed) BEARDMORE

Director/Squad Coach/Head of Schools Coaching

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Discovering hidden talent and unlocking confidence */*/*BIO: Once a rugby player, Coach Jed discovered fencing as an adult and quickly fell in love with the sport. Now, with over 25 years of fencing experience. Jed is passionate about teaching and helping others excel. Whether you're taking your first steps in footwork drills or training for a podium finish, his keen eye and unwavering patience will help you reach your full potential. */*/*QUOTE: "My goal? To help you surprise yourself."

KATE BEARDMORE

Fencing Instructor/Squad Coach/Schools Coach Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Tactical brains & full-on energy */*/*BIO: Coach Kate was GB'S No 1 fencer for 5+ years, her wealth of knowledge in international level fencing is second to none and she thrives in high-intensity training, Whether it’s conditioning drills or tournament prep. With contagious energy and a passion for the sport, she pushes experienced fencers to level up with purpose. */*/*QUOTE “We train smart. We train strong. We train together.”

EMILY BEARDMORE

Fencing Instructor/Squad Coach/Schools Coach Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Elite athlete, childhood prodigy, and coach with fire in her footwork */*/*BIO: Emily brings world-class experience to the piste as an active member of the GBR squad, but her roots run deep in local clubs just like Fighting Fit. With over a decade of competitive know-how and the heart of a lifelong fencer, she knows how to challenge, uplift, and ignite confidence in everyone she trains. Whether she’s guiding a future star or helping someone land their very first hit, Emily’s passion and precision shine through every session. */*/*QUOTE “Fencing has been part of my life since I was four and I love helping others find their spark in the sport.”

SANDRA BEARDMORE

Director/Office manager/Squad

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Grandmaster of logistics, calm in chaos, and queen of the clipboard.*/*/*BIO: Sandra is the organisational heartbeat of Fighting Fit Fencing. Whether she’s co ordinating session schedules, keeping registrations running smoothly, or gently chasing overdue forms, her superpower is making the complex look effortless. With warmth, precision, and a deep love for supporting the club's mission, Sandra ensures things happen on time, every time and always with a smile (most days!)*/*/*QUOTE: “Behind every great club session is a thousand small details—and I genuinely love getting them right.”

WILLIAM CANNON

Fencing Instructor/Squad Coach/Schools Coach Team

*/*/*Superpower: Making comeback stories epic. */*/*BIO: Thinking it’s “too late” to start fencing? Not with Coach Will in your corner. Known for turning nervous adults into confident competitors, or just helping them fall back in love with sport, He will (no pun intended) have you lunging in no time. He also works wonders with the younger fencers and has an ease about him that just makes you relax and enjoy your session. He also has a keen eye for spotting the next future Champ from our school classes */*/*QUOTE: “If you can show up, I can teach you to fence.”

JOHN HERBERT

GBR Athletics Coach

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Unlocking explosive power, precision, and peak performance with every takeoff. */*/*BIO: A powerhouse in British athletics, John Herbert has dedicated his career to coaching elite/Olympic long jumpers, helping athletes harness their speed, strength, and technical mastery to reach new heights, literally. As a former double Olympian in both the summer & winter Olympics, he brings invaluable experience, sharp strategy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to excel. Whether refining technique or cultivating mental resilience, his coaching philosophy is rooted in precision, consistency, and a belief that every athlete has more to give. */*/*QUOTE: “Greatness isn’t just in the leap, it’s in the preparation, the mindset, and the persistence to push further.”

DOMINIC DE-ALMEIDA

Fencing Instructor/Squad Coach/Schools Coaching Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Moves fast, teaches faster, and always leaves a lasting impact. */*/*BIO: Dominic’s journey with Fighting Fit Fencing began when he was just six years old, and today, he represents Brazil at the highest level. As a national squad fencer, his explosive footwork, sharp tactics, and international experience bring elite level insight to the club. He’s a dedicated mentor coaching squad members with precision, patience, and the same passion that fueled his own rise in the sport. */*/* QUOTE:“I started here as a kid, now I get to give back. Watching fencers grow is just as rewarding as winning on the piste.”

ELLIS REES

Fencing Instructor/ Schools Coaching Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Turning shy beginners into sword wielding superheroes */*/*BIO: Beloved by parents and Mini Musketeers alike, Coach Ellis makes fencing magical for little ones and bigger ones too! Expect games, giggles, and high fives alongside solid technique disguised as play and lots of fun. */*/*QUOTE: “If they’re smiling and learning, I’m doing my job right.”

LUKE GRIERSON

Fencing Instructor/Schools Coaching Team

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Turns nervous first-timers into fearless fencers, one session at a time. */*/*BIO: Luke is one of our many friendly faces behind Fighting Fit Fencing’s schools program, introducing students to the sport in an engaging, accessible way. Whether working with complete beginners or helping young athletes refine their skills, he’s passionate about showing kids that fencing is for everyone. */*/*QUOTE:“Fencing teaches more than technique, it builds confidence, focus, and resilience. That’s why I love bringing it into schools.”

ELAIN MACDONALD

Admin/Comp manager

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Master of logistics, schedules, and keeping competition days running like clockwork. */*/*BIO Elan is the driving force behind Fighting Fit Fencing’s competition calendar for our athletes, ensuring that our athletes are where they should be on the right day" With a sharp eye for detail she balances the fast-paced world of registrations and logistics with efficiency and calm. Whether handling last-minute changes or keeping everything on track, Elan’s behind-the-scenes expertise makes competition days seamless for fencers, coaches, and parents alike. */*/*QUOTE: “A great tournament isn’t just about the fencing, it’s about the planning, the timing, and the little details that make everything flow.”

CHARLOTTE SALAS

Welfare & Safeguarding Officer

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: - Balancing pep talks, safeguarding wisdom, and snack distributions with literary finesse. */*/*BIO:Charlotte wears many hats, one as a published author crafting worlds with words, another as a dedicated parent supporting her squad fencer, and a third as a caring welfare officer ensuring every fencer feels safe and supported. With a keen eye for both detail and people, she brings warmth, wisdom, and encouragement. */*/*QUOTE: "It’s a joy watching these young fencers grow, not just in skill, but in confidence and community.”

BERL GOLBART

Welfare & Safeguarding Officer

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Creates a safe space with quiet strength and unwavering support ***BIO: A true pillar of Fighting Fit Fencing, Berl combines decades of experience on the piste with a deep commitment to safeguarding. As a veteran fencer, he understands the sport inside and out—not just its techniques, but the community it builds. His calming presence, steady guidance, and ability to anticipate challenges make him an invaluable support system. Whether it’s advising new fencers, ensuring wellbeing, or simply offering a nod of reassurance before a bout, Berl is always in your corner.***QUOTE: Fencing teaches resilience, respect, and confidence—my job is to make sure every fencer gets the chance to discover that.”

EMILY LALOR

Welfare & Safeguarding Officer

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Balancing safeguarding, school runs, and club sessions with ease! \*\*\*BIO: Emily combines vigilance and compassion as our Safeguarding Officer. With a background in education and a strong connection to the fencing community, she ensures the club is a safe, welcoming space for every fencer and their family. \*\*\*QUOTE “Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued—whether in the classroom or on the piste.”

AIDAN WOOLLEY

Club mentor/Referee & Coach

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: Balancing fairness, wisdom, and encouragement to support every fencer’s journey. */*/*BIO:Aidan’s journey with Fighting Fit Fencing began when he was just six years old, and since then, he’s never looked back. Now a fully qualified referee, club mentor, and unwavering supporter, he’s passionate about ensuring every fencer has the guidance, encouragement, and fair play they deserve. Whether he’s officiating bouts, sharing tactical insights, or simply cheering on the next generation, Aidan is a vital part of the club’s heart and history. */*/*QUOTE: "Fencing has given me so much—I’m grateful to be in a position to give back, support new fencers, and help the club thrive.”

JAMES HONEYBONE OLY

Mentor/Squad Coach

*/*/*SUPERPOWER: The Walking Encyclopedia of Fencing! If it’s happened in fencing, he knows about it and probably has a story to match.*/*/*BIO:A seasoned Olympian with an unmatched depth of fencing knowledge, James is the ultimate go-to for insight, wisdom, and practical expertise. Whether it’s refining techniques, sharing behind-the-scenes Olympic experiences, or simply offering a well-timed word of encouragement, he’s always ready to lend a hand. His passion for the sport runs deep, and his guidance has been vital to the team. */*/*QUOTE"“Fencing is more than a sport, it’s a craft, a mindset, and a lifelong pursuit. There’s always more to learn.”