Who is Coach Kev?

I started fencing back in 1982 as soon as I got to my high school, Fraserburgh Academy at the age of 11. (I wanted to be a pirate). Thats where my school club in the North East of Scotland was situated. We were coached by Mr.Torrie who gave up all of his time for free as a volunteer to not only coach us, but to take us to competitions around Scotland. I have been hooked ever since and I am forever grateful for the time he spent running the club, carting us around and teaching us armoury.

So why have I created this blog or coach even?

• I decided I wanted to give back to the sport after a reasonably successful fencing career having been Scottish Junior Champion, Scottish Collegiate Champion and a Youth and Senior Internationalist from 1986-1998. (I am lucky enough to still be involved as part of a very successful Scottish Veterans foil team now, who recently took gold at the Commonwealth Champs in Australia in 2018.)
• I was lucky to have been able to do this. It’s not only a unique sport which keeps you fit and makes you think; but there are so many different aspects to it. First of all there are the 3 different weapons which are interesting in themselves. Then there is refereeing, coaching and technical aspects such as armoury (or repairing the kit). All of these things interest different groups and allow individuals within the sport to develop and follow their own path.
• Another thing was the cameradery of a good club, the experience of competition, of being part of not only a club team, but a national team. I wanted to help give others that opportunity if I could.
• I love coaching. The feedback you get back from seeing the progression of teams or individuals over time to the single dawning of a realisation as something just clicks in a childs mind is fantastic. Another fun thing is the excitement of when your club members (old or young) tell you they did X and it worked!
• Being able to pass on my experience from many years of fencing and a few short (and intense) years of coaching is a joy. I am lucky to have great mentors who are providing new and interesting ways to accelerate learning. TBH, although I have fenced for over 30 years I am now just learning to fence.
• Coaching is great. Just when you think you have learned a lot that you can pass on, more things (including new techniques and ideas) appear or your thoughts on things change through some experience. At the end of the day I don’t know how much I know, and I will never know how much more is out there – everything just keeps evolving.

Why I am a volunteer coach

• In some places fencing is an expensive sport. Especially when you get to a high level. In America especially clubs are generally expensive and the sport, although spreading is become more elite there. I am keen to spread fencing to as many people as possible. Thats the reason I don’t charge for lessons or for running the clubs I help coach at. This keeps the costs low and allows as diverse a group as possible to join in and experience what is a fantastic sport. It also gives many a level playing field they would not have as only the better off can afford private lessons. Of coure, any sport played at elite level costs money, mostly due to travel, accomodation and equipment costs.
• As a registered, qualified coach who has experience of supporting national teams in all age groups, I hope to reduce the costs a little by standing by, what my first fencing coach did, and not charging for lessons.

So, this is why this blog exists. As part of an ever changing journey of discovery as I learn new things I aim to share them with the wider community. Take it or leave it – the choice is up to you, the reader. The last year has been an interesting learning curve and the next few blog posts will include my thoughts and experience on Games for learning, sub-contracting coaching, constraints based learning, data and video analysis and using technology for improvement. I do hope that the information I provide will be of use…or even start debate!

Coach Kev