Our Coaches
Marilyn Wheelband
I have been fencing for over 50 years and I have coached for much of that time. I have competed in many competitions and still do, so I keep up with current trends, ideas and rules in fencing.
I coached at my school in the late 60’s and early 70’s. During the late 80’s, I took fencing coaching courses and passed my exams to become a Regional Coach in foil. I have coached all the time since. I retook my coaching qualifications within the last ten years in order to keep up with current coaching methods. I am now on the coaching register as a level 2 Coach in both foil and epee.
I coach mainly at Espada Fencing Club. I coach mainly foil with both junior and senior fencers of all abilities. I also coach at schools in after school sessions.
Graham Reid
I started fencing when I was 14 years old and instantly got the bug for the sport. During my younger years I worked hard with coaches in local area Chris Holroyd was my first coach.
From a young age I enjoyed competition and regularly competed in Hampshire and Southern Section competitions.
When I entered the senior level my breakthrough came when I achieved 3rd at Bristol open in 1992 . This was one of the big breakthrough. I also got selected to fence for England in quad match had annually. I achieved great success over a number of years in senior circuit reaching top 16 and being selected for GB training squad.
I have also achieved level 1 and 2 foil coach in foil to assist members at club and pass on my experience and coaching.
I have now entered the veteran stage of my career. I have had great success within this new journey. In 2016 I won British veterans championship.
This has given two opurtunities to Fence for Great Britain once in ET 16 in Kent in 2016. Also Alkmaar Holland in 2018 in the European team championships.
I still enjoy fencing just as much today as I did when I started at 14.
Matt Copp
I started fencing at university. I joined Espada Fencing Club in 2013, and later went on to qualify as a coach, helping fencers discover a love for the sport, by helping them develop footwork and blade work skills. Many of these students have gone on to compete in regional competitions.
Brian Speight
Brian Speight, has been a member of Espada FC for many decades and part of the club coaching team for 15 years. Giving lessons in both Foil and Epee, Brian brings extensive knowledge to his coaching role. With a motivational style designed to promote excellence and encouraging all fencers to achieve their fencing goals. He is an international GB Vet fencer at Epee, having competed around the world.