What does a training session look like?
At A.E.W. Fencing there is room for everyone. Young or old, just starting out or years on the piste, competition fencer or simply looking for a fun evening of exercise, you will find your place here.
It starts with our four coaches. Each has their own approach, so there is always someone who fits the way you like to learn. That personal attention is exactly what makes the difference.
Our training sessions are structured around blocks such as strength, speed and technique. Fencing is central, but we deliberately build the all-round athlete, because the stronger, faster and more technically skilled you become, the better a fencer you become.
Every training begins with a warm-up so you start the session well prepared. Afterwards there is time for free fencing, structured exercises and individual lessons. We train on Monday and Thursday evenings in Oegstgeest.
Safety is a fixed part of every session. A trainer always supervises correct use of equipment, and newcomers build up gradually. More about safety and equipment requirements.
Our trainers
Carmen Berends
Qualified fencing coach. Has been among the leading Dutch women in epee for years and brings that competition experience directly to her students.
Mark Farkas
Qualified fencing coach from the Hungarian fencing school. Competed in Hungary's junior elite programme and teaches epee and foil with a strong technical foundation.
Gergely Mark
Also trained in the Hungarian fencing school and contributes broadly to the sport in Leiden and Oegstgeest, among other roles as a swimming coach. He is also a coach at Leiden's student fencing club.
Kevin Toussaint
Has been teaching at A.E.W. for years and is a familiar face at the club. Focuses mainly on foil and sabre and helps fencers of every level progress.