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About Us
IN MEMORIAM Volodymyr Yefimov, Head Foil
Coach Volodymyr passed away November 1st, 2022, after battling cancer. He gave so much to so many, there aren't enough words to thank him.
- Coach Volodymyr grew up in Lviv, Ukraine, and attended the Fencing Youth Sports School of Troyanda. He received a Master of Sport of the Soviet Union with Fencing emphasis in 1987. He worked for the Youth Sports School of Troyanda as a Youth Fencing Coach before coming to the US in 2000 to work at FIT. His students participated in 3 Olympic Games, 18 World Championships, and many National Championships.
- Those of us whose lives were touched by Coach Volodymyr will remember not only the fencing skills, but the life lessons he taught us. Honor and loyalty as well as tremendous courage were in every fiber of his being. He will be greatly missed.
Head Coaches and Specialty Programs
Hossam Mahmoud, Head Epee
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Coach Hoss grew up in Alexandria, Egypt. He began fencing at the early age of 9. Coach Hoss was on the Egyptian National epee team for several years. Although he never fenced in the Olympics, he was selected to the team multiple years. He fenced in many championships throughout Europe, especially in Hungary, Italy and Germany. Coach Hoss came to the US around 1995 and began working with his close friend at Lone Star Fencing Center where he produced many junior and cadet National epee medalists . When his friend left Lone Star to become head coach at the Air Force Academy, Coach Hoss started Fencing Institute of Texas with a Board of Directors where he has continued his success producing quality fencers. Coach Hoss has a BA in Accounting from the University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. He is the Head Fencing Coach at St. Mark's School of Dallas.
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Coach Carr teaches our Adult Fitness Fencing class and our Victorian Fencing. He has a degree in Library Science and also works at the Dallas Library.
The Victorian fencers perform demonstrations throughout Texas of various rapier, dagger, and short sword techniques. The group meets Wednesdays from 8-9 PM and once a month on Sunday afternoon.
Rhonda Trietsch, Prevost, Sabre
Jonathan Carr, Victorian Fencing
Rhonda Trietsch, Prevost, Sabre
Coach Rhonda has been with FIT as a competitive fencer and coach since 2004. She has pedagogy under Olympian Florin Paunescu of Romania. She has also studied with top US sabre coaches including Arkady Burdan.
Rhonda started her coaching career as a student at University of North Texas. She taught the Wellness class at Southern Methodist University for several years.
Coach Rhonda teaches our Strength and Conditioning class in addition to the Sabre Team.
April Alford, Prevost, Foil
Jeff Crowe, Parafencing (Wheelchair Fencing)
Rhonda Trietsch, Prevost, Sabre
Coach April teaches our youngest beginner fencers through our Intermediate Silver fencers.
Jeff Crowe, Parafencing (Wheelchair Fencing)
Jeff Crowe, Parafencing (Wheelchair Fencing)
Jeff Crowe, Parafencing (Wheelchair Fencing)
Coach Jeff taught all three weapons at his own club for over 25 years. His paralympian fencer won numerous National medals in foil, epee and sabre, and competed in International competitions. He has one student currently competing on the world stage.
You do not have to be wheelchair bound to compete as a parafencer. All parafencers must compete in at least two weapons.
Visiting Coaches
Gregoris Serrano Sierra
Coach Gregoris Serrano Sierra, Sabre, was the head coach for the Colombian Fencing Team for twelve years. When COVID struck, fencing ceased.
Coach Greg grew up in Cuba and fenced on the Cuban National Sabre Team. He studied fencing and earned a degree in Physical Culture (Fencing), which is recognized world-wide as the premier training for fencing. Cuba has historically been strong in sabre internationally and follows the Soviet training system. Coach Greg also studied Sports Psychology and Sports Medicine. He understands the body recovery system, how to prevent injuries, and the importance of positive, critical thinking.
Coach Greg coached the Cuban National Team Juniors for several years before being hired by Colombia as their National Team Coach. Coach Greg was the head coach for Colombia for 12 years, and then COVID arrived and there was no fencing, so he went back to Cuba before coming on to the U.S.
The results of his students, certified by the Colombian Federation are attached for those of you interested. They are numerous!
But what about the “language barrier?” Honestly, in fencing, there is no language barrier! The language of fencing is French. The actions are French, the bouting instructions are French, so learning and taking lessons are not an issue. The subtle tactics are where the language can become a potential issue; however, Coach Greg has built into each lesson time to spend with the student making sure they are understanding the lesson and his translation. It won’t take him long to learn the English skills for tactical work either!
Board of Directors and Additional Staff
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors set policy and standards of operation for the Fencing Institute of Texas. FIT Coaching staff are advisors to the Board of Directors.
The current Board of Directors and Officers are:
- President, Ovy Waddoups
- Vice President, Pat White
- Treasurer, Cyndi Kindel
- Secretary, Christine Tadlock
- Scott Herndon
- Leo Popokh
- David Ramirez
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please contact one of the Board members. The Board performs the "business" of FIT, sets policies, and performs administrative duties so that all our coaches have to do is teach fencing.
Other Personnel
General Manager, Brenda Waddoups
Office Managers, Jade Calvert and Lauri Lewis
- Our office personnel often have evening commitments or are away at tournaments on weekends. If someone is not available in the office, email your question or concern to info@fenceintexas.org and one of us will respond as quickly as possible.
- Students may receive community service hours for helping in the office.
Armory Staff
- Head Armorer, Ovy Waddoups has worked numerous World Cup, PanAmerican Cup, and North American Cup tournaments.
- Armorer, Jenny Bratton has worked National and Regional tournaments
Facilities Manager, Jim Matz
To make an appointment with our Staff, email info@fenceintexas.org