Performance Program

Mission & Background

The TFC Performance Program aims to offer the most comprehensive fencing training available in the UK to train and prepare athletes to achieve world-class results, and building a pathway for future generations of international fencers.

Full members of the programme receive fencing training, a personal plan, a fitness programme, screenings, nutrition and sports injury advice, and have the opportunity to attend world-class training camps around Europe.

Training

All training takes place at the Cornwall Fencing Centre which has 8 permanent fencing pistes, and an office and gym.

The programme comprises:

Daytime training

Regular sessions Tuesday-Thursday mornings during school holidays

Evening training
  • Monday 4.00-6.00pm
  • Tuesday 4.00-5.30pm (S&C) and 7.00-9.30pm
  • Wednesday 4.30-6.30pm
  • Thursday 4.00-6.00pm
  • Friday own S&C
Individual lessons

One or two weekly 30 minute lessons (depending on the level of membership)

Training includes footwork training, pairs exercises, lessons, strength and conditioning training, sparring etc. The program in Cornwall is augmented by regular training camps in Hungary, Italy and other countries.

Athletes

More than 25 athletes ranging in age from 10 to 25 train on the programme, and the programme’s athletes have won every GB National Championship from U12 to Senior level, as well as Junior World Cup and Cadet European Circuit medals.

Personnel

The program is staffed by a Head Coach, with Support Coaches and complemented by a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapist and admin support.

Head Coach & Manager – Jon Salfield. Jon was Team GB 2012 Olympic Sabre coach and is Head Coach at Truro Fencing Club. As well as coaching at London 2012 as Team GB Sabre coach, Jon has coached at numerous European and World Championships. Jon has led the British Junior team at two World Championships, and the 2007 Universiade, and produced numerous successful fencers, including World Youth Championship finalist and world top 50 sabreur James Honeybone, and Junior World Cup finalists James Honeybone, Sophie Williams, Caiti Maxwell and Katie Hendra.

Performance Coaching Consultant – Peter Frohlich. The Hungarian master is one of the world’s most respected sabre coaches. As well as GB Olympic Sabre Coach in 1992, 1996, 2000 & 2008, Peter was the national coach of Hungary in the 1980s, and has coached many World and Olympic medallists. Peter relocated to Truro in January 2009, and from Autumn 2012 spends his time between Hungary and the UK

S&C Coach and Performance Consultant – Jon Rhodes. Working closely with the coaching team, Jon devises the athletes’ personalised periodised S&C programs based around their competition calendars, and supervises sessions every week. As well as working with TFCPP, Jon also runs the S&C program for the TFC Talent program fencers, and has worked for British Tennis, British Judo, Portsmouth Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club.

Admin support – Louise Bond-Williams. A double Olympian herself, Louise supports all aspects of the program’s work, including managing the budget, assisting athletes and coaches with travel and accommodation bookings, and help with day-to-day running of the programme

Is the TFC Performance Program open to all?

The TFC Performance Program is an Elite-level youth, cadet, junior and senior programme. We welcome applicants to the programme, and visiting sparring partners of a suitable standard. Please contact us if you’re an ambitious sabre fencer and are interested in joining.

How is the TFC Performance Program funded?

The TFC Performance Program is funded through membership payments of the Programme athletes.  From time-to-time some commercial sponsorship helps with additional costs.