At Enfield Fencing Club, our expert coaches are passionate and dedicated to providing exceptional fencing instruction in both foil and sabre. With years of competitive and coaching experience, our instructors cater to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
We offer personalized training that emphasizes proper techniques, strategic understanding, and confidence-building, all within a fun and supportive environment. Our coaches are committed to teaching not just the sport of fencing but also instilling values such as discipline, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the sport. We strive to help every fencer reach their full potential both on and off the strip.
Revealed! Meet the Coaches at EFC!
Madison Fournier
Sabre & Foil Coach
Coach Madison Fournier brings dynamic energy, expert sabre technique, and a passion for helping fencers of all ages thrive at Enfield Fencing Club in Connecticut. While her primary weapon is a sabre, Madison also coaches our youngest foil fencers, building strong fundamentals and fostering a love for the sport from the very beginning.
Her coaching philosophy blends technical precision, creative problem-solving, and a healthy dose of humor, helping students develop confidence and adaptability both on and off the strip. Madison has trained with former Olympian Hervé Bidard in France and with Head Coach Gherardo Mauri here at home—combining French precision with Italian intensity in a way that keeps her athletes sharp, challenged, and inspired.
Whether she’s perfecting footwork, sharpening blade work, or helping a student bounce back from a tough bout, Madison creates a high-energy, supportive environment where fencers push their limits, level up their skills, and enjoy the process.
Gherardo Mauri
Head Coach
Coach Gherardo Mauri began fencing at age seven at the prestigious Frascati Scherma Club in Rome, Italy, training in both foil and sabre under world-class coaches. He eventually specialized in sabre and honed his skills under
Olympic-level instruction in both Italy and the United States.
While competing in college in the U.S., Gherardo discovered his passion for coaching and mentoring new fencers, all while continuing to actively compete. Influenced by his collegiate coaches, Rod Meagher and Alex Jeffrey—a pioneer in coaching competitive women’s sabre—Gherardo developed a deep commitment to inclusive,
high-level training for athletes of all backgrounds.
Today, Gherardo coaches sabre and foil fencers with a style that blends athleticism, technical precision, and strategic creativity. Still a top competitor himself, he holds a top-10 U.S. national ranking in Veteran Men’s Sabre.
Ben Ide
Foil Coach | Resident Armorer
With fencing experience dating back to 1993, Coach Ben Ide brings unmatched expertise to his role as foil coach at Enfield Fencing Club. Skilled across foil, épée, and sabre, Ben specializes in teaching foil fundamentals, developing advanced tactics, and mentoring fencers as they progress in competition.
Beyond coaching, Ben serves as the club’s resident armorer, expertly handling weapon repairs, equipment tuning, and troubleshooting—keeping our fencers ready for action. His calm, methodical coaching style, combined with decades of experience in competitive and refereeing, ensures that every student receives top-tier instruction both technically and strategically.
Ian Tucker
Sabre Coach
Coach Ian Tucker began fencing sabre at Cornell University, earning his varsity letter in 1993 and competing both regionally and nationally ever since.
His coaching style is a blend of technical mastery, historical insight, and encouraging mentorship, making him a go-to resource for students eager to learn the finer points of sabre fencing.
A natural storyteller, Ian engages students with fencing history, tactical advice, and motivating guidance, creating practices that are both informative and fun. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first parry or a competitor fine-tuning your timing, Ian brings the knowledge, passion, and positive energy to help you succeed.
Tim McCaffrey
Sabre Coach
Coach Tim McCaffrey is the newest addition to the Enfield Fencing Club coaching team, but his enthusiasm, athleticism, and dramatic flair have already made him a favorite on the strip. Known for his signature leaping lunges and infectious energy, Tim brings a fun yet focused approach to sabre fencing instruction.
Tim is passionate about building strong fundamentals for beginners while keeping training fun and encouraging. Whether he’s drilling footwork, fine-tuning bladework, or delivering a well-timed pep talk, Tim ensures his students leave each class feeling stronger, more confident, and eager to return.
