Welcome... Coach Fraser Ward

New York, NY (July 2021) — Fraser Ward comes to the Tim Morehouse Fencing Club in Manhattan with an incredible amount of coaching experience.

Most recently serving as lead saber coach at Atlantic Fencing Academy in Tinton Falls, NJ, Coach Fraser specializes in saber fencing. He has previously coached the Bangladesh National Team and received a diploma from Semmelweiss University in a coaching program governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Get to know Coach Fraser in his own words:

How/when did you start fencing?

I started fencing at my school Elizabeth College in Guernsey when I was 13 years old. My friend asked me to join them to try it since they just began training with the saber which I thought sounded cool.

Is there something you learned from a coach or fellow fencer early on that has stuck with you? 

I was lucky to be exposed to world-class coaches very early on and their style was not to talk or explain too much, but I knew they expected me to be diligently training footwork and show respect to others. Key influences were Peter Fröhlich, Gabor Bognar, Csaba Kun, Istvan Luckovich, Béla Pakey and Jon Salfield.

How/when did you start coaching?

I started coaching at my school before I left to train to get into the national team. I also attended a coaching college in Budapest which helped develop my methodology, combined with my experience. There was a short period of time I both competed and coached which is challenging because I believe as an athlete one must be selfish; whereas as a coach must be selfless.

What is your philosophy when it comes to coaching beginners? Coaching more experienced fencers? 

I believe beginners need some of the most experienced coaching because the fundamentals are so important to the sport. Fencing is more competitive at a younger age than ever; so strength, speed, technical proficiency and resiliency are key to early success. Experienced fencers may have a higher level of technique but professional athletes must constantly develop more power in the actions and awareness of strategy.

How are you different from other fencing coaches?

As a fencing coach, my personality separates me from my peers and I’m excited to be working with many other experienced coaches that we can collaborate to work on best teaching practices but also use our individuality to reach each fencer. As a coach, I try to instill a sense of individual responsibility in each athlete and guide them to a point of self-reliance so when they meet obstacles they’ll be able to trust their decisions.

Do you have any cool, offbeat or fun hobbies? 

Outside fencing I go on daily walks with my Siberian Husky, Kata in Central Park and workout at the gym. A guilty pleasure is listening to podcasts about classic professional wrestling from the ’70s and ’80s.

To schedule a trial lesson with Coach Fraser or any of our other coaches, please click here.