Guild Academy Info & Coaches

The United States Fencing Coaches Association Guild Academy club designation identifies clubs that demonstrate the gold standard of coaching.

These clubs or salles

Have a program supervised by a professional fencing coach internationally recognized as having met the standards of the Academie d'Armes Internationale.

Have confirmed that all their fencing instructors are members in good standing in the USFCA, the professional organization of fencing coaches in the US.

Adhere to the USOC Code of Ethics, endorsed by the USFCA.

Undergo periodic review of their credentials by the Guild Academy board.

The Guild Academy program offers the fencing community the US Fencing Coaches Association's
assurance that the quality of professional coaching is central to our organizational mission.

These Guild Academy standards provide incentive for continuing professional education and continuing advancement of the professional credentials of the coaching staff.

Click on the link for more information about the US Fencing Coaches Association.


	HEAD COACH KATHY VAIL Kathy Vail, head coach and owner of the Dunwoody Fencing Club, is a professional epee coach certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association and by USA Fencing. Coach Vail completed her training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. She is past Chairman of the Georgia Division of USA Fencing and a current member of the Executive Board. She is the co-founder and current Vice-Chairman of the Georgia High School Fencing League. Coach Vail also serves as USA Fencing's Regional Youth Coordinator for the Southeastern US and is a member of the Scholastic/Collegiate Task Force. Fencers trained by Coach Vail have earned medals in local, regional, national and international competition. She has also trained fencers who have earned college scholarships and compete in NCAA programs. COACH MATTHEW COLE Matthew Cole is a graduate of Washington University, and a coach at Dunwoody Fencing Club. Coach Cole is a member of USA Fencing and is certified to teach fencing by the United States Fencing Coaches Association. Coach Cole is the Chief of Referees for the Georgia High School Fencing League and serves on the GHSFL board. Coach Cole is the chairman of the Georgia Division of USA Fencing. Coach Cole competes successfully in local, regional and national level tournaments. COACH RICHARD SHAW Richard Shaw is a founding member of Dunwoody Fencing Club, and a coach at Dunwoody Fencing Club. Coach Shaw is a member of USA Fencing and certified by the United States Fencing Coaching Association. He is the coach of the Northview High School Fencing Team and the Johns Creek High School Fencing team. Coach Shaw has been a member of the State Championship Team and is Veterans State Champion in the Georgia Division of USA Fencing for the last three years. COACH JOHN STEPHENS John Stephens is the newest member of Dunwoody Fencing Club's coaching staff. Coach Stephens is a member of USA Fencing and certified by the United States Fencing Coaching Association. He is the club armorer for Dunwoody Fencing Club. Coach Stephens is an active competitor in USA Fencing tournaments. He also coaches the Alpharetta High School Fencing Team.


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