Three Weapon Fencer Development Day - Norfolk & Suffolk Fencing Union

Three Weapon Fencer Development Day

Where? Hall 2, Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ.

When? Saturday 4th April 2026 

Format? Subject to change based on numbers and fencer needs from coach observations, see below a provisional itinerary for the day. Groupings on the day will vary between mixed-ability and streamed as the coaching team sees appropriate.

Eligibility? Open to fencers aged 13+ (with no maximum age!) who hold at least recreational British Fencing membership. This event is not limited to just Norfolk and Suffolk based fencers.

Equipment? All fencers must ensure their equipment complies with current British Fencing regulations. A maximum blade size of 5 is permitted in all weapons and therefore fencers must wear 800N plastrons. Those fencing sabre must ensure they are using an 800N glove. Breeches and long socks must be worn for all on-piste training. Chest protectors should be worn where required, although an FIE soft cover is not required for this event.  

Entry? Entry via Sport80. £35 for the day which includes any individual lessons.

Additional Information?

Free entry to the Sportpark if you explain to the front desk you are there for fencing.

The main UEA car park should be used for those arriving by car, this is free if you validate your parking in the Sportspark reception. We would advise you not to park in the Sportspark car park as that is only free for the first 4 hours, then £5 for every hour beyond that.

A cafe is also in operation throughout the day, offering hot and cold food to suit a variety of dietary requirements.

Coaching Team

Luke Hewerdine (Head Coach) 

Luke is the founder, chair and head coach of Cromer Fencing Club; a Level 3 coach in foil, epee and sabre. A coach for almost 10 years and now a coach developer with British Fencing’s Fencing Development Team. Luke supports on the GBR Pathway and DiSE programmes. Across his coaching roles, he works with a wide range of ages and abilities, always opting for a fencer-centred approach to develop technical and tactical understanding.    

Nigel Leavesley (Epee Lead)

Based in the East Midlands, Nigel has a wealth of experience as both a competitive fencer and coach. He coaches at clubs such as Wingerworth Fencing Club and coaches at East Midlands regional training days. Nigel is also an experienced coach supporting neurodiverse fencers and those with SEND needs. In addition to this, Nigel is part of British Fencing’s Fencing Development Team as a coach developer. Nigel loves to work with fencers to develop confidence just as much as technical excellence.  

Ev van Gemeren (Sabre Lead)

Ev is an experienced coach developer with British Fencing’s Fencing Development Team delivering Introduction To Coaching Fencing (ITCF) and Level 2 Coaching courses. As an active competitive sabreur on the Veteran circuit and Level 3 coach in all three weapons, Ev brings impressive insights with an inclusive coaching style that puts the fencer first. As is evident, Ev will always find a way to make sure fencers have fun!

Steve Morley (Foil Lead)

Over the last 30 years, Steve has coached a wide range of pupils: Beginners, recreational, members of the Armed forces and competitive fencers at regional, national and international levels. He is a British Academy of Fencing level 4 foil (advanced) coach and served a number of years on the BAF committee as awards administrator. He has previously run a BAF coaching course in Norfolk and has also assisted on British Fencing coaching courses. Steve currently coaches in Suffolk and Essex including mentoring fencers and coaches who are developing their coaching skills.