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BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2025: TARRIQ ROACH

BF celebrates Black History Month with epee coach Tarriq Roach. We find out how he got involved in fencing, why he coaches, and his message to the fencing community.

Tarriq Roach coaching at the 2025 Cadet & Junior Nationals.

October is Black History Month in the UK, an annual month that celebrates and reflects on Black history, arts and culture, as well as recognising the achievements and roles of Black people in shaping history.

To celebrate Black History Month, throughout October we are asking some of the members of our community to tell us more about themselves and their lives in fencing.

Introduce yourself.

Hi, my name’s Tarriq Roach. I’m an epee coach from Kensington Fencing Club.

How did you get involved in fencing?

When I was young I always liked sword fighting, like Star Wars and Ninja Turtles. I saw people fencing at a leisure centre and I thought I’d join in.

Why do you coach?

I coach because I like seeing the children progress and achieve their goals.

What do you get out of coaching?

Just seeing the children improve and seeing the results and seeing them become better people, and I see them growing as well.

Why is it important to coach?

I think it’s important to coach so that I can guide the next generation of fencers, and to lead them in the right way and to teach them everything I know.

What’s your message to the fencing community?

Work hard!