C&J EUROS PREP CAMPS BRING ENERGY, CONNECTION AND PURPOSE

BF recently wrapped up a series of preparation camps across sabre, foil and epee, bringing together athletes ahead of the Cadet & Junior European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Although each weapon group followed its own programme, the camps all shared the same core aim: create an environment where athletes could challenge themselves, learn from one another, and build the trust and camaraderie that carry onto the international stage.

GBR Pathway coaches delivered purposeful sessions, and athletes embraced the opportunity to prepare with intent. Senior athletes stepped up to support the younger squads, and armourers were on hand throughout the camps to conduct weapon checks, test equipment and walk athletes through processes they will encounter at major championships. Their guidance helped to demystify technical requirements, ensuring that athletes understood how to manage their equipment with confidence.

At each camp, time was set aside to celebrate the athletes’ selection, marking the significant achievement of being selected for a major championships event.  It was also encouraging to have senior athletes at the camps to role model performance behaviours to our cadets and juniors.

 

As Sarah Jones, BF Head of Talent, reflected:

“What really stood out across all three camps was the sense of teamwork and genuine camaraderie. Our senior fencers were fantastic, stepping in to support, guide and challenge our cadets and juniors, and helping create a performance environment where everyone could develop. It was brilliant to see athletes enjoying the process, backing each other, and taking real pride in the journey as well as the outcome. I wish every one of them the very best of luck as they head into the European Championships.”

The Sabre camp at Hertfordshire Combat Centre offered athletes a final chance to put the finishing touches on their preparation before heading out to the European Championships. Across the weekend, athletes moved through technical work and teams practice, striking a strong balance between competitive sharpness and Pathway culture.”

Sabre coach Bryn Saunders said:

“The Sabre Euros Prep Camp at the Hertfordshire Combat Centre was a wonderful opportunity for the selected athletes to get additional piste time to put the finishing touches on their preparations before heading out to Tbilisi next week.”

The epee camp at the University of Bath provided a high‑performance backdrop for competitive training. Mornings revolved around short, intense poule formats designed to keep decision‑making sharp, while afternoons featured dynamic blocks of poule formats, footwork, open sparring and scenarios.

The camp saw collaboration with Modern Pentathlon, whose athletes joined for integrated drills after completing a long technical training phase. Their presence introduced fresh styles and rhythms, giving epeeists a valuable competitive stimulus just before the international season ramps up.

Jon Willis, Epee and Modern Pentathlon Fencing Coach, said:

“The fencers heading out to the Euros will have benefitted from training with the GB Modern Pentathlon team in a high‑performance environment.”

Epee athletes rounded off the weekend by applying their personalised warm‑up and pre‑competition plans in a Sunday simulation that closely mirrored a championship environment.

The foil camp followed the EFC Eurofence League (London) event, with fencers concentrating on their prep for competition. Day one focused on poule formats referee‑led seminars and tactical team matches and day two focused on teams and encouraging athletes to take responsibility for their warm‑ups, pacing and match routines, helping them replicate championship conditions with authenticity and focus.

Referees were also able to support the foil camp, giving fencers valuable insight into the standards and expectations they will face on the international stage. Their guidance during refereeing seminars and match practice helped athletes better understand rule interpretation, all within a supportive, learning‑focused environment.

Ben Peggs, Foil Coach, reflects on the camp:

“Following the London Eurofence International, athletes came together with the Championship coaches to fine-tune their preparations at the European Championships Preparation Camp.”

Across two intensive days, athletes consistently challenged themselves to perform at the level of intensity expected at a championship of this calibre. The camp also provided an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate their achievement in reaching this significant milestone.

The programme was carefully aligned with the championship schedule. Day one focused on individual preparation and routines, while day two centred on team performance, enabling each squad to work closely with their respective coach.

Athletes also spent dedicated time refreshing their knowledge with our world-class refereeing team, ensuring every possible marginal gain is secured when competing against Europe’s leading fencing nations.

All athletes and coaches thrived over the course of the camp, building momentum and confidence as the squads aim to follow in the footsteps of last year’s highly successful Cadet and Junior European campaign.

Senior fencers again played a key role, generously sharing experience and helping younger foilists reflect on what it means to prepare like a GBR athlete.

With strong performances across all three weapons and athletes leaving camp energised, connected and competition ready, the GBR squad now looks ahead to the European Championships with confidence and momentum.

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