Мy first time at the center left a lasting impression-excellent training conditions and atmosphere, 24 fencing pistes, half of which benefit from having floor lights; a great plethora of international fencers and an exceptionally good team of coaches always willing to help.
I booked a session in advance with Jon Willis. He is a 2007 Fencing World Champion and three time Fencing World Championships finalist.
Jon provides intensive training sessions, where breaks do not last longer than 5-10 seconds. He offers a lot of positive encouragement and gives precise advice with regards to technique improvement.
I was also given the opportunity to participate in a couple of the club’s regular training sessions which normally lasts two hours- from 7pm to 9 pm, as well as free bouts without a set time limit (I finished at 10:30pm).
Fencing training sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Monday sessions consist of footwork and free bouts. On Wednesdays you can enjoy half an hour footwork and improvised internal competition, in groups and direct eliminations. On Thursdays the schedule offers 30 mins of footwork, another 30 mins training in pairs and again free bouts.
I had the pleasure of playing against people from France, Turkey, Korea, Hungary and England.
I highly recommend Leon Paul Fencing Center to anyone passionate about fencing visiting London. There’s no better end to a day of gorgeous city landscapes and sightseeing. Do pop in, and find out for yourselves. It’s truly one of a kind experience.
Here are the contacts of the club – http://leonpaulfencingcentre.com/
Todor Boyadzhiev – Fencing Club Sofia
