Coaches
Nadia (Head Coach)
Nadia has over 30 years of fencing experience and over 15 years of coaching experience. Nadia was a member of the Bulgarian National team as a foil fencer for over 15 years. She fenced foil in the Bulgarian National Championships, Balkans Championships, and traveled throughout the world attending World Cup and World Championship competitions. Nadia joined the club in 2003 and became the owner and head coach in 2005.
Neal Picken (Founder)
Neal Picken took over in 1982 and started the Arkansas Fencing Academy in Springdale. The Fayetteville Fencing Club moved into the new academy, which included 6 strips, a full armory, changing areas, and showers. The concept behind this new academy was having several area fencing clubs, formed through the local schools, utilizing its facilities.
Neal at the National Golden Age Games winning two Gold and one Silver medal (2019)
Scott Sutton (Founder, 1979-2019)
Scott Sutton, founder of the Fayetteville Fencing Academy and Fayetteville Fencing Club. The classes were held in Scott's apartment until 1982 when the group began renting a room in the old University of Arkansas Bowling Building. He came up with the idea of the Bastille Day tournament and helped organize it every year. He coached fencers in all three weapons, foil, epee, and sabre.
