Mohamed began fencing
as an undergraduate at the University of Baghdad as part of a
degree course in Physical Education. After qualifying in both
foil and epee, he continued to fence and was quickly recognised
as a prodigious talent, being chosen in 1986 to represent his
country. At this time, he began training with a Hungarian master
in foil, and a Russian in epee, each with his own distinctive
style.
When his international
career ended in 1991, he left Iraq to take over the coaching of
the Jordanian national team. Under his tenure, the team flourished,
with one of his pupils achieving a gold medal in the Arabian Tournament
of 1996. He came to Britain the following year, and began fencing
at two of London's most prestigious clubs, Salle Paul and Haverstock
Fencing Club.
In 1999, he returned
to coaching, taking up posts at a number of private clubs, schools
and universities. Over the years, his students have performed
very well in national competitions, yet coaching is not the limit
of his remaining ambition. Unlike the majority of professional
coaches, he continues to compete himself - a sign that he is still
in touch with the rigours of modern fencing.
Foil Coaches - Ian
and Jane Lepley
Epee Coach - Andy
Bourlet
Sabre Coach - Roger
Hawkes
Roger started fencing at Gerorge Mitchel school in London at
the age of 12. Under the watchful eye of his coach Eric Kelman
he quickly progressed and was fencing in both foil and sabre in
many junior competitions. Rogers interets and enthusiasm in the
sport led his to attend the Polytechnic Fencing club in Regent
Street in London and trained under the Hungarian master in Sabre
Bela Imregie. Roger reunited with earlier fencing associates in
1995 and formed the Highams Park Fencing Club. Roger continues
to play a role as amateur coach in Sabre and foil as well as being
an avid committee member. He also continues to compete himself.
