SERGEI TIKHONOV

Sergei Tikhonov is an internationally experienced foil coach with more than three decades of coaching experience and a distinguished competitive career. He has worked with national teams and fencing federations in several countries, developing athletes from the early stages of fencing to national and international competition.

At Bida Fencing Academy, Sergei leads the foil program and builds a structured pathway for athlete development — from strong fundamentals and confidence in beginners to advanced tactical preparation and competitive performance.

His coaching approach emphasizes technical precision, speed of decision-making, distance and timing, tactical intelligence, and the ability to recognize and adapt to an opponent’s actions.

Each athlete’s development is tailored to their level, strengths, and competitive goals. Training may include individualized planning, opponent video analysis, scenario-based exercises, tournament-specific preparation, and structured workload management.

Sergei has worked with the Russian Senior National Team, led fencing programs in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, and later worked with Olympic-reserve athletes in Moscow.

His experience as a successful international competitor gives him a deep understanding of high-level fencing, decisive bouts, competitive pressure, and the progression required to become a high-level athlete.

His goal is not simply to prepare athletes for their next tournament, but to build the technical, tactical, and competitive foundation that allows them to progress consistently.

INTERNATIONAL COACHING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Coach, Russian Senior National Team — 2008–2010

Head Coach, Jordan Fencing Federation — 2010–2012

Foil Head Coach, UAE Fencing Federation — 2012–2013

Head Coach, Kuwait — 2014–2017

Olympic Reserve Coach, Moskomsport — 2017–2021

RECENT ATHLETE RESULTS

Emma Fung — 1st Place, Division IA, USA Fencing Nationals & July Challenge — 2024

Vera Fung — Medalist, USA Fencing Nationals & July Challenge — 2022

Skipper Cortright — 2nd Place, CEP Marathon Paris U17 — 2025

William Gordon — 2nd Place, Division III

Amelia Ayupova — 3rd Place, Division II

MAJOR ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

FIE World Cup Champion, Seoul — Individual, 2006

European Championship Silver Medalist — Individual, 2005

European Championship Silver Medalist — Team, 2005

European Championship Bronze Medalist — Team, 2006

Junior World Championship Silver Medalist — Team, 2002

Junior European Championship Bronze Medalist — Individual, 1999

Junior European Championship Silver Medalist — Team, 1999

Multiple Russian National Championship titles and medals

Sportsman of the Year — 2008

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Moscow — Specialist in Physical Culture and Sport

Moscow Olympic Reserve School No. 1 — Master of Sport; Teacher of Physical Culture and Sport

Master of Sport of International Class — 2005