About Us
The Marrickville Marauders Fencing Club is a non-profit sporting club in Sydney's Inner West founded in 2009. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jess Brooks and support from assistant coaches Garry Huang, Kai Hardge and Leo Kershaw-Kostic, the club has a strong and growing membership.
We have youth, junior and senior fencers, and many join for more than fencing alone. Our supportive social community speaks to our value for passion, integrity and community. Our coaching team are supported by a volunteer board of fencers and their families who work together to make fencing accessible to fencers from all walks of life.
Meet our Coaches
Head Coach
Jess Brooks
Jess is nationally accredited in both foil and sabre and has been involved in fencing for over 20 years. As well as head coach of the Marrickville Marauders, she is also a NSW Sabre coach, and an assistant national Sabre coach. Jess's extensive experience includes national training camps and coaching Australian athletes at various international events, most recently the 2019 U23 Asian championships in Bangkok. She has raised 7 national team athletes, many achieving regular national podiums, including one Cadet national champion.
As a competitive fencer, Jess won every Open National circuit competition in Australia in 2011 before her retirement in 2012. She also has a Commonwealth Team bronze (2006) and a silver medals (2010), 4 national titles, 3 top 32 finishes at senior Asian championships and 7th place at the 2010 Pattaya World Cup.
Jess is passionate about teaching in all guises, has a PhD in literature and works in tertiary and secondary education. She holds a current First Aid certification and Working With Children Check.
Assistant Coach
Garry Huang
Garry is a NSW Level 1 coach and competitive fencer. Beginning fencing in high school, Garry has travelled around Australia and across Asia competing including the Asian Championships. His experience include the 2018-2019 Australian Open Men's Sabre Team Champion, 2019 Australian Junior Men's Sabre Bronze Medalist, 2018 Australian U23 Men's Sabre Bronze Medalist.
Garry has had extensive experience in coaching U14 to Cadet aged fencers and has raised multiple Australian School Champion teams.
While he believes the medals are important, he finds the most rewarding aspect of fencing in its discipline. The sport is dynamic and creative - it is these qualities he wants to pass on to a new generation of fencers. Garry holds a current First Aid certification and Working with Children Check.