Nigeria’s rising fencing coach, Bola Suru, has described her participation in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Women’s Coaching Seminar in Brazil as a transformative experience.
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Bola Suru highlighted that the experience will significantly impact her coaching career and athlete development efforts.
Suru was among 13 female coaches selected from 13 countries to participate in the second edition of the International Women’s Coaching Seminar, held alongside the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Nigerian coach, who previously guided Nigeria’s junior fencing team to the FIE-sanctioned World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, said the week-long seminar provided intensive theoretical and technical training across the three fencing weapons — epee, foil, and sabre — while also focusing on leadership, career growth, athlete management, and communication skills.
Reflecting on the experience, Suru said the program exposed participants to practical strategies that would improve their effectiveness as coaches.
“The program offered a rich and diverse learning journey, covering career development, leadership, athlete management, and technical coaching skills.
Each session provided practical insights and strategies I can apply to enhance my effectiveness as a coach,” she said.
She explained that the seminar created an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and learn modern coaching techniques from experts and fellow coaches from different parts of the world.
“I had the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals and interact with coaches from different countries.
” The discussions encouraged us to explore new approaches to training, communication, and athlete development, pushing us beyond our current methods and limitations,” Suru added.
Inspired by the experience, Suru revealed that she has launched the “Women in Coaching Online Seminar,” a global initiative designed to support and empower women in coaching through networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
According to her, the initiative aims to connect female coaches across different sports while creating an environment that encourages growth and professional development.
The seminar featured more than 40 hours of learning sessions facilitated by three weapon-specialized coaches and ten experts in areas such as sports medicine, leadership, safeguarding, and athlete welfare.
Class instructor José Benavides praised the FIE initiative, noting that it provides women coaches with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Leadership development also formed a key part of the seminar, with presentations from Melissa Alvarenga and Global Sports Consultant Jules McGeever, who led sessions focused on communication, confidence-building, and decision-making in coaching environments.
The FIE Women’s Coaching Seminar concluded with participants returning to their respective countries equipped with advanced coaching knowledge and leadership skills aimed at developing the next generation of fencers and female coaches worldwide.
