Instructor James Askew

James attended college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees. Currently, he works as a research technologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in a molecular genetics lab studying the genes involved in ADHD and phonological disorders.

James started fencing as a freshman in college at UNO, in the fall of 1990, and entered his first national competition in 1991 – the Junior Olympics in Kansas City. Over the next ten years or so James frequently fenced at the Lincoln Fencing Club and took lessons from the excellent coaches and attended the weekend fencing camps they hosted. In 1998 he went to Seattle, WA to fence in a tournament and tested for and received his director’s rating for both foil and epee. He only became truly committed to the sport however once he began teaching fencing through the Omaha Fencing club and the Omaha Parks Department.

In 2006, James enrolled in the USFA Coaches College and completed his certification for Level 1 Epee. In 2007, he completed his certification for Level 1 Foil. He is certified at the Moniteur Level by the US Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA).

He enjoys teaching immensely. “All of the instructors in the Omaha Fencing Club want to provide quality instruction in a sport we truly enjoy. I hope that I can pass on my love for the sport while helping those who are interested in becoming serious competitors; that by keeping my mind as well as my ears open to new theories and coaching techniques, I will be able to play a part in raising the level of fencing in Omaha.”