Fencing: Who is this fencing master who is leaving Périgueux Épée?

This is a turning of the page for Périgueux Épée. After 36 years, undoubtedly a record in this field, Jean-François Bouillaud, known as Jeff, fencing master, has decided, by mutual agreement with the club's leaders, to end this mission. On this occasion, several generations of fencers, parents, teenagers, and leaders gathered and thanked him for having accompanied fencers, young and old, during these years, from their first lunges to the finest competitions.

An opportunity to open the page of joyful, moving memories and to share wonderful anecdotes. "In 75 years of existence, the club has had only two fencing masters, room managers. Thierry Nesmon, who arrives from Saint-Dizier, will be only the third," says Jean-François Bouillaud, who started fencing at the age of 8 in 1971, somewhat by chance. Naturally, as a teenager, he began helping out voluntarily, helping younger children. In the army, he passed his federal instructor's certificate in 1986.

Graduated in 1989

"Upon my return, the fencing master at the time asked me if I would be willing to take charge of the hall. I was already working in the entertainment sector in a leisure center. I saw it as a professional opportunity, especially since I didn't want to leave Périgueux," says Jean-François Bouillaud.

He then accepted the offer and went to train at the National School of Fencing Masters in Dinard, where he obtained his 2nd degree State Certificate in June 1989. "When I took over the club in September 1989, there were 73 members and after three years, we exceeded 100 members and Périgueux Épée has never since fallen below this threshold."

His thirty-sixth season with his beloved club will therefore be his last. "I'm retiring from fencing, but not from my professional activity. I still have a few years left to work for the City of Périgueux [Editor's note: he is a sports instructor]. During all these years, I've held two jobs. I simply want to take a little time for myself while I'm in good health," he says. But he won't be stepping away from fencing just yet. He will, in fact, take out a new license at the start of the school year. "I'm going to let my successor find his feet, so that he becomes the reference for all fencers. I'm attached to the club, I want to keep a watchful eye on it, to lend a helping hand voluntarily, if there's a need, especially for competitions," assures the fencing master.

A beautiful state of mind

As he turns an important page in his professional and personal life, Jean-François Bouillaud recalls a multitude of memories. At the same time, he organized around a hundred events, departmental and regional tournaments. "There are sporting memories, there are many, Frédéric Gilbert's first French junior championship title in 1990, the numerous regional titles, Breven Roques's three international selections, and World Cup qualifications," he recalls. "Competition is important because it's about the results, the brand image. That's what matters to me."

Jean-François Bouillaud has always emphasized the educational aspect, which is close to his heart. "Many former shooters and parents are close friends. Within the club, I've shared weddings, moves, projects, and tougher times, like in a family. The club is a family." If he had to keep one memory in mind, it's his last organization in May: the Castles and Heritage Tournament, which was a success. The fencing master promises: he will never be far away to lend a helping hand to his second family.