The Four Pillars of Tim Morehouse Fencing Club

These four pillars—Enjoyment, Hard Work, Togetherness, and Champion Values—define who we are and how we operate. They guide our decisions, our coaching, and our expectations.

They are the foundation of our culture.
They are the reason families trust us.
And they reflect what matters most to us:

These principles shape our culture, our coaching, and the experience we strive to create for every athlete and family. They are the bedrock of our long-term success.

Above all, we care.

1. Enjoyment

We want kids to love coming to the club. Fencing should be fun, engaging, and something athletes look forward to—even when training is challenging or competition is intense. Learning to enjoy both the highs and the hard moments of sport builds resilience and keeps athletes motivated for the long run.

2. Hard Work

There are no shortcuts to meaningful results. Progress in fencing—and in life—comes from consistent, focused effort over time. At TMFC, we emphasize discipline, commitment, and the understanding that improvement is a long-term process built day by day.

We teach a growth mindset: skills are developed, not given. Every athlete’s path looks different, but steady effort, coachable habits, and resilience always lead to progress. Hard work doesn’t guarantee the same outcome for everyone—but it always produces growth, confidence, and forward momentum.

3. Togetherness

We grow together as a community—supporting one another, pushing each other to improve, and celebrating progress as a team.
We are also “together” in how we operate—thoughtfully organized and intentionally structured—so coaches, students, and families all feel clear, supported, and aligned.

Togetherness at TMFC Means:

• Training and growing as a group, where athletes push each other to improve

• Supporting teammates through both success and setbacks

• Creating an environment where every athlete feels seen, supported, and valued

In how we operate day to day:

• Clear communication and timely information so families can make confident decisions

• Transparent explanations of programs, pathways, and expectations at every stage

• Thoughtful guidance into fencing—what to do next, when to level up, and why

• Organized schedules, planning, and structure that respect families’ time

This pillar is inspired in part by the ideas in Together by Vivek Murthy, which emphasizes that connection, belonging, and care are essential to growth and well-being. At TMFC, we care about our students as we would our own children and are committed to providing a safe, positive, and rigorous environment where they can thrive.

Togetherness at TMFC is also influenced by the principles of the Together Leader—the idea that strong communities are built when leaders and organizations are organized, prepared, and accountable. Having your “stuff together” matters. Clear systems, clear communication, and consistency allow everyone to perform at their best.

The best outcomes happen when Parents, Coaches, Students and TMFC support staff are aligned and working together toward a shared goal: helping each child reach their full potential.

4. Champion Values

Champion Values at TMFC go far beyond winning.
Our goal is not only to develop champions in fencing, but to help shape champions in life.

We intentionally surround our students with exceptional role models—Olympians, elite athletes, and dedicated adults—who demonstrate what excellence, discipline, and character look like every day. Through these examples, students learn lessons that extend well beyond the fencing strip: how to work hard, persevere through challenges, carry themselves with integrity, and strive for excellence in everything they do.

These are long-term lessons that stay with our athletes far beyond their time at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, helping prepare them for success in sport, school, and life.

They include:

• Pursuing big goals with courage and commitment

• Striving for excellence in everything you do

• Giving your best effort, even when it’s hard

• Demonstrating sportsmanship, respect, and integrity

• Learning from setbacks and continuing to improve

• Working as part of a team

• Paying attention to the small details that lead to big results

We believe championships are built over time—through daily habits, thoughtful preparation, and a mindset focused on getting better every day.