Join our monthly coaching seminars in St Albans, Hertfordshire - just 20 mins north of London.
Whether you are looking to start coaching, further your qualifications, or develop your knowledge and connect with like-minded coaches, we can help. 

The British Academy of Fencing (B.A.F) is the oldest and most established coaching organisation in the UK, with its roots dating back to the Royal Warrant of Henry VIII in 1540. The Academy offers coach accreditation from levels 1-5 in foil, epee & sabre. 

All qualifications are accepted for the British Fencing Register. 

Level 1 is attainable in 2 seminars. Levels 2 upwards are examined by a panel of Fencing Masters. Recipients of the Academy's Diploma (Level 5) are awarded the title Maître d'Escrime (Master of Fencing). Those who attain the Academy Diploma in all three weapons can use the title 'Professor' and Maître d'Armes.

Find out more about the British Academy of Fencing.

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Next Training Dates:

Sunday 23rd February 12 - 4pm

Sunday 16th March 12 - 4pm

Sunday 30th March 12 - 4pm

Saturday 5th April 12 - 4pm

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Next Exam Date:

Sunday 6th April 12 - 5pm

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​Find out more / Book a space:

Email Us.

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LEVEL 1 - Assistant Coach

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Duration / Assessment

2 coach seminars + informal assessment

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Pre-requisite:

A minimum of 1-2 years fencing experience.

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Course content:

The level 1 course covers key blade skills needed by the beginner coach in a variety of settings, alongside heath & safety and teaching methodology. You will learn footwork and blade presentation specific to coaching fencing, and exercises to be used in one-to-one lessons and group instruction.
BAF seminars are delivered 90% sword in hand and focus on the practical skills of the fencing coach.

Sessions are delivered by a qualified Master of the Academy.

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Topics:

- Basic Coaching Technique

- Developing a Warm-Up Lesson

- Individual lessons

- Class lessons

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Required:

Full fencing / coaching kit.

It is desirable that you bring your own pupil (no charge), however if you are unable you will be paired with another coach.

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LEVEL 2 Club Coach 

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Duration / Assessment:

Assessment is by examination only. Examination dates are set once or twice a year.

Typically 20-30 hours training is needed from Level 1 to Level 2.

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Course & exam content:

- Routine / warm-up lesson

- Masters Skills (coach's technique)

- Class Lesson

- Special Lesson (one-to-one lesson)

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Result:

Pass / Part Pass / Fail

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Supporting materials:

- Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology

- Teaching & Coaching Tactics

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All documentation is available directly from Academy.
https://baf-fencing.com/coaching-curriculum/

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LEVEL 3: Intermediate Coach

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Duration / Assessment:

Examination only.

Candidates can be put forward when the feel ready by mutual agreement with the Course Director.

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Course & exam content:

- Routine / warm-up lesson

- Masters Skills

- Class Lesson

- Special Lesson

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Supporting materials:

- Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology

- Teaching & Coaching Tactics

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Result:

Pass / Part Pass / Fail

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LEVEL 4: Advanced Coach (Prévôt)

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Duration / Assessment:

Examination only.

Candidates can be put forward when the feel ready by mutual agreement with the Course Director.

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Course & exam content:

- Routine / warm-up lesson

- Masters Skills

- Class Lesson

- Special Lesson

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Result:

Pass / Part Pass / Fail

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Supporting materials:

- Advanced & Diploma Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology

- Advanced & Diploma Teaching & Coaching Tactics

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LEVEL 5: Diploma (Maître d'Escrime)

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Duration / Assessment:

Examination only.

By special arrangement with the Course Director and application to the President & Diploma Exam Board.

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Exam content:

- Routine Lesson

- Masters Skills

- 2 x Special lessons

 

Result:

Pass / Fail only

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Supporting materials:

- Advanced & Diploma Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology

- Advanced & Diploma Teaching & Coaching Tactics

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COACH EDUCATOR

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Professor Tony Middleton

BAF Course Officer

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Tony has been coaching fencing for over 15 years, and is a Full Master (Maitre d'Armes) of the British Academy of Fencing. He is the current Chairman of the Hertfordshire Fencing Association, and Head Coach of Hitchin Fencing Club and St Albans Fencing Club. His students have qualified for England, GBR, Wales, Commonwealth Championships, the World Championships, and won national opens. He is also a fight choreographer for theatre, and a professional magician. See www.magichourshow.com

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