COACH SEMINARS
Join our 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.
Next Training Dates:
Sunday 1st February 2026, 11-4pm
Sunday 1st March 2026, 11- 4pm
Sunday 28th March 2026 11- 4pm
Next Exam Date:
Sunday 29th March 2026 - 12 - 5pm
Book a space on the next training day:
(Search for BAF logos on the booking page)
Ask questions & find out more:
About the BAF Coaching System
LEVEL 1 - Assistant Coach
Duration / Assessment
2 coach seminars + informal assessment
Pre-requisite:
A minimum of 2 years fencing experience.
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.
Topics:
- Basic Coaching Technique
- Developing a Warm-Up Lesson
- Individual lessons
- Class lessons
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.
LEVEL 2 Club Coach
Duration / Assessment:
Assessment is by examination. Examination dates around Easter and at the BAF Residential Summer Course.
Typically 20-30 hours training is needed from Level 1 to Level 2.
The course director will advise when the candidate is ready for examination.
Course & exam content:
- Routine / warm-up lesson
- Masters Skills (coach's blade technique)
- Class Lesson
- Special Lesson (one-to-one lesson)
Result:
Pass / Part Pass / Fail
Supporting materials:
- Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology
- Teaching & Coaching Tactics
All documentation is available directly from Academy.
https://baf-fencing.com/coaching-curriculum/
LEVEL 3: Intermediate Coach
Duration / Assessment:
Examination only.
Candidates can be put forward when the feel ready by mutual agreement with the Course Director.
Course & exam content:
- Routine / warm-up lesson
- Masters Skills
- Class Lesson
- Special Lesson
Supporting materials:
- Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology
- Teaching & Coaching Tactics
Result:
Pass / Part Pass / Fail
LEVEL 4: Advanced Coach
Duration / Assessment:
Examination only.
Candidates can be put forward when the feel ready by mutual agreement with the Course Director.
Course & exam content:
- Routine / warm-up lesson
- Masters Skills
- Class Lesson
- Special Lesson
Result:
Pass / Part Pass / Fail
Supporting materials:
- Advanced & Diploma Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology
- Advanced & Diploma Teaching & Coaching Tactics
LEVEL 5: Diploma (Maître d'Escrime)
Duration / Assessment:
Examination only.
By special arrangement with the Course Director and application to the President & Diploma Exam Board.
Exam content:
- Routine Lesson
- Masters Skills
- 2 x Special lessons
Result:
Pass / Fail only
Supporting materials:
- Advanced & Diploma Key Teaching Points
- Fencing Theory & Terminology
- Advanced & Diploma Teaching & Coaching Tactics
COACH EDUCATOR
Professor Tony Middleton
Acting President, British Academy of Fencing
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, won national opens, and won regional championships. He is also a fight choreographer for theatre, and a professional magician. See www.magichourshow.com
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