COACH SEMINARS
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. 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'.
Find out more about the British Academy of Fencing.
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Next Training:
Sunday 28th April, 12 - 6pm
Sunday 19th May, 12 - 6pm
Sunday 9th June, 12 - 6pm
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Coaching Week & Level 2/3/4 examinations:
Week of the 24th July 2024. (Details TBC)
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Want to ask more questions?
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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 covers key blade skills needed by the beginner coach, alongside heath & safety and teaching methodology.
BAF seminars are delivered 90% sword in hand and focus on the practical skills of the fencing master.
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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
- Class Lesson
- Special / Individual 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 / Individual 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 / Individual 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 / individual 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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