The BAF actively develops fencing coaches through a system respected worldwide. As a result, many countries adopt its methods and terminology. In addition, the Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum and documentation covering all weapons and coaching levels, along with books focused on teaching tactics.

On a practical level, the Academy also holds a variety of residential and non residential courses around the country, throughout the year. Academy coach education courses are open to all fencers and coaches (certain age restrictions may apply).

Accreditation

​Please note, to be accredited in the UK. coaches who are actively coaching in the UK must be on the British Fencing Coach Register.  This is to help ensure that all fencing coaches in the UK meet minimum safeguarding standards.

British Academy of Fencing Coaching Awards

Candidates may:

  • Subject to sponsorship, take examinations at any level. Awards do not need to be followed in numerical order
  • Submit themselves for examination for one or more weapons up to and including Diploma Level. There is no compulsion to study all three weapons.

Honorific

  • Those qualifying at Diploma Level in one or two weapons may use the title ‘Maître d’Escrime’.
  • Those qualifying at Diploma Level in all three weapons become ‘Maître d’Armes’ of the Academy and may informerly use the title ‘Professor’. 

Equivalent awards

The BAF supports and respects alternative coaching schemes and their awards to promote choice and opportunity. However, we do not issue ‘mirror’ certificates at any level. This aligns with the policies of most traditional examination bodies, from GCSEs to advanced academic qualifications.

Coaches holding other qualifications are welcome to earn BAF certificates by taking the appropriate exam. While attending a BAF coaching course or receiving official training is not required, it is highly recommended. For course details, please contact our Course Officer.

Foreign nationals planning to attend BAF courses must first obtain permission from the president of their own Academy and inform the BAF President before enrolling.

For further information, please contact us.