Fencers receiving coaching instruction

*Please note that the examination procedure for Levels 1, 2, and 3 is currently in the process of being modified.

The first three levels of the BAF system (Levels 1, 2 and 3) focus primarily on the acquistion of the vital technical skills of the fencing coach. Once you have completed these initial levels, your technical skills should be assumed. Therefore, the course and exams for Levels 4 and 5 focus entirely on your ability to deliver effective coaching that enhances the pupil’s competitive performance—technique, timing, distance, tactical application, and more.

While there is no obligation to take all the awards in order, they do together form a structured basis for coach education and each level provides the basic skills needed for development at the next.

The BAF does not impose any entry requirements for those wishing to put themselves forward for these awards, however, you must already a competent fencer before starting any of our courses and will be expected to have some previous coaching experience.  The Academy reserves to right to refuse places on its courses to applicants it deems unsuitable. Potential advanced or diploma participants are strongly urged to contact us as early as possible to obtain advice concerning their preparation for the course or exam.

You need to be in possession of a coaching plastron in addition to any other necessary equipment, including two weapons, in order to attend our courses.

LEVELS

An introductory award designed for those who wish to start teaching fencing. If you successfully reach the required standard, you will be capable of teaching complete beginners – either one-on-one or in small groups – however you will need to work under the supervision of a Level 2 coach or above in an established club to ensure you remain adequately insured and accredited. Once Level 1 is acquired you may examine Club Proficiency Award participants in your specific weapon up to Bronze level.

Who is it aimed at?

  • Those who are 18 or over and who wish to start to teach/coach
  • Those currently without qualifications
  • Those wishing to broaden their fencing knowledge

What are the requirements?

  • Basic fencing knowledge
  • A desire to learn and acquire skills and knowledge

Where do I go for the training?

  • To a local coach with a knowledge of the BAF Coach Education System and/or
  • To a weekend coaching session (recommended) and/or
  • To a formal residential course (attendance at a residential course is not compulsory)

How do I get qualified?

  • By passing an assessment by a BAF Master or a Maître d’Escrime (weapon specific) or a Provost or an Advanced qualified coach (weapon specific) assisted by the holder of a BAF Level 3 Coaching Award (weapon specific).
  • Alternatively by holding equivalent qualifications accepted by the Committee.

What will I learn?

  • Fencing terminology
  • The basic skills of a coach necessary to give the correct openings and conditions for a variety of fencing actions
  • How to conduct class and individual lessons
  • The key teaching points associated with basic fencing movements
  • Health and Safety Information

How long is the course?

  • The length of the course is variable to suit yourself, your circumstances and ability
  • When you or your coach think you are ready ask for an assessment to be set up
  • The time and place of the assessment can be arranged by mutual agreement between you and the assessor

What do I get when I pass?

  • A certificate from the BAF
  • You are then eligible to apply for membership of the BAF as an ‘Associate of the Academy’.

What supporting documentation is there available?

  • Key Teaching Points for all of the weapons
  • A Glossary of Terminology
  • Foreign Language equivalents of English Terminology

This award requires you to be able to coach all topics on the Level One Syllabus and to teach the technical and mechanical aspect of an additional group of strokes. Once Level 2 is acquired, you will be capable of taking a beginners class within a club or school and to give short individual lessons to a fencer. You may also examine Club Proficiency Award candidates in your specific weapon up to Silver level.

What supporting documentation is there available?

  • A syllabus and list of questions
  • Key Teaching Points for all of the weapons
  • A Glossary of Terminology
  • Foreign Language equivalents of English Terminology

How do I get qualified?

Fencing coaches must pass a British Academy of Fencing Level 2 Examination (written papers and practical examinations) or those who hold equivalent qualifications accepted by the Committee.

If you successfully reach the required standard for this award, you will be expected to be able to give coaching sessions, both individually and in groups, on all topics on the syllabuses for Levels 1 and 2 and to be able to teach (again both groups and individuals) almost the complete range of known fencing strokes. Here, as in the Level 2 award, the teaching is concerned with the technical and mechanical aspects of the stroke(s).

Those who are successful will be capable of taking a beginners class within a club or school and to give short individual lessons to a fencer. Once Level 3 is acquired you may examine Club Proficiency Award candidates in your specific weapon up to Gold level.

What supporting documentation is there available?

  • A syllabus and list of questions
  • Key Teaching Points for all of the weapons
  • A Glossary of Terminology
  • Foreign Language equivalents of English Terminology

How do I get qualified?

Fencing coaches must pass a British Academy of Fencing Level 3 Examination (written papers and practical examinations) or those who hold equivalent qualifications accepted by the Committee.

It much be emphasised that reaching the standard required to pass higher levels (4 and 5) entails intense and sustained commitment to training prior to coming on any such course, or substantial coaching / competitive experience at the very highest levels.  Any attempt to pass such these levels based simply on an occasional weekend or residential course is likely to result in frustration for all concerned.

Unless the examination question specifically asks you to teach, the Advanced Level 4 Award is primarily concerned with your ability to coach strokes within a limited group or subject. You should be of sufficient standard to give exercises, which form the basis for developing and improving a fencer’s theoretical and tactical ability. In contrast to Levels 2 and 3, the lessons (class and individual) should cover one or more of the following topics:

  • Technique
  • Timing
  • Tactics
  • Distance
  • Rhythm / Changes of Cadence
  • Continuity Hitting
  • Competitive situations
  • Simple and/or Compound Reaction

What supporting documentation is available?

  • A syllabus and list of questions
  • Key Coaching Points for all of the weapons
  • Guide to Teaching and Coaching Tactics
  • A Glossary of Terminology
  • Foreign Language equivalents of English Terminology

The Academy’s highest Diploma Award is primarily concerned with your ability to coach strokes and topics within a group or subject.

You should be of sufficient standard to give exercises, which form the basis for developing and improving a fencer’s theoretical, technical and tactical ability, within the confines of the stroke(s), topic or subject being examined. In contrast with the Advanced Award, you will be required to deal with multiple strokes, topics and or subjects whilst focusing on one or more of the following topics:

  • Technique
  • Timing
  • Tactics
  • Distance
  • Rhythm / Changes of Cadence
  • Continuity Hitting
  • Competitive situations
  • Simple and or Compound Reaction
  • Teaching and Coaching

What supporting documentation is available?

  • A syllabus and list of questions
  • Key Coaching Points for all of the weapons
  • Guide to Teaching and Coaching Tactics
  • A Glossary of Terminology
  • Foreign Language equivalents of English Terminology

If you wish to become full Masters of the Academy, you will also need to sit a two-hour written examination. In addition to testing your knowledge of anatomy and physiology, it covers rules and regulations, coaching theory, and includes an essay on general fencing topics.