Coaching levels

The Academy’s coaching levels provide a structured pathway for developing safe, progressive and effective fencing tuition. Each level builds on the previous one, supporting coaches as they develop their technical knowledge, teaching skills and professional practice.

Fencers receiving coaching instruction

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 and 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 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.

Entry requirements

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.

Who is it for?

Ideal for new coaches aged 18 and over taking their first steps into fencing instruction.

What will you be able to do as a Level 1 coach?

Teach complete beginners in individual or small group sessions while working under the supervision of a Level 2 coach or above. You may also assess Club Proficiency Award candidates up to Bronze level in your specific weapon.

How do you qualify?

  • Pass an assessment carried out 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).
  • Or, hold equivalent qualifications accepted by the Committee.

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)

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
  • The option 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

Who is it for?

Coaches looking to take greater responsibility within clubs, schools and beginner programmes.

What will you be able to do as a Level 2 coach?

Plan and deliver beginner lessons, coach small groups and provide short individual lessons within a club or school while developing a broader technical understanding of fencing. You may assess Club Proficiency Award candidates up to Silver level.

How do you qualify?

Pass the BAF Level 2 written and practical examinations or hold an equivalent recognised qualification.

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

Who is it for?

Experienced club coaches ready to expand their technical coaching knowledge and teaching skills.

What will you be able to do as a Level 3 coach?

Deliver individual and group coaching sessions within a club or school covering the full Level 1 and 2 syllabus, teach a wide range of fencing actions and assess Club Proficiency Award candidates up to Gold level in your specific weapon.

How do you qualify?

Pass the BAF Level 3 written and practical examinations or hold an equivalent recognised qualification.

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

Who is it for?

Coaches working with developing and competitive fencers who want to improve performance beyond technical execution.

What will you be able to do as a Level 4 coach?

Coach the tactical and strategic aspects of fencing, including timing, distance, rhythm, tactical decision-making and competition performance.

How do you qualify?

Demonstrate advanced coaching ability and extensive preparation through practical assessment and examination.

It much be emphasised that reaching the standard required to pass the advanced 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.

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

Who is it for?

The highest level of BAF coaching accreditation, aimed at experienced coaches working at an advanced and performance-focused level.

What will you be able to do as a Level 5 coach?

Design and deliver sophisticated coaching programmes that integrate technical, tactical and performance development across multiple areas of fencing.

How do you qualify?

Successfully complete the Diploma assessment process, with Master of the Academy candidates also undertaking a written examination covering coaching theory, physiology and wider fencing knowledge.

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