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.
They offer a structured path to turn a competent fencer into a coach who has mastered the skills of teaching the basic elements of fencing and of giving a variety of lessons which would be suitable in a school or recreational club. Coaches are taught to convey these skills both in an individual and class context, and our courses emphasise constant, sword in hand, practice of these skills.
Levels 2 and 3 also involve a theoretical element, in terms of short written exams covering knowledge of the strokes and basic rules.
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.
There are no entry requirements for any of our levels, however, candidates must already be competent fencers before starting any of our courses and are expected to have some previous coaching experience. The Academy reserves to right to refuse places on its courses to candidates it deems unsuitable.
Candidates are reminded that they should be in possession of a coaching plastron and any other necessary equipment, including two weapons, in order to attend our courses.