A group of fencers receiving coach training

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, 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.

Participants 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.

LEVELS

An introductory award designed for those who wish to start teaching fencing. Participants who successfully reach the required standard should 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 participants 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. Successful participants should be capable of taking a beginners class within a club or school and to give short individual lessons to a fencer. Once Level 2 is acquired you may 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.

A participant who successfully reaches the required standard for this award is 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). 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. Successful participants should 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.