Coaching Course in Britain

[BAF]

The British Academy of Fencing is holding its Residential Easter Course in Denstone, Staffordshire, England from the 6th to 11th of April 2009. All coaches are welcome, from beginners to prospective fencing masters. Examinations in all levels up to the internationally recognised Diploma, are held at the end of the week. We also hold an course in the Fall: 26-31 October 2009. For more information see our website http://www.baf-fencing.org/schedule.htm

[stellarindia01]

Hi,
Definitely a nice one. It's going to help all of us.

CSK

[Coach Pid]

I highly recommend the BAF courses. I've been to several and they always attract an international crowd of coaches. The work you put in over the course of a week is incredible - literally 10 hrs a day for 5 days of sword-in-hand work with some excellent instructors. The course material is extremely well documented which allows for easier preparation, and the setting is absolutely beautiful. Denstone College is an old style midlands Prep School campus the likes of Hogwarts. The rooms are comfortable and the food is plentiful and though not gourmet, very adequate. There is a pub within walking distance to ease the aches and plenty of tea and coffee during course hours. I bought my airfare to fly to Manchester and back for under $600 direct from Los Angeles. Don't worry about the value of the course itself - it's a steal.
Stuart Lee

[MdA]

The more training for coaches the better. My only advice is to consider the week-long format. As mentioned in the previous post, by the end of the week you need a lot of trips to the pub….or a lot of Motrin to ease the aches and pains. This was my experience at the USFA Coaches College…they pack a lot into a week. For older coaches, or coaches who are not in top physical condition, I think a weekend format is better.

Also consider…they give the exams at the end of the week when everyone is sore and tired…including the examiners.

[BAF]

No on the last point -- all our exams are conducted by independent examiners who only come in on the exam day. They do not staff the course.

[MdA]

No on the last point -- all our exams are conducted by independent examiners who only come in on the exam day. They do not staff the course.

Thanks BAF for the clarification. I am just pointing out experiences from my past. That is a good system. No one likes a weary examination board. It also removes favoritism and bias.

By the end of a week, most of the instructors will have their minds made up.