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Who we are
The Classical Academy of Arms is a non-profit organization that studies fencing and sword arts prior to 1939, and provides training and credentialing to the standard of the National Standards for Sports Coaches and internationally recognized coach development standards of the International Sports Coaching Framework for trainers who wish to teach classical and historical fencing.
Please note that some Classical and Historical fencing societies offer levels and examinations in their domain. However, these are normally skill-based levels or competitive rankings, where the specific school’s techniques & tactics in play. The CAA is the only independently accredited organization whose purpose is to train in teaching & coaching skills in the classical / historical context. These skills are not related to any particular classical or historic organization, nor do the coaching methods we train rely upon any particular period or style.
The period from 1880-1939 is generally referred to as the Classical period, and prior to that as the Historical period, including the 18th and 19th centuries, Renaissance and Medieval periods.
We provide several methods of instruction, including mentoring, in-person training (Individual lessons, Clinics, etc.), distance learning, online mini-classes and online Zoom classes.
We award the coaching credentials of:
Fencing Demonstrator (CFD) – a coaching assistant capable of assisting with group lessons and other instructional tasks. The Fencing Demonstrator is expected to be capable in one basic weapon style (e.g., Foil, Epee, Rapier, Longsword).
Fencing Apprentice Instructor (CFI) – a coach capable of teaching group and individual lessons for beginners and intermediate level fencers. The Fencing Instructor is expected to be capable in one basic weapon style (e.g., Foil, Epee, Rapier, Longsword).
Fencing Instructor (CFI) – a coach capable of teaching group and individual lessons for beginners and intermediate level fencers. The Fencing Instructor is expected to be capable in one basic weapon style (e.g., Foil, Epee, Smallsword, Classical Sabre, Rapier, Longsword).
Classical/Historical Fencing Provost (CFP) – a senior coach capable of managing the teaching and training programs of classical fencing clubs. The Classical/Historical Fencing Provost is expected to be capable in two basic weapons.
Classical/Historical Fencing Master (CFM) – a master coach capable of teach the full range of lessons, designing training programs, strategic planning for training over multiple training cycles, and training new coaches. The Classical/Historical Fencing Master is expected to be capable in three basic Classical or Historical weapon styles.
Please refer to the pages in the ‘Certifications’ menu for more information.
Do You Want to Become a Classical Fencing Coach?
If you are looking for:
- a portable credential not based on your association with a specific instructor or program,
- taught and tested in a 5 rank structure,
- focused on the actual technique of the weapon/school as taught by Fencing Masters of the day and documented in their writings,
- that meets current standards for coach development, and
- is achievable by in-person and distance instruction and testing …
… then please read through this site, ask questions, and decide if our rigorous program is for you.
Are You A Modern Fencing Coach …
… who wants to broaden your skill set? Classical and Historical fencing has a rich lexicon of blade technique in all three weapons, techniques that are too complicated for the modern sport but that have significant value for training, as well as techniques that expand the fencer’s understand of offense, defense, and counteroffense. Fencing masters of yesteryear used a wide variety of teaching methods, adaptable to lessons for beginners or for elite fencers. And classical/historical fencing offers a new product line for your club, program, or salle that can be attractive to fencers of all ages who fence recreationally. Consider adding a credential in classical/historical fencing to your modern certification.
CAA’s Accreditation, Memberships, and Recognition
The Classical Academy of Arms is a member of the United States Center for Coaching Excellence and is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education as a Level 5 Sports Skills and Tactics coach development program.
The Academy is also a member organization of the International Council for Coaching Excellence.
The Academy is recognized by the United States Fencing Coaches Association’s Professional Development Committee and the International Fencing Coaches Association as a source for training for fencing coaches. Our Classical Fencing Master diplomas are eligible for reciprocity with the United States Fencing Coaches Association’s Maitre d’Armes Historiques diploma.
Please refer to the Accreditation page for more information.