(Under Construction)
Types of Education
There are two aspects to our education efforts:
- Coaching Education
- In-Depth study of a school
Coaching Education
We view our greatest calling as the education and certification of Classical and Historic coaches. Until now, there has been very little effort in training or certifying instructors in historic schools of fence. Modern fencing and many other sports have dedicated programs for training coaches, and now the historic sword community does, too.
We are not claiming to be experts in EVERY type of classical or historical school of fencing. However, there are methods of instruction that are applicable to teaching sword, regardless of the originating period, continent or master.
Many instructors in historic sword styles train diligently in the style and techniques, working with other fencers in the same or similar schools. But very few focus on the best means of instructing their students. Most organizations or societies dedicated to historic fencing styles concentrate on the techniques embodied in their school, and how to perform them, especially in the sport combative arena. That is important and necessary for disseminating knowledge, and there are some excellent courses of study in that domain. However, teaching and coaching is an art unto itself and deserves its own focus of study.
The Classical Academy of Arms conducts clinics, workshops, on-line training and in-person instructor for coaching. The staff for this have been coaches, competitors and students in different historical fencing schools for many years.
The CAA is an accredited coaching organization, registered with the National Committee for the Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) which in an international body who maintain rigorous standards for accreditation. Please see the page for information on the NCACE and the requirements for accreditation. NCACE Accreditation
The CAA offers numerous methods of learning, though the best is, of course, face-to-face learning at a clinic or workshop. Levels of certification are earned by proving proficiency in instruction, as it applies to your particular school/style. These certifications can be proudly displayed as proof of demonstrating solid coaching knowledge.
Study of a School of Fencing
We hold periodic classes that focus on a particular school of fence. Since the era of Covid, these classes have been held on-line as weekly sessions. One of our staff performs in-depth study of the original materials available and creates a curriculum to cover the major topics. The classes focus on the particulars of the weapon(s), the techniques involved and the means of training. Often, an author will include drills or exercises particular to their school. These provide us a view into the means of training, and this is taught and practiced by the attendees. These sessions include lively discussions, including how we (as coached in the modern world) might enhance the original means of teaching while preserving the techniques and spirit of the original school of fence.
Online classes that have been conducted to date include:
- Mangiarotti Epee
- Siebinhaaer Sabre
- Hutton Sabre
- Patton Sabre & Thrust Fencing