How to Choose a Fencing Teacher

Since many American fencing teachers have had no training in fencing theory, technique or even the art of teaching itself, it is vital to choose a teacher from among those who have been properly trained and examined.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fencing Gear

1. Ask your prospective teacher whether he or she is a certified fencing master, provost, or instructor.

2. Learn the name of the institution where the instructor has received formal training.

3. Find out, if possible, whether the person you are considering has actually attended the named institution by contacting that institution directly for verification.

4. Ask to see the diploma or certificate received from the school.

5. Learn whether the instructor teaches a weapon other than foil to beginning students.

6. Observe the instructor's pupils as they take their lessons to see whether they maintain proper guard positions and whether they lunge correctly (if you have some previous knowledge of fencing).

7. Look to see whether the instructor demands that, when lunging, students extend their sword arms fully before moving the leading foot.

8. Use your intuition to determine whether you and your teacher are personally compatible.

Tips & Warnings

• Properly trained fencing teachers are proud of their accomplishments and will be happy to answer questions about their qualifications.
• Traditionally trained fencing teachers never begin instruction for new pupils with any weapon other than the foil.
• Competing is not the same thing as teaching; a teacher's competitive record should not be accepted as a substitute for sound pedagogical training.
• Diplomas issued by the Fencing Master's Training Program at San Jose State University or by the United States Fencing Association's Coaches' College guarantee that the holder has had formal training and has passed examination.
• A competent fencing teacher generally will not advocate that a novice begin free fencing before having taken 30 or more individual lessons, depending upon the student's natural ability, because bad habits acquired while fencing are very difficult to correct and will likely prevent a fencer from ever fencing at his or her best.
• Many people claim to be fencing masters. Not all are, so be wary of those who are defensive about questions regarding their schooling.
• Avoid those training novices in any weapon other than foil, who advocate the use of the orthopedic grip for beginning students, who teach attacking with the sword arm bent, or who encourage novice fencers to bout before they have taken a sufficient number of individual, not group, lessons.

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on 1/18/2006 Make sure that your coach is willing to spend time with you. Too many coaches farm out their students to other junior fencing teachers within the school. The primary coach should have enough time to evaluate you and see what your strengths and weaknesses are. Patience and courtesy are two of the most important factors in deciding who will coach you.

Being a master fencer from an accredited FIE or USFA program is also important. Ask to see their credentials and don't believe that everyone from a communist block country is a master.

on 11/22/2005 Fencing is a competitive fighting sport on all levels, be it recreational or for Olympic qualification. The primary goal of a good fencing teacher must be to improve the students performance in competition,for fun or for medals. Keep that in mind when choosing a teacher. Degrees and examinations are easy to get.