Salle Green

a classical and modern fencing school

 

Classical Fencing Ranks

(Section III-D. Athletes' Handbook)

FENCER RANKS:

Salle Green offers students a system of progressive Classical Fencing Ranks established by the Classical Academy of Arms to recognize the development of excellence in the technical skills of fencing with the Foil, Epee, and Sabre.  Promotion at each level is based on written (Ranks 1 through 9), oral (Ranks 5 through 9) and practical tests (Ranks 1 through 9), with specific knowledge and skills objectives.

Level Rank Exercises Expected Technique Bouts Officiating
Basic Skills

CF1

1 sword on white patch

1 - on guard

2 - offense

3 - the guards

footwork

 

 

CF2

2 swords on white patch

4 - attack and defense

 

footwork

 

 

 

 CF3

3 swords on white patch

5 - assault

 

 

Assault Training

CF4

1 sword in rectangular border

6 - grand salute

50 in weapon

timekeeper

scorekeeper

CF5

2 swords in rectangular border

 

100 in weapon

judging

CF6

3 swords in rectangular border

 

250 in weapon

president of jury

Free Bouting

CF7

1 sword in wreath border

 

400 in weapon

president for 100 bouts

CF8

2 swords in wreath border

 

 

600 in weapon

president for 200 bouts

CF9

3 swords in wreath border

 

 

800 in weapon

president for 300 bouts

 

Rank patches are rectangular white patches worn on the cuff of the non-weapon arm of the fencing jacket with the appropriate number of fencing swords in red thread.

 

INSTRUCTOR RANKS:

 

The Salle uses the instructor development system established by the Classical Academy of Arms to train instructors to teach classical fencing in a five level program.  The first level is completed in the Salle based on an independent study program, required completion of personal training, and required hours of teaching experience.  Each subsequent level requires one year of study of topics related to the teaching of fencing, combined with requirements for structured teaching experiences, and practical and written examinations.  The levels of Instructors are as follows:

 

Title Insignia

Skills

(note 1)

Types of Teaching

(note 2)

Documented Lessons (note 3) 

Other Requirements

(note 4)

Classical Fencing Apprentice Instructor

CFA

1 sword in a rectangular border

  Assists in teaching beginning level fencers in a group class. 10 hours of instructional experience 6 months experience as a classical fencer.  Minimum of 30 hours of instruction by a professional or recognized coach.
Classical Fencing Demonstrator

CFD

1 sword in a rectangular border

Capable in foil

 

Teach beginning level fencers in a group class, assist in teaching intermediate and advanced fencers.

35 of which at least 25 must be group lessons

Written and practical  examination.

Classical Fencing Instructor CFI

2 swords in rectangular border

 

Teaching competence in one weapon

 

Group and individual lessons in one weapon.

100 of which at least 50 must be group lessons.

Written, oral, and practical examination.

Classical Fencing Provost CFP

3 swords in wreath border

 

Teaching competence in two weapons.

 

Group and individual lessons in a second weapon.

200 of which at least 75 must have been in the second weapon.

Written, oral, and practical examination.  Completion of a research paper.

Classical Fencing Master CFM

4 swords in wreath border

Teaching competence in all three weapons.

Group and individual lessons in all three weapons.

300 of which at least 75 must have been in each weapon.

Written, oral, and practical examination.

Completion of a thesis.

 

Notes:

 

(1)  At the ranks of Classical Fencing Instructor and higher the instructor is expected to be able to teach any level of lesson applicable in the context of classical fencing for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.  The progression between ranks lies in the requirement to teach an increasing number of weapons.  

 

(2)  Assisting functions include leading drills, serving as a demonstration partner, and helping to correct student performance in a group setting.   

 

(3)  Lesson requirements are a minimum requirement for lessons conducted while in the development program.  Each lesson must be planned in advance and critiqued through a self-assessment process.  Documented lessons must be presented in a portfolio that shows a selection of examples of the lesson plan, performance notes, student reactions, and self-critique for representative lessons. The requirement is to present lessons which show mastery of the material to the appropriate standard, a logical development of fencer knowledge, skills, and abilities, and a steady progression in instructor capability.  Not every lesson conducted may meet the standard for inclusion in the portfolio.

 

(4)  In addition, candidates are expected to successfully complete 1 year of Internet delivered  academic training in appropriate subjects at the levels of Demonstrator and higher. 

 

Classical fencers who are not members of the Salle but who are interested in this instructor training program should contact Walter Green for information on on-line instruction and practical workshops.