International Performance Course

The British Academy of Fencing held International Coaching and Performance Course on the weekend of May 21st - 22nd at Stafforshire University in Stoke on Trent.  The weekend was run by Maestro Roberto Piraino from Italy and Professor Sue Benney (UK).  The course started on Saturday with Roberto leading a foil session while Sue led the epeeists.  45 fencers and coaches participated in the weekend with a number of BAF masters also visiting as observers.  The pace of work was intense, starting at 10 am promptly and running on till 4pm, with breaks for coffee and tea and a longer break for lunch which was provided by the University catering.  In the evening, many of the participants met up again for dinner at the Church House Restaurant and Bar where an excellent dinner was followed by further socialising in the bar and an impromptu disco!  The following morning, Saturday's programme was reversed, with Roberto taking over the epeeists and Sue leading the foil group.  Once again, everyone worked hard, without flagging and there was a great feeling of enthusiasm and acheivement in the hall. 
Thank you to Maestro Piraino and Professor Benney for their tireless work over the weekend and to all the participants who helped to make the event such a success with their enthusiasm and cheerful hard work.  We hope it won't be too long before we see them again on another BAF course.

Comments from participants

"Thank you for organising the Performance course this weekend. I really enjoyed it – my brain is spinning from all that I learnt!" Liz Chinn

"Thanks for a great day" Mark Richardson

"A very enjoyable and productive course" Caine Folkes- Miller

"All the pupils enjoyed themselves and felt that they had gained knowledge and experiences that will help develop their individual fencing ability" Drew Wilsher

"A great weekend, Well organised and two full days" Anthony Conyard