As previously announced on this group, the University of Richmond
was considering the development of a classical fencing instructor
program with an online component combined with directed study,
workshops, and examinations. The online portion of the program is
up and running now, and we are accepting students for the first year
of what we plan as a four year program. The program is designed
specifically to service instructors who do not have instructor
training locally available to them. The focus is on the development
of competent instructors who can use a variety of methods to teach
classical fencing and who have the skills to run a successful club
or salle.

The credential for the first year is termed Classical Fencing
Demonstrator. Individuals who complete this will be capable of
demonstrating skills, of teaching beginner group lessons, and of
teaching very basic individual lessons. Subsequent years' courses
will build on the specic framework of what is taught in each
previous year.

We are also looking for individuals who hold Moniteur (AAI) or
Instructor (Military Fencing Master program), Prevot, or Maitre
diplomas or equivalent credentials from recognized coaching training
programs who might be interested in serving as readers for student
lesson portfolios. We will pay a modest honorarium for this service
(modest only because we are attempting to keep costs reasonable for
the students).

This program is not intended to compete with the excellent coaching
training opportunities available through the Military Fencing Master
Program, the US Fencing Coaches Association professional
certifications, or the US Fencing Association's Coaches College. We
have a narrow focus on training competent instructors for the
development of classical fencing centers in their communities. The
method of instruction will demand substantial work on the part of
participants combined with the self-discipline to do that work
largely on their own.

For further information, please e-mail wgreen@....