The heart of the BCAF system is the training groups, which form a uniquely structured program developed by Maestro Holbrow which has continued to evolve over the last 37 years to meet the demands of the national level competition fencer. Unlike most programs, the BCAF incorporates a flexible yet highly structured practice with drill partners designed to give the developing competitive fencer the experience and problem solving abilities to adapt to a wide variety of opponents who exhibit differences in height, reach, strength, speed, reaction time, opposite handedness and tactical characteristics. This approach mirrors the realities of competitive fencing and trains the students to adapt to the variety of opponents they will encounter.
COMPETITION TRAINING GROUPS
A rigorously structured program of paired exercises emphasizing those elements of speed, timing, distance control and tactical variations that form the core of modern fencing competition. Fencers learn to adapt technique and tactics to the individual characteristics of various training partners, including differences in height, reach, strength, speed, reaction time, and opposite handedness, in an intensely athletic and competitive environment. In-depth analysis of tactical variations, self-management in the tournament situation, and the development of athleticism and stamina are emphasized.
