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CAA HEMA Fencing and Coaching Clinic
This is a two-day clinic by Classical Academy of Arms.
Instructor: CAA Master Trainer Paul Geraci
CAA Master Trainer Rick Thompson
CAA Master Natalie Vargas
CAA Provost Christian Achgill
Venue: Indianapolis Fencing Club – 7506 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN 46060
Date: July 9-10, 2026
Fee: $30/day. Testing for CAA coaching diplomas are available. Additional fees apply.
Clinic description: This is a two-day clinic. Day 1 focuses on coaching, pedagogy, philosophy, group and individual lesson work. Day 2 focuses on fencing: technique, exercises, tactics, footwork, and strategy.
Student Learning Outcomes Day 1:
- The student will learn about proper warm-ups and dynamic stretching.
- The student will learn fencing games designed to isolate and develop skills.
- The student will learn to design, organize and implement lesson themes based on tactics.
- The student will develop a cue system.
- The student will begin to form their own coaching pedagogy.
Student Learning Outcomes Day 2:
- The student will improve their fencing through technical exercises
- The student will enhance their fencing through advanced footwork
- The student will begin to understand tactical progressions and apply them to their strategic game.
The price is $30/day, and you must register for each day separately.
SCHEDULE:
7/9/2026 | 5:00 – 5:45 | Strategies for group instruction | Rick Thompson |
| 5:45 – 6:30 | Blocked, Serial, Random progressions. | Christian Achgill
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| 6:30 – 7:15 | The Open Eyes or partially unforeseen action. | Rick Thompson |
| 7:15 – 8:00 | Creative Reaction | Paul Geraci |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Tactical Expansion
| Natalie Vargas |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Exam: Kyle Klezmer – Longsword Instructor | Thompson |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Exam: |
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| 9:00 – 10:00 | Exam: |
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7/10/2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 | Open Fencing
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| 4:00 – 5:00 | Exam: | Thompson/Geraci |
| 5:00 – 5:30 | Warmup, Stretching & Fencing Games | Rick Thompson |
| 5:30 – 6:30 | HEMA Sabre Lesson | Paul Geraci Rick Thompson |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Rapier Lesson
| Rick Thompson Christian Achgill |
| 7:30 – 8:30 | Longsword Lesson
| Natalie Vargas Christian Achgill |
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Special Topic
| Rick Thompson |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Open Fencing and extra exams. |
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USFCA NCDP Level 3 and Level 4 Core Clinic: MidWest Épée Clinic
This clinic is designed to teach the necessary epee coaching skills commensurate with the Moniteur (level 3) and Prévôt (level 4) using the standard NCDP clinic format. It will include proper warm-ups, stretching, footwork exercises, and fencing games. The major focus of the clinic are the bladework lesson themes of the exam: Offensive, Defensive, and Counter-Offensive Actions. Fencing masters will demonstrate how to take these simple themes and develop them through multiple tempos and distances, and help newer coaches give their lessons a professional look and feel. The clinic will present group strategies as well as individual lessons. As an added feature, Alexandra Dickinson, who serves as a national armourer, will give a special presentation on armoury specifically for the coach. Prevost exams will be offered at the end of each day.
Fee for USFCA members: $300
Fee for non-USFCA members: $400
Organizer: Paul Geraci | geraci51@aol.com
Weapons: Epee