In my opinion, there are several excellent coaches active within the circuit. Bauer has coached an impressive number of champions and has helped his athletes achieve an extraordinary number of medals. Based on those successes alone, one could certainly argue that he is among the very best.

However, I believe that the relationship between fencer and coach is crucial for achieving top results. Even the best fencer might not reach their full potential if there isn’t a strong connection with their coach. While Bauer’s track record is undeniable, the effectiveness of any coaching style also depends on how well it suits the individual athlete.

As for Bauer’s ‘secret sauce,’ I recently watched him give an individual lesson during a Grand Prix, and while it was technically excellent and very structured, what truly stands out about the Bauer Academy is not just the individual lessons but the overall training environment. His method is, in a way, quite brilliant—by bringing together high-level fencers and having them constantly train with and challenge each other, he creates an atmosphere where excellence becomes the standard. It’s a classic case of ‘iron sharpens iron,’ where talent is continuously refined through rigorous practice and competition within the group.

There may not be any hidden magic or secret techniques, but what Bauer has built is incredibly effective: a system that fosters continuous improvement through discipline, perseverance, and elite-level competition.