AFO - All For One Fencing

Over the last week, I had the privilege of spending time with my friends at Accademia Romana d’Armi, training to become a better fencing instructor under the guidance of my friend and mentor Francesco Loda, fencing alongside their team, and sharing time with some of the dearest friends one could ask for.

It was an incredible experience, and I’m deeply thankful I was able to attend. The fencing culture ARA has built is something truly special, positive, welcoming, highly competitive, yet grounded in respect and camaraderie. In many ways, it felt like walking into what I hope AFO becomes 10 years from now. Truthfully, if we are blessed with even half of their success and culture, I would consider that an incredible achievement.

Jeremiah joined us on Thursday ahead of competing in ARA’s late spring tournament governed under the International Technical Rules Set. After seven years away from competition myself, I also decided to join the youngsters for the event.

The tournament itself was outstanding. Every fencer was skilled, but what stood out to me even more was the conduct and culture displayed by all the schools present. Genteel with the masks up and ready to truly compete once the masks came down. Fierce competition without strange vibes, endless video cameras, or arguments. It was refreshing and inspiring. Not a criticism of home, simply an observation that there is much we in the United States can learn from the spirit and conduct I witnessed there.

Jeremiah fenced beautifully in his pools, finishing with 3 wins and 1 tie, and doing so on his 21st birthday no less. Slight diversion, I couldn’t be prouder of the gentleman Jeremiah has become and will continue to flourish.

I was fortunate to finish pools with 4 wins and the number one seed. Eventually Jeremiah and I met in the semifinals, where we fought an absolutely furious bout. In the end, the young gentleman came out on top. I could not have been prouder of how valiantly he fought. We have worked together for years for moments exactly like this.

Jeremiah would go on to take Gold against the incredibly strong Damiano Romita of ARA, while Marco Flori and I shared in third place on the podium.

I’m proud of AFO, but above all I’m grateful to Francesco Loda. His friendship, guidance, and mentorship over the years have helped shape me both as an instructor and as a fencer.

Lastly, it was also Mother’s Day, and I look forward to making the day up to my wonderful wife, Eide Guerinot, once we return home. Your support is always incredible, my dear, and I know many more international adventures lie ahead for us.

Now onward and upward. Yesterday was a great day. As an instructor you several things your students can improve with their game. Humbled, grateful, and thankful for every moment of it.

Bound for Rome! Visit friends and knowledge is everything. Let’s GO!

It’s that time of month again, FIGHT NIGHT this Wednesday.