The modern sport of fencing has roots in eighteenth-century Italy, and Italy’s national fencing team continues to be one of the most successful worldwide, taking home seven medals at the 2012 Olympic Games.
But fencing is not just for elite athletes; it is a sport for all ages, children and adults alike. Florence is home to four private fencing clubs, where one can don a saber lame and try an extension or coupé. For example, the Accademia Schermistica Fiorentina, run by Maestro Lucio Nugnes, offers fencing courses using the traditional three weapons of the modern-day sport: foil, épée and sabre. Because the club offers short-term memberships and English-speaking coaches, many foreign students are regulars. Others choose to step back in time at the Confraternita della Spada for lessons in the classical fencing of the age of duels.
Accademia Schermistica Fiorentina
www.accademia-schermistica-fiorentina.it
Confraternita della Spada di Firenze
www.confraternitadellaspada.it
Circolo Scherma Raggetti
Club Scherma Firenze
