Antoine Bonello, Daniel Sammut and Kenneth Spiteri are Malta’s first Fencing Masters. All three have successfully passed their examinations in all three fencing weapons (foil, epee and sabre), after following an eight-day course held in Norcia (Italy) by the Associazione Italiana Maestri di Scherma (AIMS) between 29 June and 7 July.

During the course at Norcia the three Maltese Fencers from En Garde Fencing Club underwent lessons by the top Italian Fencing Masters, including Maestro Giovanni Toran (President AIMS); Maestro Cav. Alfonso Gentile (Vice-President AIMS); Maestro Saverio Crisci (Vice President AIMS); Maestro Alberto Coltorti (former Italian National team Sabre coach); Maestra Roberta Giussani (Vice-President AAI); Maestro Gnisci (former Italian National team Epee coach) and Maestro Roberto Piranio (Vice President AAI).

The Fencing Master’s Diploma is released from the Accademia Nazionale di Scherma in Naples, Italy. The Academie d’Armes Internationale (AAI) have also recognised the Maltese Masters and will also be issuing an International Diploma to the three Maltese.

The three Maltese Masters have founded the Malta Academy of Fencing (MAF) which has already gained International recognition by the AAI, to assist in the formation of Fencing instructors in Malta.

In 2010 the Malta Academy of Fencing will be organising the World Championships of Fencing Masters in Malta - a unique event being brought to Malta for the first time.

Any persons interested in Fencing may contact Maestro Daniel Sammut on 9940 7388 or Maestro Dr. Kenneth Spiteri on 7999 8808.