Success in producing talented young fencers who have gone on to represent the state and the country.
Fioretto Fencing Club Inc is a renowned sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1982 by Maestro Joe D'Onofrio, the club started with just a few fencers and a school hall. However, over the years, it has grown into a successful and thriving community of fencers.
One of the club's notable achievements was securing a rundown scout hall in Clayton in 1996 as its permanent training venue. This marked a turning point for the club, leading to a period of remarkable growth and expansion. The club invested significant time and resources into developing the venue to provide its members with the best possible training environment.
Fioretto Fencing Club has always been on the forefront of innovation. In 2002, it became the first fencing club in the state to send a coach overseas to become qualified to train wheelchair fencers. This initiative led to the establishment of the only wheelchair training programme in Victoria. Simultaneously, the club also developed a strong sabre squad under the guidance of coach Eddie Marmur.
Fioretto fencers quickly dominated the Victorian sabre fencing scene and achieved remarkable success.
Despite facing challenges, such as the condemnation of the training venue by the local council, Fioretto Fencing Club has always persevered. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Maestro Joe, the club secured a new venue in East Oakleigh in 2006, known as the Fioretto Hall. This move allowed the club to expand its training sessions and accommodate its growing membership.
Today, Fioretto Fencing Club boasts over 100 members, including beginners of all ages. The club runs 10 sessions a week, along with Sunday competitions and holiday workshops. It is a hub of junior development, with three dedicated training sessions specifically catered to young fencers. The club takes pride in producing talented young fencers who have successfully represented both the state and the country.
In addition to its regular training sessions, Fioretto Fencing Club offers a women's fencing group every Wednesday morning, providing a safe and friendly environment for women to learn the sport. The club also collaborates with the Home Education Network to offer beginner's programmes to homeschooled children, which has been highly popular in recent years.
Fioretto Fencing Club Inc welcomes beginners of all ages and encourages a diverse and inclusive sporting community. Whether you are an experienced fencer or someone looking to try a new sport, Fioretto offers a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Join the club today and unleash your potential in the exciting world of fencing.