We returned from our tour of northern Italy safe and sound, and while I am in the process of writing a more detailed summary of the trip with pictures (might take some time), I’d like to thank Roberto Gotti, his family and his students at Guardia di Croce for the great hospitality and an event to remember. Congratulations for Alessio Gaffurini for winning the competition! I didn’t do too badly myself either, placing fourth and being the top competitor from outside Italy (I was also the only one). A big thank you also to Marco, Domenico and Luca from Sala d’Armi Achille Marozzo for taking care of us in Bologna, and to their top students for fencing with me (and making me sweat!).

As promised, here is the preliminary video I sent to the organizers prior to attending. A big thank you to Matti Eerikäinen for the top-notch cinematography and editing!