About Ilkka

My name is Ilkka Outo. I study Historical European Martial Arts with a focus on 16th-century Italian fencing traditions. I have practiced these arts for over 20 years, with a particular focus on the Bolognese tradition as codified by Achille Marozzo and his contemporaries.

In 2010, I co-founded EHMS, which went on to become the most successful competitive HEMA club in Finland. I taught there actively until 2016 and have since focused on independent research.

Workshops

I have held workshops and lectures on Historical European Martial Arts at events around the world. In addition to Finland, I have presented my research in England, Sweden, Austria, France, the Netherlands, the United States, Italy, Singapore, Hungary, and Canada.

I am occasionally available for one-off workshops and public speaking. If you are interested, reach me at [email protected](opens in a new tab).

Competitions

I competed actively between 2010 and 2015. Selected results:

1st place, Helsinki Bolognese Open (sidesword), Finland 2015
3rd place, Taurhemachia (sword and buckler), Italy 2015
Among best 6 of 40, Taurhemachia (sidesword), Italy 2015
1st place, Helsinki Bolognese Open (sidesword and rotella), Finland 2014
Best technical fighter, Helsinki Bolognese Open (open sidesword), Finland 2014
3rd place, International Lowlands HEMA Gathering (open single-handed sword), the Netherlands 2014
Best technical fighter, PNW HEMA Gathering (invitational sword and buckler), USA 2014
4th place, Swordfish (open saber), Sweden 2011
4th place, Marozzo Premio (two-handed sword choreography), Italy 2010