VALE JOSEPH D’ONOFRIO, OAM

The fencing community was saddened to hear the news that Joseph D’Onofrio OAM passed away on the 6 November 2015. Joseph was a passionate ambassador for the sport of fencing and will be sorely missed.

It is fair to say that the measure of a man is not ‘what he gained’ but rather ‘what he gave’ and Joseph was an exemplar in demonstrating such a quality. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy for the fencing community at large and for his beloved club, Fioretto Fencing Club. 

We had the great good fortune of interviewing Joseph in his capacity as President and Maestro of the Fioretto Fencing Club in August 2013 and we felt it was fitting to again highlight the interview and pause to reflect on Joseph’s wonderful contribution to fencing.  Joseph’s interview has the highest number of hits on this site and has been much commented upon. 

Should you be reading Joseph’s interview for the first time or indeed re-reading the interview, you will quickly gain an insight into a man who never wavered in his enthusiasm and passion for fencing. Joseph will be fondly remembered. Enjoy reading his interview.

INTERVIEW with MAESTRO JOSEPH D’ONOFRIO - 1 August 2013

This year (2013) Joseph D’Onofrio celebrated his 65^th year of participation in fencing. Currently President and Maestro of the Fioretto Fencing club, which was established in 1982, Joseph is a passionate advocate of fencing not only as a sporting activity but also for the inherent values and principles it represents. The following is a summary of an interview held with Joseph on 1 August 2013. The thumbnail portraits of Joseph provide clear proof of his unwavering enthusiasm and love of talking about fencing.

At the very outset, Joseph makes the point that ‘fencing and fencers, above all, are virtually obligated to be the best in society”

“Fencing is a martial art but it is different from most other martial arts where life is worth nothing other than the service you render to your master and that can mean killing. The fencer is obligated to be safe and the first rule of fencing literally has been not to get hit. In fencing, life must be preserved and this immediately gives you a responsibility and gave you a choice. You don’t have to fight someone and get killed. The traditional objective of fencing is to defend yourself and then remove yourself in order to look after your group and re-position in a way that will assure you live”

READ FULL INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH MAITRE D’ARMES NEIL HICK

Neil Hick started fencing when he was about 10 years of age and fenced as a junior for a number of years. Neil was awarded a scholarship to America and fenced in America for five years before coming back to Australia. READ FULL INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW with ROBERT Di PASQUALE

This is an interview with Robert Di Pasquale, Head Coach of Blacklords Fencing Club, conducted in November 2013. Blacklords Fencing Club was formed by Robert in 2000.READ FULL INTERVIEW