Welcome to Marconi Fencing Academy

At Marconi Fencing Academy, we believe that fencing is more than just a sport—it’s an art form that combines strategy, skill, and athleticism. Our mission is to provide a supportive and challenging environment where fencers of all levels can grow and excel. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, our academy offers the perfect place to hone your skills and embrace the excitement of fencing.

Our history

Marconi Fencing Academy was founded in 2005 by father and son, Joseph and Sam Salemi, with the goal of bringing the sport of fencing to the South Western Sydney community. Starting with a small group of enthusiasts, the academy provided expert training in foil. Under the mentorship of former Italian Olympic Coach Antonio Signorello, our fencers have achieved remarkable success in both state and national competitions.

Why choose us

Choosing Marconi Fencing Academy means joining a community committed to excellence, safety, and personal growth. Our professional coaches are dedicated to helping you achieve your best, whether you’re aiming to compete or simply want to enjoy the sport. With a focus on both physical and mental development, we provide a well-rounded experience that fosters confidence, discipline, and camaraderie.

The Marconi Blades

The Marconi Blades represent the spirit and determination of our academy. As a team, we strive to push the boundaries of what we can achieve, both individually and collectively. Our members are not only skilled fencers but also ambassadors of the sport, embodying the values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

Our fencers have also consistently demonstrated excellence on the world stage. We take immense pride in Chloe Esposito’s gold medal victory at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, and Robert Ciccarelli’s participation in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

Meet our team

Our team of experienced coaches and staff are the backbone of Marconi Fencing Academy. With years of experience and a deep love for the sport, they are dedicated to helping every member reach their full potential. Get to know the people who will guide you on your fencing journey.

Dimi Giovanni

Head Coach

Dimi Giovanni

Head Coach

Dimi joined us in 2013 from Greece and is a former Greek National Fencing Team member and Olympic candidate. As Head Coach, she has guided numerous athletes to success at state, national, and international levels, including Robert Ciccarelli, who competed in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Federico Moreno

Assistant Coach

Federico Moreno

Assistant Coach

Federico started as a fencer at Marconi Fencing Academy in 2009 and developed a passion for the sport under Maestro Antonio Signorello's mentorship. He continues to compete at state and national levels and assists Head Coach Dimi Giovanni in coaching.

Josette Giampietro

President

Josette Giampietro

President

Josette's journey began as a proud fencing mother, and over time, she developed a deep passion for the sport. After serving as Club Secretary from 2010 to 2012, she has led the Marconi Fencing Academy as President since 2012.

Carla Ciccarelli

Secretary

Carla Ciccarelli

Secretary

Carla is a dedicated volunteer in the fencing community, serving as our Club Secretary since 2012 and assisting the NSW Fencing Association with competitions. Her son, Robert Ciccarelli, is a current Marconi fencer and a member of the Australian Fencing Team, representing the country internationally.

Sam Salemi

Founder, Coach & Armourer

Sam Salemi

Founder, Coach & Armourer

Sam co-founded Marconi Fencing Academy with his son Joseph, Oreste Gentile and Veronica Tseng-Donald in 2005 and has been a key figure ever since. As a coach and armourer, he has been instrumental in the club’s development and remains a respected figure in the Western Sydney sporting community.

What is fencing?

Fencing is a fast-paced and athletic sport, vastly different from the choreographed swordplay seen in movies. The sport features three distinct weapons: Foil, Epee, and Sabre, each with its own rules and target areas. While fencers may train in all three, they typically specialise in one. Evolving from historical duels, fencing today requires mastery of both physical technique and mental strategy.

Contact us

Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help. Reach out to us, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Training days

  • Monday & Thursday

    5:45PM – 7:45PM

General enquiries

Whether you're curious about the art of fencing, the programs we offer or need further information, fill out the form below to get in touch.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thank you for reaching out!

Your message has been received.

Thank you for contacting us! We appreciate your interest and are here to assist you with any questions or information you need. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible to ensure you have all the details you’re looking for.

We look forward to chatting with you soon!

Associations