Francesco LodaFrancesco Loda has sought to model his life on that of the "swordsman-scholars" of the Renaissance. As a scholar, he has a Ph.D in the History of Religions, and a second Ph. D. in Ancient Civilization and History. He began historical fencing in 1999,gaining the rank of Maestro d'Arme (Master-at-Arms) from the Italian Fencing Federation (F.I.S) and recognition as an athletic trainer by the Italian Olympic Committee. He is a founding member and president of A.I.M.A. - Italian Master-at-Arms Association, a young organization charged with creating a new generation of historical fencing teachers. As an athlete, from 2004 - 2017 he has won over six metals, forty gold, in rapier and sword tournaments throughout Europe and U.S.A., making him the most awarded athlete in competitive rapier fencing. Read More Read Less