My name is Giovanni Rapisardi and I was born in Padua in 1971. Amazed by
the performances of Guy Williams in the clothes of Zorro, I started to
learn fencing when I was 6 under Maestro Guido Comini, one of the best
masters in Italy. I interrupted for some years the practice to study other
forms of combat (judo, kickboxing), and in 1992 I started my studies about
traditional fencing. I also learned horseback riding and studied the
technics of jousting, but I kept in my heart the passion for Zorro, so I
like specially the riding fencing of the sabre. Anyway I teach in the
Accademia Comini the ancient styles of two-handed sword, sword and shield,
rapier (alone or with buckler, round shield "rotella", dagger, cloak or
another rapier) and sabre. I have a direct contact with all the
traditional fencers in Italy, and an easy access to the most important
treatises. I like also the theatrical swordplay, and I presented my
choreographies in several historical performances. As I like to joke, in
Padua I'm known as Zorro, cause I like to ride with my horse, Tornado, in
the downtown by night. I'm very happy to have contacts all over the world
with people that have my same passion.
Ciao e viva la scherma !
Giovanni "Zorro" Rapisardi
Via Facciolati, 75
35127 - Padova - ITALY
phone (from U.S.) 00 39 49 8021502
00 39 338 328458
E-mail zorro@abc.it