Q&A with Davide Marini

Davide Marini is a mechanical engineer who started fencing as an adult.

How Davide Discovered Fencing

How did you learn about fencing? How long have you been fencing for?

A friend of mine made an interesting remark over dinner about six years ago: “I cannot believe you are Italian and don’t fence!” He had a theory that Italians are genetically predisposed to fencing due to the many duels fought in the Italian city states during the Middle Ages. He insisted that I should try and dragged me to the club. I loved it instantly!

The Joy of Fencing

What do you love about fencing?

I will write an essay about this, as I have so much to say! Fencing is the most extraordinary of sports. It is beautifully merciless: all your weaknesses will be revealed to yourself in bright daylight, as well as your strengths. It demands everything you have at the physical and mental level. It reveals who you are to yourself, at a deeper level than you could learn intellectually.

Life Lessons from Fencing

What is one important lesson you have learned about life from fencing?

Fencing teaches you at a visceral level that the riskiest path is not taking risks. No MBA class can teach you this lesson with the degree of depth that fencing does.

Beyond the Fencing Strip

Where do you work?  

I am originally from Italy and obtained my PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT. I am a cofounder and CEO at Inkbit Corporation, an MIT spinout focused on additive manufacturing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of fencing?

Due to my schedule, fencing is the only activity I can manage besides work. If I had extra time, I would learn more about history, architecture, mathematics, physics, biology, photography, fly fishing, archery, woodworking, computer science, robotics, and much more!

Looking Ahead

What is your next goal (fencing or otherwise)?

I would love to be on the podium of a national competition.

Words of Wisdom for Young Fencers

What advice do you have for younger fencers?

I would recommend extraordinary gratitude to their parents for the gift of fencing!

A Note of Gratitude

A gratitude for.....

I am super grateful to the Creator of the universe for allowing me to fence. What an incredible privilege this is!

A Note of Gratitude

Why did you choose LEO? What makes it a special place? 

I love the atmosphere at LEO! There is something magical here. It is a curiously atypical combination of two apparent opposites: a tremendously competitive desire to win, combined with the lightheartedness, sense of humor, and humility to recognize what needs to improve.

Join Us at LEO Fencing Club

At LEO Fencing Club, we help fencers of all levels unlock their full potential. Whether you’re a beginner or a future champion, we’re here to support you. Join us and be part of a vibrant community that shares your passion for fencing!