Gladiator school

Learn to fight like a gladiator: get a Roman name and learn some fighting moves to keep you alive in the arena. Dressed in a tunic with swords and shields, the boys couldn’t have been happier with their private gladiator class this Sunday.

Starting with a few warm-ups, Mirko swiftly moved on to fighting moves: stab, block, shield. Keeping everything very controlled with just enough bashing but never straying into the danger zone (the swords are sturdy and could cause a few bruises.)

Why a private class? There are few better places to do a gladiator class than under the ancient umbrella pines in Villa Pamphili park. Mirko was the perfect teacher: tough enough to keep the boys in line but with a sprinkling of humour and plenty of patience. And his English was excellent. We recommend his private class if you have more than one child because the cost of the gladiator school at the Gruppo Storico Romano is exorbitant, and my kids found the half hour lecture before the class deadly boring.

Cost: €100 for a group for an hour and a half.

Info: If you’re interested in private gladiator classes with Mirko, email us at trovatrails@gmail.com and we’ll send you all the details.