My story

10 years of always competing on the podium in all the European championships, from 1990 to 2000. In 1997 world gold in Manila and world silver in 1998 in Rio de Janeiro. There are many difficulties to overcome, especially a condition without financial support, therefore preparation equal to other professionals but with the need for a job. In 1997 the big opportunity, the team is really ready, we are very strong, but for me there is a health problem that requires surgery, it means giving up and losing my place and role in the team. My decision was to go anyway, 10,000km away from home, to the Philippines, with the risk of an emergency operation in the country that I knew nothing about. It was the best performance of my career. The thing that fascinated me was the energy I always felt in a team of valiant people with a common goal, a mission to work hard for, together. Personally I had to grow a lot, learning not to give up is absolutely not easy, keeping a team united and with high morale is even less so. Doubts, fears and insecurities could not be unloaded on my classmates who expected an example and encouragement from me. For 30 years now, I have been transmitting these experiences, through teaching, in various European and non-European countries. In addition to passion, I have added a sense of responsibility towards the people who choose to follow the path of practice with me.

My Project

This project was born with the intention of showing a broad but simple vision of what practicing Karate can mean nowadays, in a moment in the history of this discipline, where the sporting part is important, but very often the only one known. Karate as a sport- Karate a Martial Art and how to become a Martial “Artist”. Karate can make an educational contribution. Karate and its real effectiveness. 10-year career in the role of captain of the Italian karate team (team Kata specialty), of the Italian federation accredited in the Olympic league.