"After an incredible start in Croatia, I was ready to begin a major new chapter of my journey: Italy. The Judo Nomad project resonated strongly across the Balkans and I was soon flooded with invitations from dojos just across the border, all eager to share the tatami.
My Italian journey began in Trieste, though not quite as planned. After weeks of intense travel and work, I misread my schedule and arrived three days early. At the beginning of this project, such a mistake could have been financially damaging. This time, however, thanks to the generosity of the Croatian judo community, I could afford to adapt.
In the end, those extra days became a gift. I explored the city, visited the beautiful Miramare Castle and spent time training with the local club as a student before leading my seminar. My thanks go to Mara and the entire Trieste team for their warmth and friendship; we are already planning to meet again at the international camp in Poreč.
Italy’s train system proved ideal for a travelling judoka and I soon made my way to Udine, where I was welcomed by Judo Yama Arashi. Although their head coach, Milena, was away coaching at a competition, I spent several days working with the younger athletes. Despite their age, their level was remarkably high. With over 400 members, this dojo is a true hub of development and an essential stop on my world judo map.
From there, I travelled to Tamai to visit Gianni Maman, a long-awaited meeting. The level here was exceptional too, with athletes competing at national level and even young world medallists. Gianni and Mara also helped promote the project through local interviews, allowing it to reach a wider audience.
Gianni’s experience was clearly reflected in his students’ ne-waza. Their ground work was sharp, technical and modern, an important reminder that success in today’s judo requires mastery both standing and on the ground. By this stage, I must admit that Italian hospitality, particularly in the form of pizza, was beginning to take its toll, but the experience was worth every gram.
After two days of travel, I reached Jesi, near Ancona. This visit came through Riccardo, a friend I met during the Paris Olympic Games, who wanted me to meet his original judo family. The club operates through a network of smaller dojos in surrounding villages, all feeding into a central structure, a model similar to many French systems. Training with the senior group was a real challenge. Living as a nomad often means teaching more than training and these judoka reminded me what high-intensity practice truly feels like.
It was also in Jesi that I experienced authentic homemade carbonara, an unforgettable highlight both on and off the mat.
Returning north, I arrived in Modena, the city of Enzo Ferrari, a symbol of vision and ambition. It felt like the perfect place to reflect on the purpose of my own journey.
Thanks to Matteo and his team, my visit included an unexpected highlight: meeting Iryna Kindzerska, an Olympic medallist who has settled in Modena recently. Despite her achievements, she was incredibly humble and her presence is sure to elevate the local team.
Matteo himself is a forward-thinking coach, building a structured network of clubs that could well yield future international success. It was inspiring to see such long-term vision in action.
No journey through Italy would be complete without a stop in Rome. Although I was unable to organise a training session there, I took the opportunity to visit the Vatican, technically adding another country to my list, bringing the spirit of judo to the heart of the capital.
My final destination was Napoli. There, I had the privilege of meeting Sandro Piccirillo, former manager of Olympic champion Pino Maddaloni. Training in Torre del Greco, beneath the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, was an unforgettable experience. Sandro’s knowledge and experience are immense, having guided some of Italy’s greatest champions. Every session was a lesson not only in technique but in the deeper philosophy of judo.
The journey concluded with a seminar alongside Ryu Shichinoe, widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors to have faced Teddy Riner. Sharing the mat with him was a true honour. Despite his reputation, he was one of the most humble and thoughtful people I have met. We spent hours discussing judo and life and we are already considering future collaborations. A huge thank you to the Napoli team for the warm welcome and for making this seminar such a success.
Italy proved to be a journey of intensity, generosity and high-level exchange. While travelling here can be expensive, the support of the judo community made it possible, welcoming me into their dojos, homes and lives.
To everyone supporting this project, especially on Patreon, thank you. Your support allows this journey to continue, one dojo at a time.
The journey goes on. See you on the mat."
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