«We teach our athletes all the techniques of martial arts, but on only one condition: that they respect the rules even outside the gym». The Martial Arts Academy of Rimini, based in via Guglielmo Oberdan 34, is a “creature” of Roberto Macrelli. He is the master who founded it in 1991. And that, after more than thirty years, he says he is proud of the successes he has achieved. His company, in fact, is one of the most successful companies in Italy. Even if, as he is keen to specify, these are not mere personal goals. «There is a whole team that works with me. Instructors, and above all athletes – he clarifies -. Ours is a real team effort.”
Macrelli, yours is one of the most successful teams in Italy: in which championships do you compete?
«Quite a few, to tell the truth. In our world there are various groups and federations, each of which promotes its own championships. With my team we try to compete a little in everyone. Over the 33 years of the academy’s existence we have brought home many titles. Both national and international.”
You are the founder of the academy: can yours be defined as a profession born from a passion?
«Absolutely yes, I have been passionate about it since I was a boy. A bit like everyone, I became interested in the sector thanks to Bruce Lee, who can be considered the founder of modern martial arts. I studied judo, karate and kung fu, until I became a black belt. Later I applied myself to ring sports. Then, in 1991, came the opening of the academy.”
How is it structured?
«It’s an association. I have many instructors who collaborate with me, who are the master. There are numerous members: from the youngest – 5-6 years is the age at which one begins to practice martial arts – up to adults who are even quite advanced in years. Many students of the academy, among other things, have become instructors themselves.”
What disciplines can you learn at the academy?
«We specialized in ring sports: muay thai, mma, kick boxing. We also practice tatami sports, such as grappling and ju jitsu, as well as krav maga (Israeli army fighting techniques) and wing chun courses. And then personal defense courses that are based on various styles. One of the most particular is jeet kune do, which mixes traditional and modern techniques from different martial arts styles.”
Why should young people choose to practice martial arts?
«First of all because self-defense is always necessary, especially nowadays. Furthermore, thanks to the stress that comes from everyday life, many people need to physically unwind, to “eliminate” tensions. And then, obviously, because it is a bringing together sport. We stay together and learn to be a team.”
What title made you most proud? And the next challenges awaiting you?
«Definitely participation in the Immaf world championships in Las Vegas, the most prestigious mixed martial arts competition. We participated with the national team, of which two out of seven athletes came from my academy. As for the next events, the MMA world championships (mixed martial arts, ed.) await us on April 28th in Jesolo. In mid-May, however, we will be involved in a world cup in San Marino”.
