THE KODOKAN – Interview to six athletes
By Martina Xenia Baldi (University of Florence)
Translation by Stephanie Castro (Stanford University)
In the previous article we introduced karate, its history, and its rules. To learn more we approached one of the many gyms in Florence, the Kodokan, where they gave us more information and had the opportunity to interview six athletes. The boys and girls who responded to the questions are very young, aged 14 to 19,and they are all fans of the sport.
At what age did you start? Why?
Alessia Coppola Neri: Around 9 /10 years. Just for fun, after watching the movie “Karate Kid”.
Benedetta Guerra: I started at the age of 5, with a friend.
Calanca David: I started at 8 and then I stopped for a while. My father practiced Judo, but I decided to do karate because it seemed more complete and interesting. Before signing up I watched others train a few times.
Simone Marino: When I was 6, inspired by Jackie Chan and Karate Kid
Stefano Martella: When I was 11 because my cousin did it, and my father did as well when he was young.
Gabriele Puleo: At age 5, because my brother practiced it. I went to his matches and I started to like it.
What were your first achievements and when?
Alessia Coppola Neri: The first really important thing I achieved was in 2010, Iwon the Junior Individual Italian Champion in the +68 kg category.
Benedetta Guerra: As children we do not fight each other, matches and training consist of obstacle courses we must overcome.
Simone Marino: In the beginning there were few awards…
Stefano Martella: In 2009 I finished third at the Regional Championship.
Gabriele Puleo: As early as 8 years. I followed my brother abroad, to places like OPEN in Croatia, a country where even the smallest students fight seriously. Anyone can subscribe to OPEN. My brother [Francesco Puleo, the coach] competed and the next day it was my turn.
How much time per day do you devote to training? Do you train by yourself?
Alessia Coppola Neri: I train all week, for at least 3 hours a day. Normally Monday to Friday because during the weekend I have matches.
Benedetta Guerra: At certain times the entire week,other times only three times a week; normally 2 hours for each workout.
David Calanca: 3 times a week at the gym. At home I practice for 10-15 minutes a day, stretching or stepping. On weekends I do physical training with my father.
Simone Marino: About an hour and a half in class… but not by myself!
Stefano Martella: In the gym … but never alone.
Gabriele Puleo: Every day for about an hour and a half with Alessia. I also do physical training.
What have you won?
Alessia Coppola Neri: In 2010 I was the champion of Italy twice and I entered the tour of National Seniors for 19 year-olds.
Benedetta Guerra: I was first in the 42kg category for the “Sardinia Trophy. ” In 2010 I was regional championin in the 47kg-category.
Simone Marino: I came in fifth at the 2010 Open in Campania. I was then summoned to the 40th national seminar for Italy. This means that I could compete for the national team in the near future.
Stefano Martella: I finished third in the 2010 Italian Championships, Beginners B-56kg category. In 2010 Campania Open I finished third, in the-57kg class.
Gabriele Puleo: 3 times bronze in the Italian Championships, between 2007 and 2009. I placed first at the 2009 Grado Open, 57kg category. I won more gold medals for “friendly” matches that I did to gain experience.
How often do you have to leave Florence? How are you financed, do you pay or does the company? Do you get paid for participating in matches?
Alessia Coppola Neri: At least twice a month, usually in Tuscany, to compete. Nobody funds, we pay everything by ourselves.
David Calanca: I compete outside of Florence less than other athletes. But I follow my peers when they travel, if possible.
Simone Marino: About every 2 or 3 weeks. At least once a month, no matter what.
Stefano Martella: A couple of times a month, like everyone else.
Have you ever gone abroad for competitions or rallies?
Alessia Coppola Neri: I competed at the Slovenia Open and the Croatia Open in 2009. Anyone can compete in the Open, as long as the pay the entrance fee.
Benedetta Guerra: Slovenia Open in 2009.
Simone Marino: Croatia Open in 2009.
Gabriele Puleo: Croatia Open in 2004, 2008 and 2009. I competed in the Slovenia Open, but not in 2009 like the others.
What do you do in life? Study? Are you planning to pursue karate as a career?
Alessia Coppola Neri: I go to a training school. Maybe I’ll become a Karate teacher.
Benedetta Guerra: I attended the Liceo Classico. I’d like to teach karate.
David Calanca: I study ITI, such as Bio-chemical operations. For me, karate is more a passion than a career.
Simone Marino: I study Biotechnology.
Stefano Martella: I attended the Tecnico per Geometri. I’d like to teach karate.
Gabriele Puleo: I attend ITI Mechanical. I’d like to train others, but I also have the option of becoming a professional athlete(which is very difficult because they budget cuts).
Is team spirit important? what are the retreats like?
Alessia Coppola Neri: Like any sport, cheering is imrtant, especially during team competitions.
Benedetta Guerra: The retreats are fun because we are all together.
Would you like to visit Japan, the birthplace of Karate, perhaps to meet with Japanese teachers and improve your technique?
Calanca David: Yeah, I’d like to meet Japanese athletes. Japan also has an interesting culture.
Simone and Stefano Martella Marino: No, no interest.
Puleo Gabriele: Yes, to compete. In Japan, there are many important competitions.
We take this opportunity to thank the Kodokan, the students, and the coach Francesco Puleo for his patience and his demonstrated kindness.
