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The Czech judo master Renato Cantini was awarded. At the ceremony also the former pupil Giulia Quintavalle

cecina, the instructor, who has just turned 80, has been awarded the eighth dan

CHICKPEAS FLOUR PIE. In the gym since the mid-sixties, Renato Cantini today it is the only 8th dan black belt in judo in Tuscany. More than a title of merit, it is a degree, recently turned eighty. A pleasant coincidence, fantastic news that shook the world of sport, ready – from football to other martial arts – to shake hands with the master who, with patience and competence, style and stiletto, has trained dozens of champions and already achieved results. carved in history. One for all: Giulia Quintavalle, gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which at the Kodokan, his gym, celebrated it not before having read to everyone the official letter signed by Domenico Falcone, the national president Fijlkam, the Italian federation of judo, wrestling, karate and martial arts.

“For me it is an exceptional result – said Cantini, moved, standing on the fighting square together with young people seen as children and become agonists – because the qualification is recognized throughout the world and then for the joy of seeing athletes who have grown up here and carry on my work. I’m from Rosignano, where I started, opening the first gym in Cecina in Viale Marconi in 1964. I will never finish thanking Italo Vinchesi, who immediately believed in my project, and the mayors I met over time: like the citizens, they welcomed me with kindness and grace and were always affectionate ».

“In the end, the Kodokan, which first moved to via Verdi to find another historical location and now in the modern building in via Togliatti, was my first home – Cantini goes on – Of course, in almost sixty years I have formed many black belts: Marco Tarchi, the lamented Michele Monti, Giulia and the new generations. It was a wonderful experience, I raised many children with whom I became friends and confidant. I’m honest, I didn’t expect it: the dinner and the letter from the president were much more than a gift ».

In the text signed by Falcone it is written that “with a” motu proprio “decision I confer the 8th dan black belt as recognition of the decades-long and meritorious work you have carried out in favor of Italian judo and in consideration of the many and particular merits acquired through the always constant , qualified and valuable commitment demonstrated for the technical development and dissemination of our discipline ». The prestigious qualification, we still read, represents the highest sporting award and crowns and honors the long militancy and dedication to Italian judo. Followed by compliments and gratitude for a professional and human path that, in a provincial city, is truly extraordinary.

«Renato was a teacher, teacher, examiner – says Giulia Quintavalle, 6th dan – able to stand out because he taught the technique well and his judo was clean. Without forgetting the charisma, the ability to get in tune with people of different ages and, when appropriate, to play down without ever losing sight of the problem ». “In short – concludes the champion who, in 2008, in Beijing, gave Italy a splendid Olympic gold, beating in the final, with a clear 11-1, the Dutch Gravenstijn – Renato is a team man, meticulous, good at joking while keeping discipline, the soul of our sport ».

The champion Quintavalle in the gym read the letter from the federal president and spoke in front of everyone.
And, precisely, following Renato’s advice, Giulia, now no longer in the role of the athlete, has formed another group of instructors: Andrea False, Mara Laici, Orazio D’Allura He is his brother Manuel Quintavalle. Giulia is also the national technical adviser of Coni and from Cantini she has learned the art of the challenge. In short, a double opportunity to celebrate for the master Renato, surrounded by the affection and esteem of his students. “Best wishes from the heart, dear teacher,” his boys told him. He smiled happily. An uncommon story, his, in which for once life has been added to the years and not just the years to life.

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