Carpi, Italy — The judo community in Emilia-Romagna is grieving the loss of Alcide Malagoli, founder of Judo Club Carpi and a revered figure in Italian martial arts, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era for judo in the region, where he dedicated over five decades to teaching, mentoring, and preserving the values of the discipline.
Malagoli established Judo Club Carpi in 1970, creating what would become the first and only dedicated judo dojo in the city. According to multiple verified sources, he built the club from the ground up, transforming it into a lasting institution that continues to operate today under the leadership of his longtime student and successor, Stefano Righi.
Born in November 1940, Malagoli began his journey in judo alongside fellow master Giuliano Gibertoni, with whom he initially co-founded the Judo Club Geesink in Modena. However, due to differing visions, the two parted ways, leading Malagoli to establish his own path in Carpi. There, he founded a dojo where he could freely express his philosophy of judo as more than just sport — a way of life rooted in discipline, respect, and personal growth.
Throughout his career, Malagoli earned the rank of third-degree black belt (third dan) and became a respected master not only in judo but also in the intricate art of watchmaking, a lesser-known skill he pursued with the same precision he applied to teaching. His expertise extended beyond the tatami, as he also taught judo at Polisportiva Corassori in Modena, further expanding his influence across the region.
In 1985, Malagoli attended the official masters’ course in Rome, solidifying his status as a technical reference point for judo in Emilia-Romagna. His contributions were recognized not only for producing skilled athletes but for shaping generations of young people into principled individuals. As Stefano Righi, his first student and now head of Judo Club Carpi, recalled in a recent tribute: “Oggi, si è spento il Maestro Alcide Malagoli, fondatore nel 1970 del primo e unico dojo (palestra) di Judo a Carpi. Alcide è stato per tutti i ragazzi che hanno frequentato la palestra un importante punto di riferimento senza eguali, disponibile all’ascolto con conseguenti buoni consigli…”
The news of his passing was confirmed by FIJLKAM Emilia Romagna, the regional branch of Italy’s official federation for judo, wrestling, karate, and martial arts. In a statement released on April 24, 2026, the organization expressed profound sorrow, describing Malagoli as “un Maestro che ha saputo formare non soltanto atleti, ma persone.” Paolo Oleari, FIJLKAM Emilia Romagna’s technical commissioner and head of the federal training center in Castel Maggiore, added: “Perdo un altro punto di riferimento, un amico, un fratello maggiore, una persona schiva d’altri tempi dotato di grande saggezza e sensibilità.”
Malagoli’s legacy lives on through the continued operation of Judo Club Carpi, which remains active in promoting judo at the grassroots level. The club, located in the heart of Carpi, continues to uphold the principles he instilled — emphasizing not just technical excellence but the moral and ethical dimensions of the martial art. His approach, often described as quiet yet deeply impactful, resonated with students who valued his wisdom and unwavering commitment.
Funeral arrangements have not been detailed in publicly available sources, but the outpouring of grief from the local judo community underscores the depth of his influence. Friends, former students, and colleagues have highlighted his humility, wisdom, and the lasting impression he left on everyone he encountered.
As the judo world reflects on his life, Malagoli’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of mentorship and the quiet individuals who shape sports not through headlines, but through decades of consistent, heartfelt dedication. His work ensured that judo in Carpi would not merely survive but thrive — a testament to a life lived in service to others.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the judo community in Emilia-Romagna is the resumption of regular training sessions at Judo Club Carpi, expected to continue under Stefano Righi’s guidance as a living tribute to Malagoli’s vision. For updates on club activities and memorial initiatives, followers are encouraged to consult the official channels of Judo Club Carpi and FIJLKAM Emilia Romagna.
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