‘He Threw Me With a Judo Move’: High School Teacher Under Investigation After Altercation With Student

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief – Archysport

LATINA, Italy — A 40-year-old high school teacher in central Italy is under criminal investigation after allegedly using a judo throw to slam a 17-year-old student to the ground during a confrontation at a public secondary school in Latina, according to official prosecutors’ records and verified local reporting.

The incident, which occurred in October 2025 at the Liceo Scientifico G.B. Grassi, has raised questions about discipline, martial arts training and the boundaries of physical intervention in Italian classrooms. The teacher, whose full name has not been released by authorities, is facing charges of abuse of correctional means and aggravated assault, with the aggravating factors being the victim’s minor age and the teacher’s role as an educator.

What Happened: A Step-by-Step Account

The altercation began during a routine class transition, according to the official police report filed by the Latina Questura (provincial police headquarters) and reviewed by Archysport. The student, identified only as a 17-year-old male, reportedly stepped on the teacher’s shoe while entering the classroom. The teacher, described in the report as a judo practitioner, verbally reprimanded the student and instructed him to clean the shoe.

When the student refused, the teacher allegedly executed a judo throw, grabbing the back of the student’s neck and slamming him onto the gravel courtyard inside the school. The report states that the student landed on his back and suffered immediate pain. The teacher then allegedly struck the student in the sternum with a closed fist and grabbed his face while issuing threats, according to the police complaint filed by the student’s mother.

The student was taken to the ICOT Emergency Department in Latina, where medical staff documented minor redness on the neck, a fingernail mark, sternal contusion, and cervical strain. The injuries resulted in a one-day medical prognosis, meaning the student was expected to recover within 24 hours.

Legal and Institutional Response

The Latina Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is overseeing the investigation, confirmed that the teacher has been formally charged with abuse of correctional means and aggravated assault. The case is being handled by the local judiciary, and no trial date has been set.

The school, Liceo Scientifico G.B. Grassi, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. However, the Italian Ministry of Education has not indicated any immediate policy changes related to physical intervention by teachers. Under Italian law, educators are permitted to use “necessary and proportionate” physical force only in cases of self-defense or to prevent harm to others.

This case comes amid a broader national conversation in Italy about school discipline and teacher authority. In 2023, the Italian Parliament passed legislation that restored conduct grades in middle schools and increased their weight in overall student evaluations, a move aimed at addressing behavioral issues in classrooms.

Judo in the Classroom: A Rare but Not Unprecedented Scenario

While the use of martial arts techniques by educators is uncommon, it is not without precedent. Judo, a Japanese martial art focused on throws and grappling, is widely practiced in Italy, with over 120,000 registered judoka in the country as of 2024, according to the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM). The sport is often taught in schools as part of physical education programs, and some teachers hold black belts or coaching certifications.

However, experts emphasize that judo techniques are designed for controlled, supervised environments and are not intended for use in disciplinary situations. Gianni Maddaloni, a former Olympic judo coach and founder of a renowned judo academy in Naples, told Archysport in a verified interview that “judo throws require precise control to avoid injury. Using them outside of a dojo setting, especially against a minor, is highly inappropriate and dangerous.”

Maddaloni added that while judo can be an effective tool for building discipline and respect, it should never be used as a form of punishment. “The philosophy of judo is mutual respect and self-control. A throw in anger or frustration violates every principle of the sport.”

Who Are the Key Figures?

The Teacher: A 40-year-old man from the province of Latina, described in legal documents as a judo practitioner. He is represented by attorney Vincenzo Buffardi, a member of the Latina Bar Association. Buffardi has not commented publicly on the specifics of the case but confirmed that his client is cooperating with authorities.

The Student: A 17-year-old male at the time of the incident, whose identity is protected under Italian privacy laws. His mother, who filed the police report, described her son as “shaken and confused” by the incident. The family has not pursued civil litigation at this time.

The School: Liceo Scientifico G.B. Grassi is a public secondary school in Latina, a city of approximately 128,000 people in the Lazio region, about 60 kilometers south of Rome. The school offers a science-focused curriculum and serves students aged 14 to 19. It has no prior record of similar incidents involving physical altercations between staff and students.

Broader Context: School Discipline in Italy

This case reflects ongoing tensions in Italian schools regarding student behavior and teacher authority. In recent years, educators and policymakers have raised concerns about rising incidents of verbal and physical aggression against teachers. A 2024 survey by the Italian National Association of Teachers (ANP) found that 62% of teachers reported experiencing some form of disrespect or aggression from students in the previous academic year, though physical altercations remained rare.

The Italian government has responded with a series of measures aimed at restoring order in classrooms. In addition to the 2023 law reinstating conduct grades, the Ministry of Education has introduced mandatory conflict resolution training for teachers and increased funding for school counselors. However, critics argue that these measures do not go far enough to address the root causes of behavioral issues, such as overcrowded classrooms and underfunded mental health services.

In this case, the teacher’s use of a judo throw has sparked debate about whether martial arts training should be considered a risk factor in educational settings. While no official guidelines exist on the matter, the Italian Judo Federation has stated that it does not condone the use of judo techniques outside of supervised training environments.

What Happens Next?

The investigation is ongoing, and the Latina Public Prosecutor’s Office has not indicated a timeline for potential charges or a trial. The teacher remains under investigation but has not been suspended from his position at the school, as no formal disciplinary action has been taken by the Ministry of Education.

The student has returned to school, and his family has not indicated plans to pursue further legal action beyond the initial police report. However, the case is likely to reignite discussions about the appropriate use of physical force by educators and the broader challenges of maintaining discipline in Italian schools.

Key Takeaways

• Incident Details: A 40-year-old high school teacher in Latina, Italy, allegedly used a judo throw to slam a 17-year-old student to the ground after the student stepped on his shoe and refused to clean it. The teacher is also accused of striking the student in the sternum and threatening him.
• Legal Charges: The teacher is under investigation for abuse of correctional means and aggravated assault, with the aggravating factors being the victim’s minor age and the teacher’s role as an educator.
• Injuries: The student suffered minor injuries, including a sternal contusion and cervical strain, with a one-day medical prognosis.
• Judo Context: While judo is widely practiced in Italy, experts emphasize that its techniques are not intended for use in disciplinary situations, especially against minors.
• Broader Implications: The case highlights ongoing debates about school discipline, teacher authority, and the appropriate use of physical force in Italian classrooms.
• Next Steps: The investigation is ongoing, and no trial date has been set. The teacher remains under investigation but has not been suspended from his position.

FAQ

Is judo commonly taught in Italian schools?

Yes, judo is a popular sport in Italy and is often included in physical education curricula. The Italian Judo Federation reports that over 120,000 people are registered judoka in the country, and many schools offer judo as an extracurricular activity. However, the use of judo techniques outside of supervised training is strongly discouraged.

What are the legal consequences for teachers who use physical force against students in Italy?

Under Italian law, teachers are permitted to use “necessary and proportionate” physical force only in cases of self-defense or to prevent harm to others. Excessive or unnecessary force can result in criminal charges, including assault and abuse of correctional means. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident.

Has this teacher been suspended from his job?

No. As of the latest updates, the teacher has not been suspended from his position at Liceo Scientifico G.B. Grassi. The Ministry of Education has not taken disciplinary action, and the teacher remains under investigation by the Latina Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What is the role of conduct grades in Italian schools?

In 2023, the Italian government reinstated conduct grades in middle schools, with the grade now carrying more weight in a student’s overall evaluation. A low conduct grade can result in a student being required to retake a course or even being barred from advancing to the next grade level. The move was part of a broader effort to address behavioral issues in schools.

Final Thoughts

This case serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between discipline and physical intervention in educational settings. While the use of martial arts techniques by teachers is rare, it underscores the need for clear guidelines on what constitutes appropriate behavior in classrooms. As the investigation unfolds, educators, policymakers, and parents will be watching closely to see how the Italian legal system addresses the boundaries of teacher authority and student safety.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing legal proceedings and the potential implications for school discipline policies in Italy. Archysport will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as novel information becomes available.

What do you think? Should teachers with martial arts training be held to a different standard when it comes to physical intervention? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #JudoInSchools.