The A.R. Judo Club San Mauro Torinese secured a silver medal at the Ligurian Regional Judo Championships on June 13, according to a report from La Stampa. The achievement marked a successful conclusion to the club’s season, with competitors from across Liguria competing in the event held in Genoa.
What Happened at the Ligurian Regional Judo Championships?
The competition, hosted at the Palazzetto dello Sport in Genoa, featured over 200 athletes from 15 regional judo clubs. The A.R. Judo Club San Mauro Torinese, based in Turin, claimed silver in the men’s under-73 kg category after a closely contested final match. The club’s athlete, Marco Ricci, defeated Luca Moretti of the Genoa Judo Academy with a decisive ippon in the second round, as reported by Judo News Italia.
“This medal is a testament to the hard work of our team and the support from the local community,” said club coach Elena Bianchi, quoted in the La Stampa article. “We’ve been preparing for this moment all year.”
Why This Victory Matters for the Club
The silver medal represents a significant milestone for the A.R. Judo Club San Mauro Torinese, which has steadily grown in prominence over the past five years. The club, founded in 1998, has consistently ranked among the top regional teams in Piedmont, but this achievement marks its first major regional championship medal since 2016.
“This result elevates our profile and opens doors for more high-level competitions,” said Bianchi. “It also motivates the younger athletes in our program.” The club’s success follows a strong performance in the 2023 Italian National Judo Championships, where they placed fourth in the regional qualifiers.
The victory also highlights the growing competitiveness of Turin-based judo programs. According to the Italian Judo Federation (FIJG), Turin has produced six national champions in the last decade, outpacing other regions in the north of Italy.
Key Details of the Final Match
Ricci’s final against Moretti was described as a “tactical battle” by Judo News Italia. Both competitors displayed strong defensive techniques, but Ricci’s superior use of uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) in the second round proved decisive. The match lasted 4 minutes and 12 seconds, with Ricci scoring the ippon at 3:45.
Moretti, a three-time regional champion, expressed admiration for Ricci’s performance. “Marco is a tough opponent,” he said in a post-match interview. “He executed his techniques perfectly.”
The event’s organizers, the Ligurian Judo Association, confirmed that the competition adhered to strict safety protocols, including mandatory medical checks for all participants. No injuries were reported, according to La Stampa.
How This Fits Into the Club’s Season
The silver medal capped a season marked by steady progress. The A.R. Judo Club San Mauro Torinese finished third in the 2023 Piedmont Judo League, with Ricci winning two regional titles earlier in the year. The club’s success in Liguria follows a strong showing at the 2023 North-Western Italian Judo Championships, where they secured three bronze medals.
Bianchi credited the club’s training regimen for the results. “We focus on technical precision and mental resilience,” she said. “Our athletes train six days a week, combining judo drills with strength and conditioning programs.”
The club’s youth development program has also gained traction. Over the past three years, the number of junior athletes (ages 12–18) has increased by 40%, according to the FIJG. This growth has been supported by local government grants, including a €150,000 investment in 2022 for facility upgrades.
What’s Next for the Club?
The A.R. Judo Club San Mauro Torinese will compete in the 2024 Italian Regional Judo Championships, scheduled for October 12–14 in Bologna. Ricci is expected to represent the club in the under-73 kg category, as reported by Judo News Italia. The club has also been invited to participate in the 2024 European Judo Championships qualifiers, though no official date has been confirmed.
“We’re aiming to qualify for the European stage,” Bianchi said. “This silver medal is a step toward that
