FP #24: Fighting, Focaccia, and Family: A Martial Arts Homecoming

Show notes

In this comeback episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir reconnects with his longtime friend and ICCS instructor Andrea in Genoa, Italy. Together, they take listeners on a journey through the early days of ICCS in Europe, reminiscing about their first seminars, the challenges of building a gym from scratch, and the enduring discipline required to keep pushing forward in martial arts. Andrea shares insights into his thriving school, the evolution from small kids’ classes to a full academy with striking and grappling for all ages, and the recent fight experiences of his students—complete with tough opponents and a few controversial referee calls.

The conversation explores training philosophy, the importance of sparring, balancing family, coaching, and personal fitness, and how recovery and nutrition matter just as much as hard work. They discuss the changing landscape of self-defense and MMA in Europe, the value of full-contact experience, and why more experienced martial artists are joining ICCS for its “fighting solutions” mindset. With plenty of stories, laughs, and a shoutout to Genoa’s legendary focaccia, this episode is both a heartfelt reunion and a window into the passion and resilience behind building a martial arts community.