Written by Andrea Becca

 

This maxim written by Mahatma Gandhi is well suited to Marco Morabito.

Morabito is a seemingly mild, simple, accurate, and courteous man in his speech; his look is strong and honest; his manner polite and gentle. No flaunting of his body, no flashy tattoos, no aggressive symbols. Cups, medals, awards of all kinds are kept well aside.
Morabito appears as humble and yet elegant, with the harmony of a determined character. It is hard to imagine that Marco Morabito is a master of many martial disciplines and that his fists are considered as weapons. His skills range from Japanese Karate (Shotokan school and Shito Ryu school) to French Savate, from Chinese Kung Fu to American Kick Boxing. Morabito is one of the most popular professionals in the field of self-defence. This master teaches in a crowded gym full of police, military and security professionals, as well as being frequented by run-of-the-mill ordinary members of the public. He has been a consultant for the training of military and paramilitary forces in anti-riot and anti-terrorism matters.
It is difficult to imagine Morabito as a point of reference and as the inventor of a series of fighting styles respected all over the world.
Yet, Morabito is now a major summit in the industry, he is recognized for his professional achievements throughout Europe and he is the only Italian accepted as a worldwide master for some martial disciplines. Marco doesn´t like talking about his life. Still we insisted in order to know him better. That’s why we asked him about his beginnings and how he started practicing martial arts.

Morabito: the beginnings

"I remember with great affection," Morabito told us, "a figure in my childhood. My uncle was a boxer and he loved to play with me when I was five years old. At that age, I was fascinated by the movements of the adult who occupied his time explaining the rudiments of basic shots and parades. I loved these moments of the evening when he - big man - pretending to fight with me, putting me on the kitchen table to make it look a fight on an equal footing. Perhaps it was there that I began to realize that my strength was not in my arms, but in the desire to never give up, accepting the challenge, even when it seems impossible to tackle. I would say that in those first moments, I heard my true strength. "

What was the first martial art that you practiced ?

"When we were kids in the seventies, there was not a great choice." Master Morabito replied, "I started out in a gym in Kung Fu. Influenced by the films of Bruce Lee, I began to develop this passion for combat. In those early days, after training I found myself with a handful of friends in a box to test, reviewing and studing new moves. Actually, we studied more self-taught. Indeed, I can say that we were rather intolerant towards the complex Chinese forms, so elegant, and difficult to learn and - often - not very effective. " The Chinese martial arts are revealed, in fact, too mild for the teacher Morabito. Marco is training in the gym a lot in sessions of 20 hours per week. A habit that has not lost even now, a passion that allows extraordinary energy for an athlete of his preparation. "In addition to difficulties related to forms," Marco continued to explain, "I was aware of the long timescales associated with learning martial arts like Kung fu. This discipline helps Chinese postures derived from the behavior of animals, such as the preying mantis, which are long to learn the naturalness of their conduct. In addition, we use classical weapons very beautiful, but totally outdated as the halberd. Even as a boy I was aware of these anachronisms and these difficulties. So I was looking for something more, despite having reached a high level. " "I developed my passion for martial arts in the´70s. In that period the information on this sector were not readily available as books or video specialist. For this reason, my training took place as a self-taught in various disciplines. After studying Kung fu, I managed to enroll in a course of Shotokan Karate style I already had much experience in combat and self defense techniques. Through these experiences I was able to get the black belt and first Dan in just three years. In what way.
Was then allowed to exceed the level defined by the belt when it won a battle - called kumité - with the instructors of higher belts. In this way I managed to burn the stages of growth in this discipline while studying, as required, including the abstract shapes that are part of Karate, or kata.
It was a time when I applied with great intensity is the Japanese martial arts, practicing Shotokan and Shito Ryu styles, jeet kune do both, the style of Kung Fu developed by Bruce Lee.
I must say that karate, despite its elegance, was characterized to be a type of combat too theoretical. The elegance of form, the construction of the hits and the spirit that favors defensive behavior that distinguishes these styles, I always seemed limiting conditions to address a real fight.
In those years, my thirst for knowledge did not seem to subside. So I approached Escrima, a style known as Kali or Arnis de Mano,  a Filipino fighting system - combined with other techniques - I looked like a combat system more effective.
However, I should soon be disproved by the facts. "

What brought you to criticize your preparation?

"At the time, began to engage in a series of fights to bet. These were meetings did not took place in our country and in situations not always "controlled" from the sporting point of view. Illegal fighting, so to speak.

In these comparisons, very often, you were not fighting for money: to prize could put the valuable objects, or symbols of strength such as belts or medals won in other tournaments. In France, near Marseille, I fought against severals military members of the Foreign Legion. It was with mixed match, of course, which was also the lawful use of arms or sticks. The third encounter was fatal to me. For fatigue I could not dodge a blow that baptized me directly on the forehead. This is an experience that I "marked" both physically and psychologically. Physically forced me to cure myself a big cocoon on the forehead; psychologically impelled me to search for other types of preparations to fight a modern combat and full of dirty hits or unexpected. "

What other types of Japanese arts do you know?

"In addition to traditional karate, I studied with the founder of modern style called Koroho: master Masashi Yokoyama.This teacher has a high regard in his country. He becomes from of a noble family tradition in the art of Karate. He was marked by passing the traditional techniques, giving an impression of very special to his fighting style.In his practice, the classic hits are developed with new forms adapted to the demands imposed by modern weapons and combat styles developed by the Israeli army.This teacher has become famous in Japan for a specific episode: he saved the life of a senior official of the Japanese government on a mission abroad having disarmed and killed an armed aggressor.
After practicing with him in Japan I organized a trip to Genoa where he came with seven of his masters in order to lay the groundwork for the founding of the European Federation of Koroho. In this federation I have been vice president for a while." Morabito realizes that in a real fight, where modern weapons can be used to intimidate, the techniques learned can be effective not being tied to rigid schematism. Try then many disciplines up to lead to a very particular style of combat: Krav maga.

What is Krav Maga?

The Krav Maga (self defense) is a system of fighting techniques and survival were born in Israel in the first half of the twentieth century thanks to an army officer, Imi Lichtenfeld, expert fighting techniques. The term "Krav Maga", literally means "contact combat".

Who created the Krav Maga?

This system was created by request of the Israeli government.Indeed, given the historical problems associated with the birth of Israel, these people felt the need to develop an efficient way of fighting and quick to learn, to train the fledgling Israeli special forces now engaged in a fierce struggle invasion. The experience of Lichtenfeld heavily influenced the style and philosophy of Krav Maga. Great gymnast, boxer and champion of wrestling, Lichtenfeld added to the theoretical foundation of a great street fighting experience, gained in a youth spent in the struggle for life in the alleys of his native country, then occupied by the Nazis. In fact, Imi Lichtenfeld was born in Budapest in 1910, but grew up in Bratislava, which was then the capital of Slovakia.Great athlete, to the thirties was found to hone his fighting techniques having to address the rise of Nazi anti-Semitism. On the streets,together with some friends, formed a group that is trained specifically to clashes with gangs growing number of anti-Semites. In 1940 he left Bratislava and fled to Palestine, fleeing the Holocaust. In 1944 he participated in the establishment of the Israeli army, training of elite units. He put himself at the disposal of the Israeli defense force his combat experience helping to forge the legend of the Israeli special units. After years of serving the army he withdrew, however, not giving up the idea to disseminate the techniques learned and refined over the years. Therefore, he adapted the Krav Maga for civilian purposes to make it feasible even for women and youngsters, in order to allow each person to move freely in any environment.

Why the Krav Maga stuggers you?

I immediately noticed that it was a fighting style fits all - Morabito told us - and it was very effective. His techniques are well suited to the natural movement of the human body and its philosophy it is interesting. Unlike other martial arts that are often limited to be defensive, the Krav Maga provides an offensive approach. Oriental martial techniques tend to stay pending a first move of the opponent and then develop responses to attack. With Krav maga, however, it is anticipating the attack in favor of a quick victory by focusing on the vital points of the opponent.

 How were your beginnings in learning this discipline?

The first training in the use of this discipline it was afar from my country, Italy - Morabito told us - and that it was difficult to be admitted to the course. I was first subjected to a series of physical tests rather heavy. For example, I had to perform a series of push ups on my fists in a slope of kicks from a trainer at my side. I passed the tests thanks to my previous workouts and my preparation. It´easy to understand that these workouts do not present some "theoretical" or "philosophical", but they were military-style based on the physical and psychological resistance. When I finally was accepted, I found myself face to face with the instructor who was a prominent official in the Mossad. In the first fight I had with him, I quickly realized that I was not being able to do nothing, or almost, in spite of my preparation. Not only was I in trouble with the techniques, but also from a mental point of view was not at all easy to prepare a defense of some significance. I can say that in the first fight I was literally" destroyed ". The officer left me after she hit the ground with a swift kick to the groin and powerful. Luckily I wore caps, but the blow has left me on the ground for some time breathless. The officer, after having fought, sat drinking a cold beer. Today I saw my first coach in action during a stage. Years later, while I still feel gratitude towards him, I realized the measure of my improvements both in terms of power and in terms of speed. What time was a shock, now I recognize it as an important step in my growth that I then developed with great awareness.

What´s happened in that first fight?

I realized the exceptional aspects of that discipline: it was easy to learn, fast and, above all, incredibly effective. The fighting in which they used the techniques of Krav maga does not put in difficulty only me, but also several military officers. Keep in mind that these techniques were not only heavy a physical standpoint, but also psychologically. It was easy to see men of great strength and great workout down into tears from fatigue and exhaustion due by exasperating exercise. In the first course we were only twelve to make it to the end. So I took courage and I continued to learn this discipline. I subscribed to several seminars in Italy and abroad: the day I trained at night writing exercises that I faced. Nor was it easy to sleep by having a very high level of adrenaline in the body. Thanks to these efforts today I have a lot of material on the techniques and teaching methods learned in those days.

Have you ever thought about giving up?

I must confess that even I, at some point, I decided to throw in the towel and give up. I had already packed my luggage when - and still remember it now with annoyance - I saw the mocking expression of the two Israeli instructors at that moment I felt all their ridicule and sarcasm of the comments made in their own language, yet at the same time I recovered all my pride, all my desire not to give it victory. So, I opened my suitcase and I stopped. Can I just add that that was a long day.

The same instructors I have undergone a series of fights extremely trying. While I was supporting their attacks, a third instructor - I could not hit - served as a troublemaker alongside their action with kicks and punches. During the day, a handful has opened my brow, and from that moment, I fought without seeing from my left eye since it was covered in blood.

Even if it was just a scratch, my psychological situation was - if possible - even more weakened.

At dusk the fighting had ended. I was wounded in the face and felt pain in all parts of the body: and yet I was still standing. Around me, the fresh scent of the evening, I could feel the admiration of Israelis. I passed the toughest test. From that moment I had become one of them.

 What other evidences have you faced in these para-military training?

The heavier I remember were the paths of war. It was a simulation of an open conflict. It was necessary to tackle a track where it was attacked by several people with any type of weapon. In these tests, I broke my ribs several times. In any case, they were fights that took place under great stress that he endured heart palpitations at rates exceeding 140 beats per minute. We got used to support the battle for several hours at a time and, throughout the day, it was only allowed to drink. Towards the end of these courses could be exercises based on surprise.

For example, I happened to be invited to dinner at a restaurant. During the meal, the instructors simulate - in a very real way - a terrorist attack and forcing you to defend yourself. Only at the end of the night you discovered that weapons were not loaded and that really under the caps were faces you knew. Violence and the energy of the attack was completely successful in simulating a scene of guerrilla warfare. The next day were analyzed defense techniques used by students should be able to transform any object into a weapon. In other courses I have experienced the unpleasant sensation of being spied on me in private conversations inside the hotel rooms. Anyone with an outburst against an instructor in the evening, the day after being tackled - - by the same person who had disparaged. And I assure you that in this case using the word "massacre" describes exactly what happened. Another type of training was very interesting psychological. He was accompanied around the city and asked to look carefully. Then he was questioned about what they had seen: the colors of cars, license plates, the behavior of the people we met, how they walk, the appropriateness of behavior... well, you were educated not to overlook any detail to include possible danger, to perceive the threat as possible, in any context you were asked to consider everything. They are so intense and most landed in professional courses  almost as if it were a paramilitary training. In this way I have opened many valves that I did not even have.

 What kind of benefit you get from a similar training?

As in all training of Krav maga the aim is to be prepared in any situation. Unfortunately, those are dealt with in the road can not claim that her attacker break the rules you get used to the gyms. Rarely fists fists facing each other are brought elegantly in ordered trajectories. It is much easier than it is a blow dirt thrown by violence and fear of the evil of oppression. Not just this. It can be worn with an improvised weapon, a bottle or a rock. Or you can get the aggressor in a particular environmental situation. For example, you can suffer an attack being seated in a car, or inside a confined space such as cash machine box. Who studied with me was accustomed to dealing with so many battles - and under such a stress level - to be considered "simple" an assault of a real aggressor.

In Israel did you learned other techniques of fighting?

Yes, after training of various kinds, I came across to Kapap. If the martial art Krav Maga was for civilian and military, Kapap was only designed for the military forces. Moreover it is not just a system, but a mixture of rigorous physical conditioning, with training with firearms and explosives, training and even the survival of advanced first aid courses.The unarmed combat training is a combination of Western fighting systems such as boxing, the fight greek-Roman and training of British military knife and baton. In Kapap I trained since 2005 with a major in the elite corps of Israeli intelligence. This officer did not teach the general public, but only eighteen people: I was one of those. This is a very technical preparation, and in some aspects similar to the Russian System - although different - very sector with many more weapons. Many trainings were done with firearms. Another training was very interesting that in which you had to do a hundred push ups on his fists. Of course it was already tested for other previous years, but instructors continued to push you to make new push ups until you reach one hundred and fifty ups on the knuckles. When it was absolutely exhausted, the instructors loaded their gun and pointed at our temples: the result was that you did it thirty more. How to say... with a certain mental conditioning you can do whatever you want. The brake body is the mind. Today, I organize courses by instructors for a range of Kapap extreme and can not be used by anyone but designed exclusively for security specialists. The training which they underwent were very particular in extreme situations. I learned all kinds of ground fighting and the use of any type of firearm. For this reason, today is one of the few instructors to train operators of military standards safety professionals, Contractors, which are used by multinationals in the countries considered high risk.I am currently studying a specific program for the resolution of conflicts at sea is a training program designed against rampant piracy. "

 How many meetings Kapap did you manage to win?

Let´s clarify this point. Kapap is not meant to be a game or an elegant art. Therefore, there are no races or championships. The clashes last moments, and they have nothing to do with simulations or spectacular performances. The training shall be under stress, often simulating injuries or serious impediments in their movements. For example, they often fight with one arm tied or handcuffed.

 What do you mean with "fight for life"?

The Israeli instructors often tell an anecdote relating to an American kickboxing champion. A popular sportman in New York, dis covered a criminal in the act of stealing his car. Thanks to his athleticism and his ability as a fighter it was easy for him to knock him down with his fists. However the athlete was distracted in looking at the damage to the car and, having turned his back to the man on the ground, it could not become aware of the gun that the robber pulled out, and none has been made account of the blow that killed him punctured his head.What is the meaning of this story?It means that not enough to satisfy his ego, not enough to feel the strongest, the winner. You must know the risks and implement all the strategies of defense to save his life: strategies that can range from simple "fire screaming for help," the most sophisticated techniques to disarm.

Let´s go back to your training. How did you discover the Russian defense techniques?

During one of these training camps, I met a teacher who came from Georgia, former Soviet Union. I immediately noticed the effect of his shots and asked him to practice intensively together. For two whole days I could not figure out what kind of strategies and behaviors he was using. I saw actions that were completely different and he did things that did not reflect any martial art known to me. The understanding was not only hampered by the language, but also by the character of this person - being particularly introspective - did nothing away about his preparation, his history or his emotions. The only point of meeting... were our battles. In fact, fighting with him I could quickly learn his techniques and his movements. The third day I was able to knock him down mixing mine and his own techniques. Only in this way I managed to conquer his esteem and his willingness to teach. Only at this point he told me what it was a Russian system perfected by the bodyguards of Stalin. His name was: Systema. This "Systema" does not exist techniques, in particular forms as "kata" of karate, but it was just a defense system suitable for the body. In martial arts you train with techniques, basic movements and displacements. Systema in the Russian first and foremost there is the body of the practitioner, here we become experts in the basic shots and then train with a pragmatic and analytical system based on reflex, on the features, the management of combat biomechanically. Explained in this way is much more difficult than the simplicity of his practice. Seeing is believing.

What´s the history of Systema?

As in all events the Russian Soviet secrecy imposed by governments during the Cold War does not help to draw a clear picture of the history of this discipline. Probably, it is the perfection of ancient fighting techniques of Bogatyr, or the legendary knights that lived during the medieval period. The fact that they had to face many different types of enemies in an area that had extreme weather, has made it a legend of their belligerence. Of course, during the Cold War, the Russian command had felt the need to study a scientific approach in a martial system based on human biomechanics perfectly real. Thus a more elaborate approach on movements of animals such as, for example, is for Kung fu. The elite guard of Stalin practiced Systema that the death of the dictator, was then taught to other militaries. Only with the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, could also spread from us. In particular, I have been very receptive because I never bothered about politics. This is demonstrated by the fact that I have learned fighting techniques developed on opposite sides. My research is, after all, a passion which transcends geo-political barriers.

What other techniques found in Russia were you able to learn?

Just in Russia I had the opportunity to discover the use of a particular type of knife that, when run with a certain expertise, has a speed equal to or greater than that of a bullet and a fit as accurate.Even with this knowledge I was able to develop my own particular style of combat that I´ve called Systema Morabito where I tweaked some techniques derived by summing the Russian Systema with other learned during my experiences in the civil and military.

Russians, Israelis, Italians... what other special forces did you worked with?

"Can I also mention the bodies of German police counter-terrorism. Here I have developed, in particular, techniques relating to the use of Tonf Pf24, ie the baton adopted from this body of safety. Again, the training took place in extreme environments and under so much stress training these security operators in situations of severe insecurity and risk. I would like to mention also the General Santiago Sanchis U.S. Marine Corps has given me the 6 th Dan and recognized internationally the System Morabito fighting technique during the Hall of Fame in Valencia in 2011, an event of utmost importance to the world of martial arts"

What results did you achieve with these intense workouts?

"Firstly, I must say that my body has developed a sort of need for training. If you do not practice in the gym for a couple of days, I feel distinctly uncomfortable feeling very comparable to those of habituation. My muscles require, with pleasure, their "dose" of daily toil. The second effect is difficult to describe.Today I can say very openly that they have developed my intuition in ombattimento c.With this kind of intuition, quite instinctively, I can sense the movement of my opponent a few moments before his body to act.We must say that I made in my life different trainings in order to perceive an attack with weapons hidden or surprise attacks from behind. Even with this type of training, the combat can become an experience that I master entirely. My feelings are acute, and I adopt an attitude of mind - automatically - of complete relaxation.
The clash with my opponent is no longer a moment of anxiety or stress. On the contrary, this type of situation for me becomes easily controllable almost did not require my presence. The combat is objectively to an event external to me and I, as a director, I can see it from a different perspective. The fatigue is greatly reduced, anxiety disappears, the speed is doubled and gestures are simple ones like you do when you play with electronic video game. It is a feeling that I could not fully explain, but - I am sure - it is a summit, an extraordinary result that I was able to achieve thanks to my passion for these activities.

What were your most intense satisfaction in your work as a teacher?

I can quote the case of my youngest student, a boy of 16 years, unable to defend themselves and he was so shy as to not be able to say his name out loud in front of others. You should see him now, after two years, as he tackles head-on other instructors, and how he manages the group of older people about him. Or, I remember my most senior student, a man of 88 years! I could see his satisfaction after having faced and chased away two thieves!

What kind of recognition can you boast in these disciplines?

Krav maga, as well as the oriental martial arts, is organized in a hierarchy of merit, which is expressed in degrees called Dan. For me, having achieved all possible awards in Israel, I then modified the techniques learned Krav founding Israel sorceress survival system.It is a natural evolution of the techniques of Krav Maga. In fact, Lichtenfeld had explicitly provided that the techniques evolve as technologies evolve weapons and military combat. Therefore, the update is not only expected but encouraged as an improvement of the whole defense of the individual. As the founder, of course, I attribute that to the teachers that I think Dan sufficiently mature.

Did you ever studied specific defense programs?

Sure. I can quote the case of a jeweler of 60 years old. This professional must travel with a sample value in a briefcase. He had already been subjected to theft and violence by people who knew of his activities. He had no particular physical training of any kind, and he did not intend to have it. His goal was simple: to defend his sample. I thus developed a program of self-defense where the case could become a shield, a weapon, a diversion, an offensive advantage. Today, the jeweler does not travel with guns or firearms with him, but with the knowledge that you have an amazing resource: his suitcase.

Do all your students become... "super-heroes"?

Absolutely not. On the contrary, they become themselves. This means they may decide to tackle the fight, endure, or react with the escape. The case of one of my students ended up in the newspapers. This boy was in Milan with a friend and was returning home after an evening. Bad luck has it that they both ran into a group of a dozen evil-minded Italians. Surrounded, the two were attacked in a robbery attempt. My student defended himself as he could, while his friend was falling to the ground and his face has become an easy target for returning kicks having serious injuries all over his face. The situation would be worsened if two Romanians had not interposed to defend the two unfortunates. Medical help arrives and the police car, the cops could not believe that my student had emerged unscathed from the fight given the dire conditions of the other guy. So, he was not a super-hero but a person who can save his life with consciousness.

Your teachings may be therapeutic against the fear of aggression?

The answer is yes: that´s not my only opinion, but also the psychologists one. Just at this time, a psychiatrist asked me to follow the case of a girl who has been abused. His first response was to shut himself up in his fear. Today we are working to strengthen his character, go back and rework her bad experience so she could deal with it in a different spirit. His workouts are directed to strengthen the body but, above all, to create the kind of determination that sets us free from anxiety and fear. I am absolutely certain that, at the end of training, this girl will have a different approach with people and with his fears. Besides, I always say to my students the first day: remember who you are today, because you will come out as a different person.

What is the size of your federation today?

Currently we count many IKMO instructors in Italy and abroad. Each instructor has a complete training that is based on combining multisciplinarietà Krav Maga, and Kapap Systema. We organize seminars all over the world. Aim of our federation is also the security branch.