Fight Podcast #18: The Italian Job - Who is Andrea?
In this episode of the Fight podcast, hosts Sharir and Jan introduce a special twist: recording their podcast from Italy with a special guest, Andrea Bonomo. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted introduction, as Jan enthusiastically highlights the change of scenery and their guest's charming accent.
Andrea Bonomo, an experienced martial artist and one of the earliest members of ICCS (Integrated Combat Systems), shares his journey. He started martial arts at the age of six, practicing Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, and eventually met Sharir in 2011 at a seminar in France. Since then, Andrea has been deeply involved in ICCS, which he believes is the best fighting system available. Initially drawn to it for self-defense, Andrea's passion for martial arts grew, leading him to become a dedicated practitioner and instructor.
Sharir and Andrea discuss the early days of ICCS in Europe. Sharir recounts his first European seminar in Nice, France, where he met Andrea, who traveled from Genoa. Sharir recognized Andrea's potential as an instructor and pushed him to start teaching. This encouragement led Andrea to eventually open his own gym, Fight Back, in Genoa in 2018. The gym has grown steadily, attracting fighters who compete in MMA, boxing, and other disciplines.
The conversation delves into the integration of ICCS principles into competitive fighting. Andrea explains that while ICCS focuses on self-defense, its techniques are highly effective in the ring or cage. Sharir emphasizes the importance of competition for growth, stating that it helps fighters test their skills and develop a warrior mentality. ICCS fighters are trained to handle various scenarios, whether in sport or real-life confrontations, making them versatile and well-prepared.
The hosts also explore the differences between Krav Maga and MMA training. Andrea highlights that while Krav Maga focuses more on striking, multiple opponents, and aggressive exercises, MMA training is crucial for understanding leverage and ground fighting. Sharir adds that effective self-defense requires proficiency in ground fighting to avoid dangerous situations and escape from bad positions.
Andrea shares his journey from being a practitioner to owning his gym. He credits Sharir's persistent encouragement for helping him realize his potential as a coach. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to close his gym temporarily and return to private security work, Andrea persevered. With Sharir's support, he kept the gym going and even grew it post-pandemic.
The episode also touches on the importance of community and personal relationships in martial arts training. Andrea's gym fosters a close-knit community where students support each other. He teaches a wide range of students, from young children to older adults, ensuring that everyone benefits from martial arts training. Andrea's approach emphasizes both technical skills and personal development, helping students become better individuals.
Throughout the episode, the camaraderie between Sharir, Jan, and Andrea is evident. They share stories, laugh, and reflect on their experiences in martial arts. The episode concludes with Sharir and Jan expressing their gratitude for Andrea's hospitality and looking forward to their next recording session in Jerusalem. The Fight podcast continues to provide insightful discussions on martial arts, training, and personal growth, with this episode highlighting the value of dedication, community, and the journey of becoming a skilled martial artist.