11/08/2026
๐ฅ A part of my story in Ju Jitsu
Today, at 65 years old, I look back on my journey in Ju Jitsu with different eyes than I had many years ago. Time, experiences, and people I've met along the way have taught me that, in life and in martial arts, we grow even through our mistakes, difficult choices, and sometimes the distances we create.
But today, I can't help but ask myself:
What would Ju Jitsu be like in Italy today if, over the years, we had managed to remain all united?
Perhaps we would have built something even greater.
Perhaps we would have given a movement to the generations that came after us, stronger, more united, and more respected.
But history cannot be rewritten.
We can only look at it with serenity, acknowledge what has left us with something good, and move forward.
Personally, I carry no grudges toward anyone. I've learned that resentment hurts especially those who carry it within themselves. And I believe that, at a certain age, it's much more important to leave room for serenity, respect, and gratitude.
My choices, for better or for worse, have always been weighed and made according to what I believed at the time to be logical and right for me, without prejudice, and in an effort to follow my conscience.
If during my journey I have hurt, disappointed, or disrespected anyone, I sincerely apologize.
This is my story.
A story made of people, encounters, friendships, contrasts, travels, sacrifices, satisfactions, mistakes, and a lot of passion.
And I am proud of it.
I hope to continue for a few more years to live Ju Jitsu, to teach, to pass on what I have learned, and above all, to share this wonderful discipline with the people who are part of it.
I know, however, that all beautiful things, sooner or later, have a beginning and an end.
That is why today my message is simple:
Let's love each other.
Let's respect each other.
Let's let go of resentment.
Let's look for what unites us instead of what divides us.
Because in the end, beyond schools, federations, ranks, belts, and differences that have separated us over the years, we are all part of the same great story.
And life is really too short to spend it being unhappy or carrying within us what does not make us feel good.
Thank you Master Maurizio Silvestri for being my first Master.
Whatever paths we have taken afterward, this is a fact that belongs to my story and no one will ever be able to erase it.
๐ฅ With respect, gratitude, and without resentment.
Master Stefano Mancini
Defence from a short stick attack, demonstrated step-by-step by Maurizio Silvestri and Stefano Mancini in 1992
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