(based on TV Luna’s exclusive interview)
Few names carry as much weight in the world of kata as Luca Valdesi. With six world titles, 22 European championships, and 20 Italian crowns to his name, Valdesi has become a symbol of Italian karate excellence. Known not only for his flawless execution but also for infusing kata with a realistic, martial intensity, he now faces a new challenge: guiding Italian karate into the future as National Technical Director of FIJLKAM.
Determination, Work Ethic, and Long-Term Vision
In his exclusive interview with TV Luna, Valdesi outlined his formula for the sport’s future: determination, a strong work ethic, and structured planning.
“Nothing is achieved by shortcuts,” he insists. For him, long-term results come only through consistent, methodical effort. He also rejects the common divide between “sport karate” and “traditional karate,” arguing instead that both represent two facets of the same discipline.
Opening Doors for Young Athletes
One of Valdesi’s priorities as Technical Director is to broaden opportunities for Under 21 athletes. By promoting young talent into the senior ranks, he aims to stimulate competitiveness within the squad and prevent complacency.
“The past doesn’t entitle anyone to the future,” he notes. Merit and performance must remain the only selection criteria.
This approach is already paying off. At the recent European Championships in Yerevan, Italy dominated in kata, securing all four available medals.
Managing Transitions and Retaining Talent
Valdesi highlights a crucial issue often overlooked in high-performance sport: the transition from junior to senior categories. Many athletes struggle to balance studies, personal life, and the increasing demands of elite competition, leading to early dropouts.
To counter this, FIJLKAM has introduced initiatives such as the Symposium — an intensive week of training and seminars — along with mentoring programs where former champions support younger athletes through difficult phases.
Convincing Champions to Evolve
The role of Technical Director is not only about nurturing new talent. Even established champions must sometimes be convinced to adapt. Small technical or methodological adjustments, Valdesi emphasizes, can make the difference between victory and defeat at the highest level.
Keeping the Olympic Dream Alive
Karate made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where Italy’s Luigi Busà captured gold. While the sport was excluded from Paris 2024, Italy continues to work behind the scenes — with figures like Davide Benetello leading diplomatic efforts — to ensure karate’s return to the Olympic program, particularly for Brisbane 2032.
For Valdesi, Olympic recognition is not only a goal for the sport but also a validation of karate’s unique values of discipline, humility, and resilience.
Conclusion
Luca Valdesi’s leadership is rooted in the same principles that defined his career as an athlete: rigor, vision, and relentless commitment. By balancing tradition with modern sport, opening pathways for young karateka, and maintaining Italy’s global ambitions, he is shaping a future where Italian karate continues to thrive on the world stage.
📌 This article is based on TV Luna’s exclusive interview: “La ricetta del D.T. Valdesi per il karate del futuro – determinazione, cultura del lavoro e progettualità.”