Head Instructor - Lincoln Han

Lincoln in judo giFourth degree (yo-dan) black belt. One of the few judo players who began judo as an adult and reached top national and competitive international level as a competitor. His experience training under different instructors in different parts of the world gave him insight into several types of judo teaching and practicing styles. He began as a recreational judo player, eventually he became a professional, training full time for several years under the guidance of world class coaches and with many strong training partners, many of whom were professional athletes from the military and police sport groups in Italy.

Having learned judo as an adult and made the transition from recreational to professional player, he has an unique insight in how to teach level-appropriate judo. Before moving to Italy and train full time, he had founded and managed a high-tech business. Recognizing the different life demands and priorities of both recreational players and serious competitors, and having lived both lives, he knows how to make the appropriate program for judo players with different goals.

Growing up with a lifelong interest for martial arts and combat sports, apart from judo, he also studied freestyle wrestling, central Asian jacket wrestling (kurash, kuresi), sambo, jujitsu (Brazilian) and various striking-based martial arts. Over more than a decade, he has taught a wide range of people including members of military, police and special forces. As a speaker of English, Chinese and Italian, he has taught in all three languages.

General:

  • 4th degree black belt in judo
  • International Judo Federation (I. J. F.) Certified Coach with highest score in technical specialization
  • A rare balance of Japanese and European style judo.
  • Two decades of experience practicing judo
  • The only American judo athlete who trained full-time in Italy
  • competitor in the U. S.

Training and Competition:

  • Extensive professional training and international competition experience.
  • Trained full-time with Olympic-level coach Janusz Pawlowski (two-time Olympic medalist) and Italian police and military groups.
  • Also trained extensively with Gianni Maddaloni, coach to several Italian champions and an Olympic champion.
  • Studied and trained under other coaches and senseis in the United States including Gerald Lafon (Judo America), Jin Izumi (a student of Mifune), Geno Mauro (now deceased) among several others during various stages of his early judo career.
  • Member of Kodokan, USA Judo, and Italy Judo Federation.

Preferred Teaching Method:

  • Teaching judo in a logical and concise manner with emphasis on fundamental skills; proper biomechanics; dynamic movement pattern; correct body position; situational reaction; balance between standing and ground techniques.
  • Using judo-focused and general physical preparation training for strength and endurance based on scientific training principles.

Competition highlights:

  • 2015 World Judo Championships Master (Veteran) Vice-champion (M1 -73kg)
  • 2014, 2021, 2022, 2023 World Judo Championships [World Veteran Championships] 5th (M1 to M3 -73kg)
  • 2018 Italy National Championships Absolute Champion (Master M1 to M3, -73kg)
  • 2013 U. S. National Champion (M1 -73kg and Open weight)
  • 2012, 2014, 2016 U. S. National silver medalist (Master M1 -73kg), 2016 bronze medalist (Master Open)
  • 2015 C. S. E. N. Italy National Champion (-73kg, black belt divison) [The only American to win this title]
  • 2017 World Kurash Championships Senior -73kg, 5th
  • 2023 France National Sambo Championship Senior -79kg, Vice-champion

 

Senior Instructor - Jose Mauricio de Andrade

sensei Mauricio de Andrade in judo gi

Third degree (sandan) black belt. De Andrade sensei has been living in Italy for more than two decades. Before he came to Italy, he practiced judo in his hometown in the Bahia region of Brazil. At the time, it was one of the top regions for judo in Brazil. He was a national champion as junior.

Since coming to Italy, he continues to practice judo regularly and helps to guide students in class and competitions. His strong love for judo radiates to all those who know him. De Andrade sensei speaks Portugese and Italian.

  • International Judo Federation (I. J. F.) Certified Instructor
  • 2022 World Judo Championships Veteran (M4 -66kg) Bronze medal
  • 2023 World Judo Championships Veteran (M5 -66kg) Bronze medal

sensei Patrizio Pollino in judo gi Assistant Instructor - Patrizio Pollino

First degree black belt (shodan). Patrizio sensei began judo as an adult, working as a policeman (Polizia dello Stato) where he often used his judo skills to subdue aggressive suspects without causing injury. Normally fighting at -90kg, he has won a bronze medal at the 2022 Savoie International Master Judo tournament in France at -100kg M3-M4 category. He also won a silver medal at the 2024 Bologna International Master Judo tournament in Italy at -90kg M4 category.

sensei Paul Langford in judo gi Assistant Instructor (U. S. side) - Paul Langford

First degree black belt (shodan). Paul Langford is the first black belt graduated from Judo Link in Italy. He is the co-founder of our program at the U. S. Navy Base in Gricignano d'Aversa, Italy. Despite of being a full-time father to two young kids, he dedicated himself tirelessly to help establishing and growing Judo Link in every way. As a result his military community can benefit from our high-quality program even beyond his stay.

He also fearlessly competed against much more experienced higher ranks in many competitions. Finally he earned his shodan after winning 2 gold and 1 silver medals at the 2020 Gladiator Challenge at the Spartacus Arena in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy, where real gladiators trained and fought more than 2000 years ago.

Paul sensei is currenting assisting with Mayo Quanchi judo school in Rhode Island.

 

Italy main phone: +39 340 299 4300 (Call, SMS, Telegram or WhatsApp)

Main judo school: via Gaetano Salvemini 15 / 17, Caserta, Italy (Open to everyone)

Secondary location: U. S. Naval Support Site, Gricignano D'Aversa, Italy (Open only to authorized people)

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