Italo Morello
🇮🇹 Italy
The president of the world gladiators federation (WGF)
A modern guide with ancient roots
Italo Morello currently serves as the President of the World Gladiators Federation, an international organization established to honor, regulate, and promote the gladiatorial legacy in both its sporting and cultural dimensions.
At the helm of the WGF, Morello brings a clear vision: to restore dignity and structure to an ancient discipline, transforming it into a platform for education, competition, and historical revival.
Under his leadership, the WGF stands on the values of honor, courage, tradition, and innovation, creating a bridge between the ancient arena and the modern world.
A key architect of the revival of historical martial arts
Before founding the WGF, Italo Morello led the renaissance of Pankration Athlima, the ancient Greek martial art considered the mother of all Asian combat systems.
In 2002, he founded the Italian Federation of Pankration Athlima (FIPA), developing a complete technical and educational framework that brought the discipline from historical texts to modern gyms across Italy.
Thanks to his international vision and relentless commitment, Pankration gained recognition from FILA (now UWW) and was included in major global events, such as the Martial Arts Olympics held in Beijing in 2010 under Sport Accord.
He has held numerous high-profile international roles:
- President of FIPA (since 2002 – current)
- WPAC/FILA World Coordinator (2010)
- President of WPAC/UWW (2017)
- Active member of WPAC/FILA/UWW global committees
A lifelong master with an eye to the future
Italo Morello began practicing martial arts in 1970, starting his athletic career in Germany, and later continuing in Italy, dedicating all his passion and energy to his homeland. His commitment and discipline have led him to achieve significant milestones at both national and international levels.
In 1977, he opened his first dojo, beginning a lifelong journey as an instructor in the provinces of Lecce and Brindisi. Over the decades, he has earned multiple prestigious certifications and ranks:
- 6th Dan Karate – Master (FIJLKAM – CONI)
- 3rd Dan Judo – Instructor (FIJLKAM – CONI)
- 3rd Degree Kick Boxing – Master (FIKB – CONI)
- 1st Dan Ju Jitsu – Instructor (FIJLKAM – CONI)
- 1st Dan Kendo
- Paidotrivis ALFA – Master of Pankration Athlima
He has authored technical programs for grading athletes and instructors and created the Pankration Amyna system, considered one of the most comprehensive methods of personal defense.
Author and innovator
Italo Morello is also the author of key publications in the field of martial arts:
- Dictionary of Asian Martial Arts (2003)
- The Origins of Martial Arts – From Ancient to Modern Pankration Athlima (2004)
- Pankration Amyna – The Most Complete Self-Defense System (2020)
Beyond his written contributions, he is the inventor of the MEST (Multifunctional Elastic Suspension Training) system, an innovative training tool designed to combine fitness, mobility, and rehabilitation using elastic suspensions.
“History is not only to be studied. It must be lived, interpreted, and returned to the world with dignity and strength.” Italo Morello