After an evaluation that lasted over two hours–with no breaks except to hydrate–Clivio Piccione brilliantly passed his black belt exam before the Yoseikan Monaco officials: David Guedj (DBM Training), Jean-Max Brignone (Defense Training), and Bob Guedj (Winner of the YBF France Cup).
On the program for the test were the most physically challenging exercises, with a fast-paced cardio training course structured in series of 100 push-ups (clapping, jumping, fist, fingertip, etc.), crunches (oblique, straight, balancing, hanging, bridge, etc.), and finally combos to test the stamina of all the body’s muscles (neck, back, gluteals, thighs, calves, etc.).
The equally rapid-fire technical program allowed the officials to review Clivio’s mastery in dodging sword and knife attacks. Alone and unarmed, against three armed masters, Clivio parried a hundred lightning attacks, with no time to rest between relays. Clivio’s ability to throw, immobilize, and apply locks on opponents was also evaluated, and his target strength was measured (punches and kicks). The crowning moment of the evaluation was the armed confrontation followed by kickboxing with the former World Champion in Fighting, Jean-Max Brignone.
The members of the jury were impressed with Clivio Piccione’s level of physical and technical mastery. From start to finish and no matter the circumstances throughout the evaluation, he remained in complete control (both physically and mentally), and maintained good breathing. This demonstration of energy and power earned him the distinction “Elite” from the jury. The jury unanimously saluted the work of David Guedj, who is responsible for Clivio Piccione’s physical, martial, and nutritional preparation.







