Reunited After a Decade – Fabrizio's Back in London

It's been ten long years, but my brother from another mother, Fabrizio Madeddu, has finally landed back in London. We go way back—since nineteen eighty-nine, to be exact. We've shared everything from martial arts to music to language—he even taught me Italian. Over the years, we trained in Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu together, practiced Wing Chun with our mutual friend Adrian, and Fabrizio even dove deep into Shaolin culture, becoming close with the monks at the Shaolin temple in Tufnell Park.

He touched down at Stansted just last night. I picked him up, and from the moment we hit the road, it was non-stop stories, flashbacks, and laughter. We didn't sleep—we just dropped into the front room, played video games like we were teenagers again. This morning, I showed him my retro arcade setup in the garage—an old machine I helped build years ago for Maison Roshi, loaded with over five thousand classic games. Tekken, Street Fighter, Super Mario Bros—the very same titles we used to battle on back in the day.

He lit up like a kid. We've only got three days, but we're making every minute count. Today? A good session on the sticks and maybe some light sparring for old times' sake.

Some friendships don't fade—they just pick up right where they left off.

The Power of Lasting Connections

There's something profound about reconnecting with someone who knew you in a different chapter of your life. Fabrizio and I have witnessed each other's growth, shared countless training sessions, and built a bond that transcends time and distance. When true friendship is forged through shared experiences—whether it's perfecting a Wing Chun technique or staying up all night mastering a new fighting game combo—it creates an unbreakable foundation.

Martial Arts: More Than Just Training

Our journey together through various martial arts disciplines wasn't just about physical training. It was about discipline, respect, and understanding the deeper philosophies behind each practice. From the explosive power of Kenpo to the subtle efficiency of Wing Chun, we learned that martial arts is as much about the mind as it is about the body.

The time Fabrizio spent with the Shaolin monks particularly shaped his approach to life—bringing a sense of mindfulness and inner peace that you can still see in him today.

Gaming: The Universal Language

It's remarkable how certain activities can instantly transport you back in time. The moment we fired up those classic arcade games, decades melted away. The muscle memory was still there, the competitive spirit unchanged. Whether it's the precise timing needed for a perfect combo in Street Fighter or the strategic thinking required in classic puzzle games, these shared experiences create bonds that endure.

Three Days, Infinite Memories

With only three days together, every moment becomes precious. But that's the beauty of true friendship—you don't need weeks or months to reconnect. Sometimes, a single conversation, a shared laugh, or a friendly sparring match is enough to bridge any gap that time may have created.

As we prepare for our training session today, I'm reminded that the best relationships in life are those that can withstand the test of time and distance. They're the ones that pick up exactly where they left off, as if no time has passed at all.

Welcome back to London, my friend. Let's make these three days count.