Interview with Maurice Elmalem, the new CEO of Budo Max USA, and Alfredo Tucci.
B.I.: A great moment in the magazine’s history, isn’t it?
Alfredo Tucci: Without a doubt! Things are born, evolve and rise, then stabilize and begin to decline. It’s the law of nature. The only way to prevent decline is, as the Japanese saying goes, “When you reach the top, keep climbing”; for that to happen, there must be a rebirth, and this always, in one way or another, implies a death, an end, beforehand. A wise man must read the circumstances and the cycles and act accordingly. I’m not retiring yet, but I must prepare for the next phase, and that’s why there’s this significant change at the helm of the ship.
B.I.: Why Grand Master Elmalem?
Alfredo Tucci: It’s simple; we share a history, we know each other well; we fought together through adversity when we first arrived in the U.S., and it’s in adversity that you truly get to know people.
Maurice is a true lover of the martial arts. Far from making a living from them—he is a highly successful businessman and developer in New York—he has viewed them for what they are: a source of personal growth, inner values, health, and character. We agree completely on that! That gives him extraordinary freedom to treat the magazine not as a mere business, but as what it has always been: a communication tool in an era of profound transformation within the sector—a beacon, a guide that preserves the old without detracting from the new, giving each its due value.
Maurice also brings fresh ideas, and that’s always a positive. Furthermore, throughout his life he has developed many contacts in the sector in the U.S. and around the world, and of course, Budo International, being based in Europe, has always leaned more toward the Old Continent in one way or another.
Maurice Elmalem: I know Alfredo Tucci very well; if that weren’t the case, I would never have taken this step. He will continue producing the magazine, but I hope to bring in major names from the U.S.—personal friends of mine who are prominent figures, martial artists, and promising young talents who are succeeding there but are unknown here in Europe.
This is a new phase in which we’re open to new people, masters who haven’t worked with us yet, and organizations I know that are enthusiastic about the idea.
B.I.: You organized two of the most memorable Hall of Fame events in American history. Will there be more of that?
Maurice Elmalem: Definitely, because the time has come to hold another event—and many more things! Those who were part of that event have been asking me to do it again for a long time. But first, there’s a lot of work to be done. We already have our offices in New York set up, new phone lines, and we’re finishing the studio to record there. I want to bring in celebrities from other sports and the film
industry who are connected to martial arts, as well as people and friends I’ve worked with; big names like Keanu Reeves, Randy Couture, Bill Wallace, Chuck Zito, Benny “the Jet” Urquidez, Michael Jay White, Wesley Snipes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shannon Lee, Kevin Sorbo, Cynthia Rothrock, Don Wilson, Ray Mercer, Carlos Machado, Dolph Lundgren, Billy Blanks, and many more.
B.I.: After nearly forty years of the magazine, what do you expect for the coming years?
Alfredo Tucci: Martial arts are eternal, but their interpretation (beyond trends) is something that, even as it adapts, endures over time.
Communication and its media are undergoing revolutio-
nary times. No one can know where they’re headed in the coming years, but what’s certain is that the great names and masters who’ve worked with us and made nearly 1,000 videos have left an eternal legacy, because no matter when, a man will always have just two arms and two legs—and that’s not going to change! With that, they’ll always be relevant in combat and self-defense.
I’ve known Maurice for many years. I’m sure he’ll know how to find answers to these new situations. He is a successful man because he is able to see opportunities where others see problems.
The most admirable thing about this step he’s taking is that he’s doing it from the heart. He doesn’t need this to make money, but since he’s a great entrepreneur, he’ll do it
because, naturally, he identifies and interprets the needs of the moment—whatever he touches turns to gold.
There are many young people who don’t know us yet, because there has been a generational shift. Maurice, who has grandchildren, is very excited to reach them and has great ideas for social media, etc. All of this will help fill in gaps we haven’t addressed in the past, allowing us to focus on our core competencies: professionals in this field who are interested in learning from the best and having access to verified information, rather than “free” videos that teach unproven techniques. It is a sector, however, that we must address, because these people are the future, but without forgetting our clients and friends who have supported this project all these years. Adding to, rather than taking away from, the good that already exists.
Maurice Elmalem: Alfredo is right; there is a lot to do in this area. There are incredible young people. Just this past weekend I was at Don Rodríguez’s Ocean State National Championship in Rhode Island, as I am every year, and I saw some motivated and extraordinary young people. All these people can broaden their horizons simply by working with us; we are the only American and European publication that can be read worldwide and that has the prestige and experience to take on that challenge.
I am confident that we will do what is necessary. I am available to you at this new email address: info@budomaxintl.com and at this phone number: 001 7186527100. Starting this May, Budo Max International LLC will be at the helm, but operationally, as far as the magazine’s production is concerned, my friend Alfredo Tucci will continue to oversee production.
We spent an entire week together at Alfredo’s home in Valencia planning this new phase. We enjoyed hours and hours of good weather, chatting after a swim in the pool, over snacks, at dusk… It was very pleasant as well as intense. The chemistry is there. It’s as if no time has passed since our last meeting.
Alfredo Tucci: Maurice has been very affectionate in handling the whole matter. He’s a tough businessman, a true New Yorker! Just as he ran his restaurant with great success as he builds 80-story buildings… the great thing about him is that he never loses sight of our shared history. For both of us, martial arts are something personal, with values… We’re also mature people and we both share a love for art, and that special sensitivity changes everything.
Maurice creates wonderful works of art featuring butterflies; he paints and designs incredible spaces and buildings. Everyone knows my artistic side, so we can say that our love for art—including martial arts—is both the fuel and the lubricant of this relationship.
We will work together so that this new phase brings us much joy, always with this spirit of service to the martial arts community.
Maurice Elmalem: Honestly, if it weren’t for Alfredo by my side, I would never have taken this step. I don’t need any of this financially, but when I commit to something, I commit! I don’t know how to do things any other way!
Alfredo Tucci: Maurice is a man of action! He’s brought a ton of great ideas and new initiatives. That’s exactly what Budo needs in this new phase.
Maurice Elmalem: Alfredo’s 40 years of experience are indispensable; many of the things I thought of had already been tried in one way or another. The perspective that comes with experience is always essential. Others, however, have come as a breath of fresh air...
Alfredo Tucci: Yes, there are brilliant ideas and perspectives that we hadn’t even considered. We also have to consider that the fact that Maurice is in the U.S. gives him many operational advantages when dealing with companies like Amazon, YouTube, etc., since these platforms offer American companies preferential treatment that we Europeans don’t have…
Maurice Elmalem: I want to bring big names from America to the magazine, who will enrich the editorial line, and we’ll continue to rely on the major contributors who have made the magazine a reality—people who are not only Alfredo’s friends but also mine, such as Paolo Cangelosi, Jordan Augusto, Marco de Cesaris, Taejoon Lee, Salvatore Oliva, Avi Nardia, etc…
Bringing in people who love martial arts and are famous worldwide, broadening the range of content with actors and boxers— most of whom are friends of mine who will be delighted to be part of this project.
Alfredo Tucci: In forty years, I’ve never been on the magazine’s cover! It’s a strange feeling, but the occasion deserves to highlight the event (laughs). You were on it—and more than once! I remember when we took the photo of you breaking glass in the studio for your Guinness World Record… We had only one chance! What a photo!
Maurice Elmalem: Yeah! That’s when we showed we could be in sync!
That’s the idea! With that spirit, we’re embarking on the adventure of this new phase. Now it’s time for the new generations so they too can achieve their dreams, just as we did.
Alfredo Tucci: Amen!
Maurice Elmalem Honored by Marquis Who’s Who for Accomplishments in Architecture and Design
Maurice Elmalem is an innovative entrepreneur and real estate developer
BRONX, NY, March 6, 2024, Maurice Elmalem has been included in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Elmalem is the president of Maurice Contractors and Designers Inc. Real Estate Developers, a firm he launched in 1986 as a general contractor and architect. Mr. Elmalem actively buys empty lots on which to plan and subsequently build condominiums, commercial buildings, and homes, and he remains passionate about skillfully transforming his clients’ ideas into reality.
He is known as a brilliant Architecture Designer and Real Estate Developer with more than 500 projects under his belt. His work is driven by his philosophy that there is a purposeful relationship between formal design and performance. His approach is based on a concept that sets new standards for the relationship between the built and natural environment using the latest architectural product available.
A prominent business owner and investor with 48 years of experience, his credentials include working for companies such as Tishman Bros., Helmsley & Spear, Waldorf Palace, the prestigious Royal-Athena Art Galleries in New York, Bloomingdale’s, Citibank, Paragon Honda, Ford, State Farm, Costco, American Tickets, Health and Fitness Centers, Nova Optical Labs, VIP Community Centers, New Yorker Restaurant, pharmacies, medical centers, attorneys, doctors, dentists offices, 531 Management LLC, several new condo buildings and retail in NYC. He has also collaborated on restaurant ventures as the coowner and general manager of New Yorker Restaurant. He is also owner of Zion Film Corporation in Israel and 531 Management LLC.
A range of diverse interests is the motivating factor for Mr. Elmalem’s personal and professional pursuits. He followed a passion for architecture and love for art into a career in designing structures and then gained practical expertise in a broad context of commercial projects. Notably, Mr. Elmalem avidly explored various segments of the real estate industry toward locating promising properties, which proved foundational for his current entrepreneurial venture. Maurice came to the USA in the early 1970s from Europe, and grew up in a modest family with a strong religious background, which inspired him to be one of all people. Many who look up to him try to emulate him. Mr. Elmalem also boasts exceptional academic accomplishments including a Bachelor of Science in engineering and architecture from Columbia University. He completed coursework in cinematography in interior design and general construction, Mr. Elmalem’s profile is further defined by signature credentials that include the registered architect designation in the state of New York and continuing education certification from Pace University.
Mr. Elmalem is a renowned martial arts expert whose demonstration created buzz in the 1976 and 1988 Olympic games. He is also a seven-time world champion who holds eight Guinness World Records, and he was humbled to have his inspiring story featured on the David Letterman and Jay Leno Shows. His fighting and breaking skills have been documented in the Guinness Book of World Records, witnessed by millions around the world live on television on Channel 5, ABC Wide World of Sports, Fox 5, Discovery, MSG Network, Chanel Plus, Italian and Spanish TV, Spike TV, Telemundo TV, ESPN, Ohio TV, Bronx TV, Joe Franklyn, Channel 9, Channel 12, and Johnny Carson, He has appeared in live shows at Madison Square Garden, Nassau Coliseum, Studio 54, Apollo Theatre, Gleason Gym and Carnegie Hall. He participated in two Olympics and three Maccabi Games-Israel. Mr. Elmalem shares his deep knowledge of the sport to motivate others with physical education programs and self-defense seminars worldwide.
Mr. Elmalem’s diverse interests include creative endeavors such as painting, music, writing and butterfly art. He was also proud to collaborate with Zubin Mehta, a famous conductor active in Israel. Mr. Elmalem excelled as a stunt advisor for the movies “Karate Kid,” “Paying Mr. McGetty,” “The Martial Arts Kid” and “Champions of the Deep.” He was an actor and executive producer for the movie “Black Creek,” soon to be released.
Numerous accolades have marked the distinct milestones of Mr. Elmalem’s career. He is gratified to have been featured in various prestigious magazines; moreover, he takes immense pride in his achievements in martial arts. He attributes his success to a commitment to serving others and partnering closely with them on both personal and professional levels. He also thrives on philanthropy, through which Mr. Elmalem consistently makes a positive impact on others.
He is the recipient of the 1993 Presidential Sports Awards from President Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has been inducted into over 250 Halls of Fame worldwide. He is known as the Architect of Martial Arts, Houdini, Renaissance Man, World Champion Greatest Martial Arts Daredevil for his endless talents not only in martial arts but his vision and architectural construction business. In September 2000 after his performance in the Oriental World of Self Defense at Madison Square Garden, NYC, movie star, Chuck Norris presented him the world champion belt, which was engraved, World Extreme Daredevil Champion and said “Mr. Elmalem, you are a great champion.”
In 2006 Mr. Elmalem won his Best of the Best Champion Belt at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio hosted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. His martial arts career spans five decades.
With his outstanding grades in school and high IQ he has achieved and experienced much in his life. He is listed several times in Who’s Who in the East for Outstanding Contribution to Architectural Design in 1999 and was voted among the Top 400 General Contractors in the U.S.A. by Engineering Report Magazine. GM Maurice was inducted into the Sports Karate Museum in Houston, TX and the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank, CA in 2015 as one of the most respected leaders in the martial arts community. He has been a distinguished guest of the governments of Korea, Cayman Islands, Israel, France, Spain, Canada, Italy and USA. He is the recipient of the Bruce Lee Hall of Honors distinguished award 2018 in Ohio. In 2022 and 2023 he along with his company was nominated as Best of 2023 Hall of Fame Bronx Award Program. He is an author, producer of four movies and over 40 DVDs, entrepreneur and editor of Budo Martial Arts Magazine.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Elmalem plans to prioritize his health and wellbeing by persisting in travel, movie productions and cultural exploration to broaden his perspectives, derive pleasure from music, pursue his creative aspirations in art and engage in family activities. He is enthusiastic about leaving a productive legacy for future generations, which Mr. Elmalem will secure by writing and publishing additional books on health, poetry and sports, as well as novels.
