MARK STANISZEWSKI
Judo - 5th Degree Black Belt
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - 5th Degree Black Belt
Catch Wrestling - Head Coach (Black Belt Level)
Wrestling - Greco Roman / Folkstyle
Biography:
Professor Mark Staniszewski (Mark Stan) is a retired martial arts competitor who stepped away from active competition due to health-related considerations after a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. A champion at the state, national, Pan American, and world levels, Mark is a former Top 10 Team USA Judo athlete, #1-ranked USA Judo Veterans competitor, and #1-ranked NAGA Gi competitor in America. He made history as the first athlete to win Pan American Masters Championships in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Mark holds 5th Degree Black Belts in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a certified Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling Head Coach. His accomplishments reflect decades of dedication, competition, and study under respected martial arts masters, including Grandmasters Joe Moreira and Francisco Mansor.
Although officially retired, Mark remains involved with Team Believe, continuing to advise the program and pass along his knowledge. As the founder of Team Believe, Mark helped establish an academy built on family, community, and service. The program proudly supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Sunrise Camp, while providing annual scholarships to deserving students.
Above all his accomplishments, Mark considers his greatest achievement his family. He believes the true legacy of martial arts is measured not by medals or belts, but by the knowledge passed on and the lives positively influenced.
Team Believe — Where we learn to fight while helping those who shouldn't have to fight alone.
COACH ROBERT SHIMONSKI
Judo – Black Belt (Shodan)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Black Belt
Catch Wrestling – Coach
Kenpo Karate – 4th Degree Black Belt
Lama Pai Kung Fu – Black Sash
Professional Credentials
- Current CPR/AED and Basic First Aid Certification
- Master's Degree in Psychology and Coaching
- Certified Master Personal Trainer – International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- ISSA Specialist in Youth Fitness
- ISSA Specialist in Sports Nutrition
- ISSA Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
- Certified Judge and Coach – USA Karate
Biography
Rob has dedicated his life to martial arts, beginning his training at the age of 13. Throughout his journey, he has embraced a cross-training philosophy, studying a wide range of disciplines including Karate, Krav Maga, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Catch Wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Rob proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps, where he received extensive training in military combatives, including hand-to-hand combat and weapons proficiency. His military experience reinforced the values of discipline, resilience, leadership, and practical self-defense that he brings into every class.
He earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate under Renshi Mike Pinelli and his Black Sash in Lama Pai Kung Fu under Sigung Steve Ventura. Rob also holds a Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Judo and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Mark Staniszewski.
Rob believes martial arts is about much more than earning belts or winning competitions. It develops discipline, confidence, respect, motivation, and physical fitness while providing students with practical skills to protect themselves and those around them. As an instructor, his goal is to create a positive, challenging, and supportive learning environment where every student can grow both on and off the mats.
His philosophy is simple: learning should be enjoyable, but every class should leave students stronger, more confident, and better prepared than when they arrived.
COACH BARRY O'BRIEN
Judo – 4th Degree Black Belt
Catch Wrestling – Black Belt Level / Coach
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Brown Belt
Seizon Ryu Combat Ju-Jitsu – 6th Degree Black Belt
US Ju-Jitsu – 6th Degree Black Belt
Kajukenbo – 1st Degree Black Belt
Dai Nan Wan Ryu Ju-Jitsu – 4th Degree Black Belt
Goshin Jujitsu – 2nd Degree Black Belt
Owaza Ryu Ju-Jitsu – 1st Degree Black Belt
Miyamoto Muso Ryu Bujutsu – 1st Degree Black Belt
Biography
Barry embodies what it means to be a true martial artist. His lifelong commitment to training, teaching, and personal growth has earned him the respect of students and instructors alike. With decades of experience across multiple martial arts systems, Barry brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to every class and is always willing to share his expertise with humility and patience.
His extensive background spans traditional and modern martial arts, including high-ranking achievements in Judo, several styles of Ju-Jitsu, Kajukenbo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Catch Wrestling. His diverse experience allows him to provide students with practical insights while emphasizing the core values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and continuous learning.
While Barry's martial arts accomplishments are impressive, he considers his greatest achievement to be his family. He is incredibly proud of his sons, Barry Jr. and Nicholas, both accomplished Judo Black Belts, and continues to mentor them not only as their Sensei but also as their father.
Whether he is leading a class, coaching on the mat, or mentoring the next generation of martial artists, Barry exemplifies the values of integrity, humility, and lifelong dedication to the martial arts. His passion for teaching and commitment to helping others make him an invaluable member of the Team Believe family.
Sensei Barry O'Brien (right) with longtime teacher 9th Dan Judo Grandmaster Yoichiro Matsumura.
Coach Fritz Michel
Judo - Black Belt 2nd Degree (Nidan)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Black Belt
Kyokushin Karate - 3rd Degree Black Belt
Catch Wrestling - Assistant Coach
Goshin Jiu Jitsu - Brown Belt
COACH NICK ROSETO
Biography
Sensei Nick Roseto is an accomplished Judo Black Belt and a lifelong judoka who trained under the late Sensei Hiroyuki Yamashita, 8th Dan. In 1968, Sensei Yamashita founded Waseda Judo Dojo, establishing a tradition of technical excellence, discipline, and respect that became synonymous with one of Long Island's most prestigious judo academies.
In 1999, Sensei Yamashita entrusted the future of Waseda Judo to Nick. Alongside his beloved father, Frank Roseto, Nick faithfully carried on the dojo's traditions, preserving the values and high standards that made Waseda a respected name in the judo community for generations of students.
As an instructor, Sensei Nick is known for his deep technical knowledge, patient teaching style, and unwavering commitment to the principles of judo. He believes that true success on the mat is measured not only by skill, but also by character, humility, and respect for others.
We are honored to have Sensei Nick as a member of the Team Believe family. Together, we are committed to preserving the proud legacy and spirit of Waseda Judo, ensuring that its traditions continue to inspire and guide future generations of judoka.
Joe Tamburello
Judo - Black Belt 4th Degree
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Black Belt
Sambo
Career Highlights
- Multi-time NY State Judo Champion
- East Coast Judo Champion
- Multi-time Empire State Games Judo Champion
- CT State Judo Champion
- USA Judo Veterans National Champion
- Multi-time Sambo NC/SC Regional & State Champion
- Sambo National Champion
- Sambo World Finalist
COACH JOSEPH PRIZZI
Martial Arts Ranks
- Judo – 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan)
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Purple Belt
Biography
Sensei Joe Prizzi has been dedicated to the art of Judo since beginning his journey in 1968. With more than five decades of training, teaching, and mentoring, he has become a highly respected figure within the judo community and continues to inspire students through his passion, experience, and commitment to excellence.
Joe currently serves as the Head Instructor at Smithtown Judo and is a regular guest instructor at Seaford Judo & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he shares his extensive knowledge with students of all ages and skill levels. Throughout his career, he has helped develop countless judoka while emphasizing the traditional values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
In addition to his teaching accomplishments, Joe proudly served as a coach for the Empire State Games Judo Team, helping prepare athletes for high-level competition. He currently holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan) in Judo and continues to train and teach with the same enthusiasm that began his martial arts journey more than 50 years ago.
We are proud to have Sensei Joe as part of the Team Believe family. His lifelong dedication to Judo, unwavering commitment to his students, and passion for preserving the traditions of the art make him an invaluable instructor and mentor to everyone who steps onto the mat.
