Certified Instructors

Sensei Joseph Cannizzo

United Nations Representative
Kodokan 3rd Degree Judo Black Belt (Japan)
USJF 3rd Degree Judo Black Belt 
U.S. Kodokan Federation-2nd Degree Black Belt Jujitsu 
USJA-2nd Degree Black Belt Jujitsu
USA Judo Certified Judo Coach
USA Judo Coach of the Month
American Red Cross-Award Of Appreciation
CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

Represented TEAM USA in International Competition
2016 Senior National Championships-1st Place M1 66kg (Ranked #1 in the USA) 
2016 Senior National Championships-5th Place Senior Division 60kg (Ranked #7 in the USA)

Joe leverages his many years teaching and competing nationally and internationally to provide elite level coaching and guidance to the team.   Joe was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. Early in Joe's martial arts career he was very active in competition. He has taken home gold in various local and national level Judo tournaments as well as National Grappling tournaments. Shortly after, Joe discovered his true passion for teaching.  Joe is very active in the dojo, especially in the kids judo martial arts classes. He is constantly emphasizing core Judo principles such as "softness controls hardness", "maximum efficiency with minimum effort", and "mutual benefit" during his instruction. Joe has taught Judo for physical education in various public schools.  He has also instructed many civil service workers such as police officers, corrections officers, firemen, coast guard, EMT/EMS and provided Judo clinics around the globe. Even at age 10 Joe knew he wanted to create a place where kids could be safe and stay out of trouble.  Joe, spends his time training for international competition, coaching/teaching his students, or attending meetings at the United Nations where he tries to use Judo to spread Sport, Education and Peace across the globe.

Sensei Dr. Michael Heller

Kodokan 3rd Degree Judo Black Belt (Japan) 
USJF 2rd Degree Judo Black Belt

Dr. Michael Heller (PhD Biochemistry CUNY) started training when he was 37 and has been playing Judo for over 30 years. He is a student of Shiro Oishi and studied in the Oishi Dojo for over 20 years.
"Scientist", the nickname conferred upon him by Oishi Sensei, was an active local competitor while in his 40s and is a former Liberty Bell Gold Medalist. Although he no longer competes he is happy to train and spar with the younger players and teach them some of his wily moves.

Sensei Tony Weiburg

Sandan Judo USJF 
Black Belt Nidan USJA
Level 3 Coach USJA

In the mid 80’s Sensei Tony started training in Aiki Jujitsu and Judo with Sensei CJ and Sensei Shina. During the late 80’s early 90’s he continued his Judo training with Sensei Shina, Sensei John Bassano and Sensei Al who was one of the original Sensei’s at the Windsor Judo & Jujitsu Dojo. In the late 90’s he moved to Staten Island where he continued his Judo training and teaching at Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo. Sensei Tony is a very compassionate and gentle soul that enjoys teaching kids judo. He has also attended many seminars and has competed in many tournaments over the years.

Sensei Mark Browner

Kodokan 1st Degree Judo Black Belt (Japan) 
USJF 1st Degree Judo Black Belt 
2nd Generation Jigoro Kano Student

Mark started training Judo in 1956 at Judo Inc. headed by Jeremy Mackey. In 1964 Mark joined New York Dojo headed by George Yoshida. In May of 1964 Mark received his Shodan. Mark was George Yoshidas assistant at New York Dojo. He assisted with instruction as well as day to day activities. Mark eventually took over the dojo after Sensei Yoshidas passing. Mark loves judo and spends most of his time on the mat or on the side coaching.

Sensei Blenard Capric

Kodokan 1st Degree Judo Black Belt (Japan) 
USJF Judo Shodan (Black Belt)
Jujitsu Black Belt
CPR & AED Certified

Ben is very active in the Dojo.  He enjoys training, teach and competition.  He currently holds a Masters degree in Accounting from St. Francis and is actively studying to become a CPA when he is not on the mat.

Sensei Toni Pepia

Kodokan 1st Degree Judo Black Belt (Japan) 
USJF Judo Shodan
Jujitsu Gokyu
CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

Ranked #2 in the USA - 7/4/16

2016 USA Junior Judo Team Alternate

Toni is a dedicated judoka who loves to help out on the mat. She is an EMT. She has meddled in various local and regional tournaments. Toni wants Judo to be a big part of her future and eventually wants to compete and medal in the Olympics. Toni was on the Jr. USA Judo Team as an alternate. She placed 1st at the 2016 Junior Olympics International Division and 2nd at the 2016 USA Judo Jr. National Championships.

Senpai AJ Viola

USJF Judo Sankyu
Jujitsu Gokyu

AJ began his judo training in 2014 here at Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo. Since then, AJ has taken an active role in the dojo through assistant instruction for kids Judo and has developed a passion for the sport. He is currently enrolled at Hunter College and aspires to major in computer science.