"Boxing is NOT a sport ANYONE should do professionally. But it is a sport EVERYONE can and should do RECREATIONALLY!" (Here's Why)
Coach Ray Bettinelli |
|
 Ray
Bettinelli is both the Director and Head Coach of
BCBA. Born and raised in Bay Shore, NY Ray's love
for the sport of boxing dates back to when he was a 10
year old boy, that Christmas he received a pair of Joe
Frazier boxing gloves. In the 80's Ray boxed for the Brentwood
Recreation Center's Team under both coach Walter Sealy
and Jim Borzel.
Ray
has been instrumental in setting up a number of community-based
boxing gyms and is the creator of the D.R.I.F.T.
youth program. He brings to BCBA over three decades of boxing experience
in training, management and boxing promotion.
Ray
is a local businessman and the Marketing Director for
DIGICARD™,
a Multimedia & Marketing Company devoted to introducing
small business owners and entertainers to the marketing
power of the Internet. In addition he is both a Director
and Producer of family friendly entertainment for Hand
Sacred Productions.
 Over the years Ray
has worked closely with other community based programs
and has numerous awards and citations for the fund raising
work he has done on behalf of the Long Island AIDS Association
and Veteran's groups like AMVETS.
Ray moved to Lindenhurst in 1999 and considers it his new home town. His belief that you should give back to the community in which you reside was his motivating force behind opening BCBA. His vision for BCBA is that it becomes a full -
fledged community center in addition to a boxing academy,
a place where young people can be introduced to a number of community
programs designed to educate, motivate & inspire!
Interview with Coach Ray -from Men-Tor Showcase Magazine |
"If
you're interested in doing something for your country, help
somebody in need; write a check, give your time, volunteer!"
George
W. Bush
President |
NYPD Retired Detective Carl "Duke Schroeder has been a part of boxing since the late 1950's when he boxed as a pro welterweight. Duke went on to serve in the NYPD where he started The Fighting Finest Boxing Team, an elite squad of athletes that now box all around the world.
In the 1970's it was Duke who introduced the sport of boxing to Lindenhurst, running the PAL boxing program out of the basement of the 1st Precinct. His program help start the career of Buddy Mc Girt and many other promising young athletes including Lindenhurst native and fellow BCBA coach, Joey Perrone. Years later Duke went on to become a NY Boxing Commissioned referee.
As anyone who has ever laced up a pair of gloves will tell you, once you've boxed it's in your blood for life. Now a grandfather Duke's ability to both coach and mentor young people is unsurpassed by the average coach. And at a young 70 something Duke won't hesitate to put on his headgear and move a student around the ring.
His boxing journey has come full circle bringing Duke back to the place where it all began, Lindenhurst, NY. BCBA considers itself both blessed and honored to have such an accomplished individual (in boxing and in life) amongst its ranks
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
Rick Weidenburner has over 30 years of experience in Boxing and Martial Arts. Since 1979 he’s been a proud member of the highly respected Veterans Memorial/ Atlantic Boxing Club where Rick was both a fighter and a trainer. Rick is a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu and is a certified instructor with the American Kobe Jiu Jitsu Federation. He has fought as a Professional Kickboxer and was the Head Kickboxing instructor for Bob Malvagno's School of Self Defense.
BCBA is proud to announce that Rick is now part of our talented coaching staff. His passion for boxing, martial arts and physical fitness training will play a major role in the advancement of those BCBA students who want to bring their boxing skills to the next level (i.e. competitive boxing).
In his off hours Rick is a talented singer / entertainer so it’s not uncommon for him to bust out in song while working the floor at BCBA. His spirit and energy is never less than high when he’s in the company of others. In a sport often overrun by charlatans and roughnecks, Rick truly is a joy to be around!
As with all BCBA staff Rick is available for one-on-one training. His Boxing Fitness program provides personalized instruction in all the different aspects of boxing training. Various elements of the program are used as building blocks that are combined as the practitioner advances in experience and skill, ultimately resulting in an understanding of boxing as a system of training and conditioning of mind and body as well as a method of self defense. The benefits of this training are increased self-confidence, improved awareness and a higher level of overall fitness.
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"Those who succeed train, those who train succeed!"
Coach Ray Bettinelli |
A tough no-nonsense veteran of the New York City Police Department, Lou Telano’s career has spanned 5 decades! Lou took up boxing as a 15 year old youth. Back then he would make and extra $2 sparring pro boxers at local NYC gyms. His most notable sparring partner was Floyd Patterson!
As a Detective, Lou achieved the reputation as one of the most innovative and one of the toughest cops in New York City. Along with his partner John Sepe, they are credited with one of the highest number of arrests in New York City’s history.
The undercover team was soon deemed The Lone Ranger and Tonto! Soon after Hollywood took notice and the duo and they became the inspiration behind the hit TV Series Starsky & Hutch!
From the “Halls of Justice” through the “Halls of Congress” Lou’s career has yielded him over 75 awards and citations and placed him next to Mayors, Governors, Senators, Presidents and dignitary from all over the world! We are proud to have his experience and leadership among the many talented staff here at BCBA.
"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life."
Joel Osteen |
Joey Perrone - Was born and raised right here in Lindenhurst! He started boxing at the age of 13 under the guidance of fellow BCBA Coach & Mentor Carl “Duke” Schroeder. Joe had over 100 armature fights compiling a record of 92-12 while boxing the best amateurs in the country! He was the runner up in the prestigious NY Golden Gloves 5 years in a row.
Joe went on to turn pro having 5 bouts before retiring to focus on his family and community needs. He is a successful real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker and takes great pride in helping local youths with religious, education, and sport activities like baseball, soccer, basketball and of course his beloved Boxing right here at BCBA.
One needs only to watch Coach Joe train to see just how talented he was as a boxer. Joe's son is now a student of the sport and is showing great promise as a talented young boxer.Like all the staff here at BCBA we consider him a blessing to have on board!
"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?"
Dennis and Wendy Mannering |
"Big George" Mitchell is a retired NYC Transit Cop RT.LT, former Police Academy Instructor and EMT. AT 6' 7" "Big George" commands attention! As the former Director of Boxing for the New York State Athletic Commission "Big George" has over 50 Professional Shows to his credit.
He is a Veteran Gym Owner of over 20 years, working out of spots like the World Famous Gleason's Boxing Gym. As the Assistant Lead Trainer for the Bull Dog Boxing Club he helped groom Golden Gloves Champions and 2 Semi Finalists in the Teams first year. He now operates Comanche Boxing and is a corner and cutman for professional boxers where he can been seen regularly on TV working bouts in both the US and Europe.
He has worked with the Gleason's Kids Boxing Program and volunteered at both the Westbury PAL Boxing and Brentwood PAL. A Certified and Licensed USA Boxing and NYS Trainer "Big George" is part of our advanced coaching staff. He will be a major asset to BCBA assisting those youths that wish to peruse amateur competition.
"Life is a metaphor for boxing. it's impossible not to see that your opponent is you."
Joyce Carol Oates |
Stephanie Nutzul - Started boxing March 2007. She got her start under the watchful eye of well respected trainer and martial artist Coach Herman Williams.
Stephanie was the consummate student paying close attention to the technical process that separates the amateurs from the pros. She stayed focused on the fundamentals and worked her skills from the ground up.
Unfortunately her doctors strongly advised her not to pursue competition due to a pre-existing neck injury. After hearing the bad news Stephanie’s commitment to hard training never wavered as documented by her many accomplishments outside of the ring.
We are proud to have her on staff as an Assistant Boxing Coach. And anyone who doubts that a female boxing coach can help elevate their game need only watch a clip of Ann Wolff, one of Pro Boxing’s best trainers!
Though Stephanie can work with any student her passion is assisting other women realize their potential both in the gym and in the ring (if they so desire). In addition she is also on call to assist Coach Ray with his D.R.I.F.T. Youth Program.
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.."
Thomas Jefferson |
Alex Russo is our resident fitness enthusiast and volunteer coach with our D.R.I.F.T. Youth Program.
His fitness journey began back in 2004 after a job injury left him bed ridden. Months of inactivity fostered bad diet and exercise habits and a complacent attitude. Upon healing, Alex went into the Corporate world where things just got worse. Exercise was rare and his weight piled on until he hit an all time high of 240lbs!
Fed up with his unhealthy lifestyle, Alex woke up one day and made the choice to dramatically change his ways. He joined a gym, found a nutritionist and began applying the fundamentals of being fit! Then Alex joined BCBA because he wanted that competitive burn back in his life. Here he reconnected with the confidence he needed to defeat the obstacles that remained in his way.
With the support of his new found BCBA family, Alex was ready for life again. Losing almost 100lbs and getting into the best shape of his life Alex has developed the physical skills he needs to defeat ANY challenge life may hit him with!
"BCBA helped give me this amazing amount of confidence,
I now feel like I can do anything and everything."
With his reknewed passion for life, Alex regularly competes in alternative events such as the Urbanathalon and Tough Mudder which require peak physical fitness to complete. His passion for teaching youth the proper way to train and stay fighting fit is second to none. As a student of Fitness & Health Al will continue to evolve and continue to challenged himself.
"Always do what you are afraid to do."
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
Steve Van Eron started boxing at BCBA in 2006. At the time he was coming off a series of personal “Knock Downs”. Steve knew if he didn't change something his life could spiral out of control. So he began boxing first with one personal training session a week. Once he caught the BB (boxing bug) Steve quickly moved to two sessions a week and within 6 month reached his personal goal of losing 20lbs.
His command of his new found skills so impressed Coach Ray that Steve entered the NY Golden Gloves! Though eliminated in the first round Steve’s passion for the sport only increased.
As one of BCBA’s own success stories, Steve now knows first hand the benefits of boxing and staying in shape. He is available for both group and 1-on-1 training sessions.
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J.
Harry Ayala Jr. is our Director of Martial Arts. He oversees which MA programs BCBA should offer to best serve our local youth. Harry is also and co-coach
of our D.R.I.F.T. youth boxing program. Harry was born in the Bronx, New
York. Married and father of three sons Harry is both a
proud father and loving husband. A retired employee of the U.S.
Postal Service since, Harry is the true embodiment
of dedicated career professional.
Harry served our Nation honorably in the US Army and is
a Veteran of the Vietnam War (1970-1971). In 1974, after
his US Army obligations, Harry started his Martial Arts
training.
Since
then his list of credentials and accomplishments in the
Martial Arts is extensive.
- Schidan
4th Dan at Miyamoto Muso Ryu under Instructor
- Michael A. Alvarez
- Kaiden from Miyama
Ryu Jujutsu.
- Rokudan 6 degree Black belt in jujutsu
- Nidan in judo
- Registered
with the USJA as a Shodan and Level 1 Coach USJI
- Shodan.
- Registered
with the United States Judo Association
- Registered
with the United States Judo Inc.
- Registered
with the United States Kendo Fed.
- Has
studied Kendo for 3 years under Marc Isaac who
is a registered Nidan U.S.K.F.
- Certified
US Amateur Boxing Coach
|
In
1992 Harry opened his own Martial Arts studio Shiro
Bushi Ryu. As owner and operator Harry has taught
countless students over the years. Many of his students
have gone on to become accomplished Martial Arts instructors
themselves!
Harry will be overseeing the implementation of all/any Self Defense/Judo and JiuJitsu courses. His focus and devotion to teaching
make his oversight essential. All that he brings to BCBA is much needed and greatly appreciated.
"Success
in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or
accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."
Danny Thomas |
Sandan Bob Geick instructing his Sunday Bujutsu Class. |
Bob
Geick- Sandan
Bob
Geick started his martial arts training in1974 in Isshin-Ryu
karate, achieving Brown Belt level. A passionate athlete
Bob studied freestyle wrestling and boxing and the following:
- Trained
in Jeet Kune Do, Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu,
- Student
of Sensei Billy Martin, Godan (5th degree black belt)
Judo at Circle of One M.A.
- Certified
instructor Shiro
Bushi Ryu Bujutsu
-Awarded Sandan
(3rd Degree Black Belt) Shiro Bushi Ryu Bujutsu
-Student of
Sensei J. Harry Ayala, Rokudan (6th DegreeBlack Belt)
Jujutsu,
Nidan Judo
- Student
of Sensei Walter Ing, Rokudan (6th Degree Belt) Judo
- Awarded
the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) Judo by Sensei
Clifford Wolff, Yodan, Judo, and Author of "Shibumi
is the Way To Go!"
- Student
of Shindo Muso Ryu Jo Jutsu
- Registered
U.S.J.A.- Shodan.
- Registered
with the United States Judo Association
- Registered
with the United States Judo Inc.
- Registered
with the United States Kendo Fed.
- Operator
/ Sensei of Long
Island Bujutsu Academy
Bob
Geick is Currently working toward his US Boxing Certification
and will be an assistant Amateur Boxing Coach here at
BCBA. |
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"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
Henry David Thoreau |
|
Head Instructor: Sensei Victor De Leon
Seventh (7) Degree Black Belt; the second Highest Rank of the Kokushiryu Goshinho Jujitsu Association.
Studied under Professor Nobuyoshi Higashi since 1972. Sensei Victor began his studies with Professor Higashi at Hostos Community College and continued at the Kokushiryu Headquarters 332 Riverside Drive Manhattan NY 10022 where he serves as an Assistant Professor, Referee and Judge.
Victor De Leon is a certified ASHI CPR Pro Instructor (American Safety & Health Institute)
Sensei Victor has been teaching Jujitsu since 1974. He taught self defense at St. Joseph College in Patchogue, NY and substituted for Professor Higashi at Stony Brook University.
Active member of the Kokushi Budo Institute.
His Class Covers:
Falling Techniques : It is very important for the student to learn the techniques of falling to avoid injury since our style teaches take-downs as well as throws.
Basic Punching and Kicking : Our style has continue to practice these techniques. Therefore the student is to learn how and where to punch and kick effectively.
Escape From Attackers : The student will learn how to escape from different holds. (choke, arm grabs, bear hug, to name a few).
Joint Techniques : The student will learn how to apply a joint technique from grabs and holds bringing the opponent to submission.
Throws : The student will learn the techniques of throwing and opponent defending himself / herself from and attacker.
Fighting Techniques : As the student progresses he or she will learn how to apply these techniques on a more realistic application. |
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|
"We
should never permit ourselves to do anything that
we are not willing to see our children do."
Brigham
Young |
|
|
Master
Instructor Sensei Cliff Wolff
Sensei Clifford R. Wolff - Judo Instructor in Martial Arts. Sensei Wolff started his pursuit for personal excellence in 1943. He earned his black belt in 1970 in the art of Judo and has taught at a YMCA Judo Club and for the Boy Scouts of America, Venture Crew 1982 Judo Kai.
Earning the highest honor and award for the Boy Scouts of America, Silver Beaver Award and a Doctorate in Commissioner Science from the B.S.A. Sensei Wolff also contributes his vast knowledge and expertise through his achievements in Aerospace Engineering in Quality Control and Quality Assurance, which he is still active in the American Society for Quality.
We are truly fortunate to have his ongoing knowledge and expertise here at BCBA and written in his new book "Sensei Sez... Shibumi is the Way to Go!" His stories are a guide for any young leader and his spiritual and practical knowledge coupled with his expertise in leadership in the honor of mankind is now engraved in our hearts and minds and to be carried out and carried on through the youth of all nations.
- Operator
of Long Island Olympic Sport Judo - LIJudo.info
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"Let
your light shine before men, that they may see
your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew
5:15 |
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Sensei
Maria Didio
executing a Key Strike |
Sensei
Maria DiDio
2007
Empire State Games Silver Medalist in Judo
Training for 24 Years and Teaching
Martial Arts for 20 Years. - 3rd Degree
Black Belt in Karate, Jujitsu &
Judo.
She
is a member in good standing and certified in the following
organizations:
-
NWMAF-National Women's Martial Arts Federation
- NWMAF-
Certified National Self Defense Instructor
- AWSDA-American
Women's Self Defense Association
- ASWDA-
Rape Prevention Instructor Certification
- AWMAI-Association
of Women Martial Arts Instructors
- ZMAF
(ZUMA) - Zujitsu Martial Arts Federation
- IMAF-Independent
Martial Arts Federation (Rank Recognized)
- IFOJJ
- International Federation ofJu-Jutsuans (Charter Club
Member 2006-2007)
- USJA-United
State Judo Association (Charter Club Member Certificate-2006
& 2007) Jujitsu
- USJF-United
States Judo Federation
- USJI-United
States Judo Inc
- AFAA-Aerobic
Fitness Association of America Certification
- American
Red Cross CPR Certified
- Operator
of the "Rose & Thorn" Self Defense Fighting
System for Women- WomenFightBack.info
& WomenFightBackSelfDefense.com
- NEWS
ARTICLE READ MORE - Click Here
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"What
nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than
that of the man who instructs the rising generation."
Marcus Tullius Cicero |
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To
many boxing coaches focus their attention on just the skills
part of boxing instruction. All to often they overlook the importance
of teaching "proper" nutrition and fitness.
In
order for BCBA to meet its commitment of providing the
best boxing instruction available, we have brought on an incredible
team of fitness and nutrition lifestyle coaches. They will help
educate not only our members but our staff as well.
All
the coaches on Team BCBA will be armed with the latest
fitness and nutrition knowledge so they can provide quality,
well rounded boxing instruction.
 Brett
Cohen is our resident fitness consultant. He received
a Bachelor of Science in Education from the State University
of New York; College at Fredonia. Brett began his journey
into fitness by studying the Japanese Martial Art; Jiu-Jitsu.
Subsequent to obtaining his Black Belt, he continued to
study Jiu-Jitsu along with many other Martial Art styles.
Brett
is certified as a SPINNING instructor by Mad Dogg Athletics,
a Personal Fitness Trainer by the International Sports
Sciences Association (ISSA), a Golf Biomechanic and Nutrition
& Lifestyle Coach by the C.H.E.K
Institute. The Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology
Institute (C.H.E.K) is an elite education facility based
in California. The C.H.E.K Institute specializes in advanced-level
education for fitness professionals. C.H.E.K Institute
professionals are among the most current and well-educated
in their field.
In
addition to his current certifications, Brett has completed
numerous correspondence courses from this institute to
obtain a level of knowledge way beyond that required by
the basic personal trainer certification. Brett is an
active member of the running community and continually
attends national and local seminars and fitness conventions
to learn the latest information in each of his fields.
He operates his own personal fitness company (Integrated
Training Systems) and will be offering our coaching
staff and members the same guidance & knowledge he
provides his own clients.
His
commitment to to health and fitness will be a tremendous
asset to BCBA as we try to do our part in battling
the epidemic that is childhood
obesity. |
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"You
must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Ghandi |
At BCBA our kids hit their books, before they hit our bags!
One of the best ways to prepare our youth for what lies ahead
in their life is through education. So many kids have made the
foolish mistake of not finishing High School. Their lack of
preparatory schooling can trap them in a cycle of minimum wage
jobs and poverty.
BCBA
plans to offer GED preparation classes along with career path
guidance onsite. We have rallied volunteer
support from some of the best educators in our community to
assist us with this dynamic endeavor/plan. BCBA makes
its facility available to Higher Learning Institutions and Employers
so they can conduct seminars on the importance of continued
education and career choices.
|
 Donna
Bettinelli has been an educator for over 20 years.
She is currently the Head of the Science Dept. for the
Bay Shore School district. Her love for teaching and tutoring
is only surpassed by her love for her family (including
her brother-in-law Ray).
Her
abilities and accomplishments in the classroom have been
acknowledged by her peers through numerous awards and
citations.
With her guidance she will help BCBA implement
the structure needed to meet the challenge of providing
quality tutoring in our learning center. |
To
Offer Your Time
To Mentor or Tutor At BCBA Please - (contact
us)
|
"Art
is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking
for ideal truth."
George Sand |
OUR PRIVATE
GYM IS OPEN DAILY TO LOCAL YOUTH AGES 10 thru 17
Gym Schedule CLICK HERE
Mon. Wed. Fri. 4pm to 6:00pm & Sat. 11am to 2pm
Open Sparring For Team Members
Wed. 5pm - 6pm & Sat. 12pm to 2pm
