Master Phil Ross – 7th Degree Black Belt

Everyone involved in Martial Arts gains…. whether from the enjoyment of increasing one’s Athletic and Martial Arts Skills while learning The Science of Fighting, from the many health and appearance benefits of Physical Training and Fitness, from gaining The Mental Edges of Confidence, Discipline and Inner Peace, to the personal Challenges of Competition; if one chooses to do so in your studio, local tournaments or even the stage of Ultimate Fighting. No matter what aspect one desires, martial arts training is beneficial and attractive for anyone who desires to build their mind, body and spirit.

Many people have asked me how and why I became an instructor. It can be summed up very simply. The Martial Arts and Fitness has become a way of life for me. Aside from the obvious health benefits, it has made me the man I am today. The lessons of hard work and discipline cannot be found anywhere else. The problem solving, the goal achievement and all of the dedication it takes to become successful has enabled me to overcome a multitude of adversities and reach levels of achievement and a belief in myself that would NEVER be possible without the rigors of training.

My personal, physical and spiritual gains have been so great, that I feel compelled to pass this knowledge onto others so that they too may experience what I have. There is no greater joy than to see someone persevere and achieve with the skills and knowledge that you have been able to pass onto them. I feel so strongly about the benefits of training that I have passed them onto to my family members. Witnessing my daughter attain the level of Jr. Black Belt, after 10 years of training, was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Having my son, niece and nephew training on my floor gives me great pride. I trained my younger brother for 22 years and my younger sister for over 12. It was incredible watching them grow, develop, achieve and change through their time with me. Now they are recognized internationally in the fields of Martial Arts and Fitness, respectively. It has given me great pleasure to have trained them.

There are many other very accomplished individuals that have trained and continue to train with me; The US Navy SEALs, UFC Fighters, Martial Arts School Owners, Professional Fighters, FBI Agents, DEA Agents, Police Officers, US Marines, Professional Athletes, Doctors, Attorneys, a High School Principal, Students with Special Needs, School Teachers, Computer Programmers, Wall Street moguls, moms and dads. The lessons that they learn are carried over into their everyday lives. It’s an incredible feeling to receive a visit from a college student as they relay a story to you about how the lessons you taught them had such a positive impact upon their lives. When the students that I have taught positively influence and guide others with the lessons learned from training with me, there can be no bigger thrill.

The people that I have met and the friendships that I have forged from my involvement in the martial arts and fitness fields is irreplaceable. The more people that share in the same joy and peace of mind that I enjoy, the better.

Martial Arts Master Philip G. Ross, BGS, CPT, Internationally Recognized Instructor, Trainer and Wrestling Coach with over 35 years of experience competing and training in the Martial Arts and Fitness, has just completed hisS.A.V.E.™ The Ultimate Self Defense Workout DVD Series

Mike Massenzio –
AEMMA Chief BJJ Instructor/Professional Fighter

Mike began his training in the Combat Arts at age 4 when he began Wrestling. A 2-time New Jersey State High School wrestling Champion (2000 & 2001), Mike has been touted as the “Best 171 lb. Wrestler” to ever come out of the State of New Jersey. Additionally in 2001, Mike was the U.S. National High School Wrestling Champion. In 2003 he was the Runner-up at the Junior College National Tournament and was crowned the National Champion in 2004.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling, Mike has won numerous competitions in both N.A.G.A. and Grappler’s Quest. In 2006 he was crowned the N.A.G.A. World Champion in the Expert Division of the Submission fighting competition.

As a Professional MMA Fighter, Mike currently has an astounding 12-3 record, holds the Reality Fighting and Ring of Combat Titles as well as being the area’s only fighter with a UFC contract.

Mike thrives on competition and challenges. He enjoys the preparation, hard work and immense sacrifice that it takes to become a champion. He loves training and sharing his knowledge with others, so they too may know what it’s like to experience the satisfaction of accomplishments.

Sabom San-Dan: Brendan Behr

Brendan Behr has been studying the martial arts for over 19 years. He currently is a 3rd degree black Belt under the instruction of Master Philip Ross III. He also holds a 2nd degree black belt in the East/ West Alliance of Combative Arts, and a 1st degree black belt in the art of Bando.

Behr attended Quinnipiac University for his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and minored in Computer Science. During his time at Quinnipiac, he taught night classes in Street Self Defense and Aerobic Kickboxing. He also held Rape Prevention Seminar’s for the University’s Residential Life Department on a regular basis.

Throughout his 19 years of training, Sabom Behr has become a fierce competitor at the local, national, and international levels. In June, 2000 Behr was inducted into New Jersey’s Black Belt Hall of Fame. He is the Chief Instructor of his school’s first satellite school, American Eagle Martial Arts of Connecticut.

Sabom San-Dan John Holster

John Holster has been training in the martial arts for 18 years. He currently holds a 3nd Black Belt under the instruction of Master Philip Ross III. He has been actively instructing students here at American Eagle Martial Arts Academy for the past 14 years.

John Holster is a graduate of Ramapo College, obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in accounting, with a minor in computer science. He has been working as a software developer for the last 20 years.

John Holster brings to American eagle 18 years of knowledge in the evolving curriculum taught at American eagle Martial Arts Academy. He has a strong focus on discipline and technique.

Shihan Dr. Anthony Palminteri

Dr. Palminteri began his “hand to hand” combat training in the U.S. Army in 1959 and developed proficiency in Hatchet throwing. After his military discharge in 1962, he entered the jujitsu dojo of Michael DePasquale Sr. where I studied hakko-ryu jujitsu 35 years. He attained the rank of First degree black belt in 1972. He continued to study, train and teach at DePasquale’s Dojo until 1997 when after many degrees of black belt attained the rank of Shihan (8th degree black) and received the high rank of purple belt. Shihan is defined as “master teacher”.

In 1986, Dr. Palminteri began training police officers at the Bergen County Police Academy in 1986 and has taught over 2000 police officers in basic unarmed self defense and defensive tactics. He still conducts the classes at the academy to this day.

Professional education consists of BS from Queens College, NY and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1957. Became board certified in Veterinary surgery in 1968.

He is currently the CEO of the Oradell Animal Hospital located in Paramus, NJ.

Sabom Nidan Tom Gorman

Mr. Gorman has been training in the martial arts since 1991 and instructing students since 1995. He currently holds a 2nd degree black belt from American Eagle Martial Arts Academy and a 1st degree from the East-West Alliance. He also is certified in Survive A Violent Environment (S.A.V.E) and Compliance Direction Takedown (CDT). Mr. Gorman has competed in and won numerous martial arts tournaments both at the local and national level.

Mr. Gorman is a graduate of Muhlenberg College (BA), Montclair State University (MA), and he is currently working on his doctorate at Rutgers, The State University. After seven years in business, Mr. Gorman obtained the state license to teach high school students history. He then became a vice principal and is currently the principal of Westwood High School.

After playing football at Muhlenberg College, Mr. Gorman was looking for a new challenge in life. He stated, “The classes offer a good physical workout. The eclectic style and skills taught at American Eagle has prepared me for any situation I may face. Sabomnim Ross has put together a nice product that provides a balance in life.” Mr. Gorman’s wife and three children are actively involved at American Eagle.

Sabom Ni-Dan Dr. Robert Poli

Dr. Poli has been training in the martial arts for 15 years. He currently holds a 2nd Black Belt under the instruction of Master Philip Ross III. He has been actively instructing students here at American Eagle Martial Arts Academy for the past 12 years.

Poli is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1976, with a minor in Chemistry. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry for his postgraduate work, attaining his Degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1980. He is licensed to practice in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.

Dr. Poli runs a full time office in Fort Lee, New Jersey, his original home town, where he has been practicing dentistry for 26 years. Also, he is a 22 year active member of the Fort Lee Rotary Club, providing service on club, community, vocational, and international levels.

On the international level, he was a participant in the Peace Conference of Population and Development in Dakar, Senegal, in 1995, of which he was invited back to the UN the following year.

Poli brings to American Eagle his knowledge of biology, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics and nutrition, helping the student become more aware of how his body works. His strong focus on discipline and the importance of an education has been demonstrated in all his classes.

John Robert Pierson

Black Belt 2nd Degree – American Eagle Martial Arts Academy under the instruction of Master Instructor Philip G. Ross. System incorporates elements of Bando, Tae Kwon Do, Jujutsu, Boxing, Grappling, Locks and Holds, Use of Pressure Points, Knife, Stick and Gun Disarms, Basic knife fighting, Bo Staff, Short Stick and Kukri.

1st. Level CDT certified – Chief Instructor Mr. Patire

Range Master – Front Sight Firearms Academy, Pahrump, NV

-Expert in handgun, precision rifle, tactical shotgun

-Sub-gun, Hand to hand and edged weapons

-Qualified with M-16

-Duties include conducting all levels of training for the systems. Night and entry tactics conducted on a regular basis

Licensed to carry concealed in 32 States.

Graduated Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ; BS Marine Biology