Anthony Ricciardi, TSMMA Toms River
Ask most young boys what they want to be when they grow up, and you’ll probably hear a wide variety of answers. You might hear responses such as a millionaire, a professional baseball player, or a rock star…all lofty dreams that very seldom come to fruition. However, ask Anthony Ricciardi what he wants to be when he grows up, and he’ll tell you straight up: “A Sensei”. Anthony is only 11 years old, but watch out, because he’s definitely on his way.
 Anthony started training at TSMMA Toms River at the age of 8, under the tutelage of Sensei Bobby Colontino. Unfortunately, what brought him to Tiger Schulmann’s was the fact that he was being bullied at school, on the bus, and in his neighborhood. However, when the bullying turned physical, his parents Angela and Tony, decided that enough was enough, and checked out a few martial arts schools. After a few experiences that left them still searching for the right school, they walked into Tiger Schulmann’s. They’ve never looked back. Then again, once Anthony started training, he wouldn’t let them look back! The staff at the Tom’s River school welcomed them into their fold, and the sense of family within the school was quite clear to the Ricciardi’s. Immediately, Anthony and Sensei Colontino bonded, and everything Sensei asked of him, Anthony did. Anthony went from being a shy, passive boy, to a confident young man. Angela says, “Since starting at Tiger Schulmann’s, Anthony is a different kid. If something doesn’t feel right, he’ll stand up for himself. He will defend others if he sees them being bullied. He walks around with such confidence and great posture. It has helped him stand up in the crowd, instead of always standing behind, and as parents, that gives us great comfort knowing that he can physically and emotionally take care of himself.”
Anthony’s quest to become a Sensei is not just a dream - rather it has become his lifestyle. After training on average 8 hours per week, Anthony comes home and “teaches” Sensei’s classes over and over again. His basement resembles a Tiger Schulmann’s school, and it is there that he fine tunes his teaching skills so one day he will be an amazing instructor like Sensei Colontino. “Sensei has played a really important role as my instructor, but also a role that is very close to my heart as a second Dad.”, says Anthony, “I trust his opinion on everything and know I can always count on him.”
Anthony received his black belt on January 13th, 2008. He continues to train and grow as a martial artist, and just as importantly, he continues to mature into a disciplined and focused young man. How far has he come since he began training? “Anthony came to me as a kid who was being bullied everywhere. He was talked down to, and made to be everyone’s personal gofer. That all changed when he began training.” says Sensei Colontino, “From day one, Anthony trained like someone on a mission, always giving 150% on the mat, and never missing a class. The bullying stopped, because when you’re that confident, bullies don’t want anything to do with you.” Sensei continues, “I’m very proud of Anthony. He is what our program is all about. We don’t just teach martial arts, we change lives.”
Who better to guide students on the road to confidence, than someone who’s taken that journey himself? Who better to help change someone’s life than one whose life has been changed? Keep your eye on Anthony. He’s got a great future ahead of him, no matter where it takes him.
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