Our Coaching Staff
Learn from world-class athletes and coaches who bring Olympic-level experience, technical expertise, and championship mindset to every practice.
Nick Delpopolo
Nick Delpopolo is a world-class martial artist whose foundation in both judo and wrestling has led to a distinguished athletic and coaching career. As a youth, Nick was a standout wrestler, winning the New Jersey state title and placing 3rd nationally while still in middle school.
He went on to compete for Bergen Catholic High School, where he made varsity as a freshman and sophomore, an extraordinary feat at one of the top wrestling programs in the country. A season-ending knee injury during his sophomore year shifted his focus, and after recovery, he dedicated himself fully to making the U.S. Olympic judo team.
That dedication paid off. Nick earned a spot on the Olympic team in 2012 and again in 2016, placing 7th in both Games while competing in the highly competitive 73kg division. His performances on the international stage established him as one of the most respected American judokas of his generation.
Olympic Achievements
Coaching Excellence
Beyond competition, Nick has become a highly sought-after coach and mentor. He has taught and developed athletes across the country in both judo and wrestling, coaching at elite institutions such as Marine Corps Base Quantico, 50/50 Martial Arts, and other prestigious gyms nationwide.
Nick's technical expertise, high-level experience, and leadership have helped shape multiple Division I wrestlers and nationally ranked athletes.
Whether on the mat or in the corner, Nick brings intensity, strategy, and heart to everything he does. As a coach, he's committed to developing athletes who are technically sharp, mentally strong, and ready for the challenges of high-level competition.
Helen Delpopolo
Helen Delpopolo is one of New Jersey's most accomplished and influential figures in combat sports, with a decorated career in Wrestling, Judo, and Sumo. She first made headlines by placing in the boys' youth state wrestling tournament, an early sign of her fearless competitiveness.
As girls' wrestling gained momentum, Helen became a two-time New Jersey state champion, 2x All-American, and a National High School Champion, helping lay the foundation for future generations.
In judo, Helen earned multiple national titles, a Junior Olympics gold, and was crowned IJF Pan-American Champion. At just 15 years old, she was the youngest competitor in her division at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, a milestone in her elite-level career.
Championship Highlights
Record-Breaking Achievements
In Sumo, Helen became the youngest world team member from any country at age 12, a record that still stands. In 2015, she placed 5th at the World Sumo Championships, narrowly missing the podium.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to women in combat sports, Helen was honored in 2018 by Billie Jean King and her Women's Sports Foundation, joining a national circle of female athletes who have paved the way in their fields.
Coaching Excellence
As a coach, Helen has mentored over 20 state medalists and champions in both boys' and girls' wrestling. She has worked with athletes from youth levels to Division I recruits, building strong programs in towns like Cranford, Westfield, and Somerville.
Her coaching reflects the same intensity and passion she brought to competition, empowering athletes to reach their highest potential.