Tony DiPrizio is bringing joy and judo to residents at Paris Street Gym
By Cary Shuman
In a matter of a few months, Anthony “Tony” DiPrizio has built a judo program that has grown in popularity so fast that there is currently a waiting list.
DiPrizio, president of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, and his instructional staff are teaching judo to 75 residents each week at the Paris Street Gym. The holder of a Brown Belt, DiPrizio is also a professional sensei (teacher of martial arts) at Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield where he is mentored by Jimmy Pedro, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and one of the foremost judo coaches in the world. One of Pedro’s students is Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harris, currently the UFC bantamweight champion.
Taking great pride in the success of his East Boston-based judo program, DiPrizio said the endeavor was launched with the assistance of Rep. Adrian Madaro, who reached out to Nicole DaSilva, director of the community center, who agreed to be the host site.
Rep. Madaro is a strong supporter of the program and made a pre-Thanksgiving visit to the gym where he thanked DiPrizio for his excellent leadership, greeted parents, and obliged photo requests from judo participants.
“It was great to stop by the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation to see its new judo class at Paris Community Center,” said Madaro. “It’s always nice to have another martial arts space in the community to not only teach youth self-defense, but also discipline, leadership, and communication. Special thanks to Tony DiPrizio for founding this organization and for his mentorship with the program’s participants.”
DiPrizio said the enrollment breakdown for the two-days-a-week program is 45 children, 15 teenagers, and 10 adults.
“The program just took off and we’re at 75 with a waiting list,” said DiPrizio proudly.
DiPrizio, who is volunteering his time and effort to run the program, is assisted by an all-volunteer coaching staff that includes Frank Presta, Benjamin Noboa, Chris Alba, and Hailey Darling,
“Frankie and I started at Revere Karate Academy when we were six years old,” recalled DiPrizio. “Mrs. [Doreen] Cogliandro, (a Grandmaster and world champion) was our first martial arts instructor. Frankie earned his Brown Belt under her tutelage.”
DiPrizio attended Revere schools. He is the son of Diane DiPrizio, a lifelong Revere resident and a popular crossing guard at the Garfield School.
DiPrizio noted that the judo program is free of charge for all participants. The East Boston Foundation (which is funded by Massport) provided a grant of $6,000 for the purchase of uniforms for the summer and fall sessions. WIN has donated uniforms for the winter and spring sessions. Revere Police Sgt. Joseph Singer of Revere Boxing donated the tatami mats. Let’s Play Boston was a donor of $2,500 to support operating costs.
One of DiPrizio’s judo athletes, Rafael, a student at Excel Academy, is soaring through the ranks, having received a medal at a regional competition.
“I think you’ll see Rafael Mazzoni contending for a spot on the 2028 U.S. Olympic team and training with Jimmy Pedro,” predicted DiPrizio.
DiPrizio, who works full time for the Boston Department of Public Works, said his goal is to continue the judo program if there is funding available.
“The response we’re getting from parents has been phenomenal,” said DiPrizio. “Parents tell us how their children are gaining more confidence through our program, and their pursuit of belts is giving them a sense of accomplishment and an acknowledgment of their hard work.”
And that’s why Anthony “Tony” DiPrizio has respectfully earned the title of “King of the Mat” in East Boston. Here’s hoping that Mr. DiPrizio finds a funding source so the many aspiring martial artists can continue to pursue their goals in judo.
The legacy of
Muscles Unlimited
The original Muscles Unlimited Gym was opened in Revere in 1979. Tony Prizio’s grandfather, Sonny Avola, and uncle, Bob Avola, were the leaders of the gym where several professional wrestlers and body builders would train. The gym closed in 2001.
“Pro wrestlers such as the Gulla brothers, the Iron Messiah, and Rocky Raymond all trained there,” said Tony DiPrizio. “When the wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage competed in Boston, they would all go to Muscles Unlimited because it was right near the airport. That was a big spot for all the professional wrestlers. The gym also had tanning beds, which was a first back then.”