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ROBERT SHIMONSKI
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Robert Shimonski
Life Member - United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) ®
Life Member - USA Traditional Kodokan Judo (USA-TKJ) ®
Robert Shimonski is a lifelong martial artist, combat sports coach, and United States Marine Corps veteran whose journey in the martial arts began at the age of 13. What started as a teenage pursuit of discipline and self-improvement evolved into a decades-long commitment to mastering multiple fighting systems, coaching athletes, and living the warrior ethos both on and off the mat. With black belt rankings in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, American Kenpo Karate, and Lama Pai Kung Fu, Shimonski represents a rare blend of traditional martial arts depth, modern combat sports experience, and real-world combative training.
Early Martial Arts Foundations -
From his earliest days in the dojo, Shimonski immersed himself in structured, disciplined training. His foundational art became American Kenpo Karate, where he studied the Ed Parker / Al Tracy system under Shihan Michael Pinelli of American Olympic Karate and East Coast Karate. Through decades of rigorous study, technical repetition, sparring, and teaching, he earned the rank of 3rd-Degree Black Belt (Sandan).
Under Master Pinelli’s mentorship, Shimonski developed not only technical proficiency but also leadership skills. He became a full-time instructor (Sensei), teaching children and adults the complete Kenpo curriculum. His instruction emphasizes precision, self-defense practicality, and character development. Today, he remains an active member of Kenpo International, continuing to preserve but also augment and advance the art’s principles of rapid-fire striking, logical sequencing, and combat realism to fit into today’s modern world.
Expanding Into Chinese Martial Arts -
Seeking deeper knowledge beyond Kenpo, Shimonski pursued Lama Pai Kung Fu, a powerful Southern Chinese system known for its aggressive hand techniques (gorilla and crane), rooted stances, brutal trapping and practical fighting applications. He studied under Sifu Rafael Gomez and Sigung (Master) Steve Ventura, earning his Black Sash through disciplined training in forms, weapons, conditioning, and application drills.
His education extended into related Southern systems, including Choy Li Fut and Shuai Jiao, giving him additional perspective on striking, circular power generation, and Chinese wrestling methods. Under Sigung Ventura, Shimonski continues to refine advanced applications and serve as a ranked black belt instructor within the system. Lama Pai deepened his understanding of structure, body mechanics, and the bridge between traditional training and combat functionality.
United States Marine Corps and Combative Experience -
For eight years, Shimonski served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he trained extensively in Marine Corps Combative Arts, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, weapons integration, and battlefield effectiveness. The Marine Corps sharpened his mental resilience, physical toughness, and tactical awareness.
The experience reinforced a critical truth: martial arts are not merely sport or tradition, they are tools for survival, protection, and mission accomplishment. This period shaped his no-nonsense approach to training, emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and composure under pressure.
Kodokan Judo and Grappling Development -
Shimonski’s pursuit of grappling mastery led him to Kodokan/Olympic Judo, where he earned the rank of 1st-Degree Black Belt (Shodan). Training under Sensei Mark Staniszewski, he developed a well-rounded Judo game, blending strong stand-up throwing techniques with heavy emphasis on newaza (ground fighting).
He is an active, ranked member of the United States Judo Federation (USJF), United States Judo Association (USJA), and USA Judo. His competitive and coaching development within these organizations reflects both technical skill and dedication to maintaining high standards.
Shimonski later became a coach at Sensei Staniszewski’s school, teaching both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and NoGi). His Judo instruction integrates traditional kuzushi (off-balancing), explosive throws, and practical transitions to groundwork… an approach that complements his BJJ expertise.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Advanced Grappling -
Robert Shimonski is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and ranked member of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). His BJJ journey further refined his technical understanding of leverage, timing, positional control, and submission strategy.
Under Professor Mark Staniszewski, Shimonski immersed himself in both traditional Gi training and NoGi/Catch-influenced grappling. He continues to study Catch Wrestling to expand his submission arsenal and pressure-based control systems.
His grappling philosophy emphasizes:
Mixed Martial Arts and Cross-Training -
As a member of Team Believe, Shimonski trains under professional fighters and coaches in mixed martial arts. This exposure broadened his understanding of ring and cage dynamics, distance management, striking-to-grappling transitions, and live resistance training.
While MMA is primarily a sport format, Shimonski recognizes its immense value in testing technique under pressure. Through this training, he continues to refine advanced grappling strategies, defensive tactics, and real-world fighting applications.
His cross-training also includes:
Coaching, Education, and Professional Credentials -
Beyond the mats, Shimonski is deeply committed to the science of training and performance. He holds a two Master’s Degrees, with one specifically in Psychology and Coaching, enabling him to combine mental performance principles with physical training methodologies.
His professional certifications include:
Philosophy and Legacy -
Robert Shimonski’s martial arts philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement, discipline, and practical effectiveness. He respects tradition but demands functionality. He values sport but prioritizes preparedness. He honors lineage while constantly evolving.
As a coach, he emphasizes:
Today, he continues to train, teach, and refine his craft, bridging tradition and modern combat systems while shaping the next generation of martial artists.
Robert Shimonski can be contacted at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.shimonski.comrs[email protected]
Life Member - United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) ®
Life Member - USA Traditional Kodokan Judo (USA-TKJ) ®
Robert Shimonski is a lifelong martial artist, combat sports coach, and United States Marine Corps veteran whose journey in the martial arts began at the age of 13. What started as a teenage pursuit of discipline and self-improvement evolved into a decades-long commitment to mastering multiple fighting systems, coaching athletes, and living the warrior ethos both on and off the mat. With black belt rankings in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, American Kenpo Karate, and Lama Pai Kung Fu, Shimonski represents a rare blend of traditional martial arts depth, modern combat sports experience, and real-world combative training.
Early Martial Arts Foundations -
From his earliest days in the dojo, Shimonski immersed himself in structured, disciplined training. His foundational art became American Kenpo Karate, where he studied the Ed Parker / Al Tracy system under Shihan Michael Pinelli of American Olympic Karate and East Coast Karate. Through decades of rigorous study, technical repetition, sparring, and teaching, he earned the rank of 3rd-Degree Black Belt (Sandan).
Under Master Pinelli’s mentorship, Shimonski developed not only technical proficiency but also leadership skills. He became a full-time instructor (Sensei), teaching children and adults the complete Kenpo curriculum. His instruction emphasizes precision, self-defense practicality, and character development. Today, he remains an active member of Kenpo International, continuing to preserve but also augment and advance the art’s principles of rapid-fire striking, logical sequencing, and combat realism to fit into today’s modern world.
Expanding Into Chinese Martial Arts -
Seeking deeper knowledge beyond Kenpo, Shimonski pursued Lama Pai Kung Fu, a powerful Southern Chinese system known for its aggressive hand techniques (gorilla and crane), rooted stances, brutal trapping and practical fighting applications. He studied under Sifu Rafael Gomez and Sigung (Master) Steve Ventura, earning his Black Sash through disciplined training in forms, weapons, conditioning, and application drills.
His education extended into related Southern systems, including Choy Li Fut and Shuai Jiao, giving him additional perspective on striking, circular power generation, and Chinese wrestling methods. Under Sigung Ventura, Shimonski continues to refine advanced applications and serve as a ranked black belt instructor within the system. Lama Pai deepened his understanding of structure, body mechanics, and the bridge between traditional training and combat functionality.
United States Marine Corps and Combative Experience -
For eight years, Shimonski served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he trained extensively in Marine Corps Combative Arts, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, weapons integration, and battlefield effectiveness. The Marine Corps sharpened his mental resilience, physical toughness, and tactical awareness.
The experience reinforced a critical truth: martial arts are not merely sport or tradition, they are tools for survival, protection, and mission accomplishment. This period shaped his no-nonsense approach to training, emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and composure under pressure.
Kodokan Judo and Grappling Development -
Shimonski’s pursuit of grappling mastery led him to Kodokan/Olympic Judo, where he earned the rank of 1st-Degree Black Belt (Shodan). Training under Sensei Mark Staniszewski, he developed a well-rounded Judo game, blending strong stand-up throwing techniques with heavy emphasis on newaza (ground fighting).
He is an active, ranked member of the United States Judo Federation (USJF), United States Judo Association (USJA), and USA Judo. His competitive and coaching development within these organizations reflects both technical skill and dedication to maintaining high standards.
Shimonski later became a coach at Sensei Staniszewski’s school, teaching both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and NoGi). His Judo instruction integrates traditional kuzushi (off-balancing), explosive throws, and practical transitions to groundwork… an approach that complements his BJJ expertise.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Advanced Grappling -
Robert Shimonski is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and ranked member of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). His BJJ journey further refined his technical understanding of leverage, timing, positional control, and submission strategy.
Under Professor Mark Staniszewski, Shimonski immersed himself in both traditional Gi training and NoGi/Catch-influenced grappling. He continues to study Catch Wrestling to expand his submission arsenal and pressure-based control systems.
His grappling philosophy emphasizes:
- Dominant positional control
- Efficient and brutal submissions
- Seamless transitions
- Real-world adaptability (self-defence)
Mixed Martial Arts and Cross-Training -
As a member of Team Believe, Shimonski trains under professional fighters and coaches in mixed martial arts. This exposure broadened his understanding of ring and cage dynamics, distance management, striking-to-grappling transitions, and live resistance training.
While MMA is primarily a sport format, Shimonski recognizes its immense value in testing technique under pressure. Through this training, he continues to refine advanced grappling strategies, defensive tactics, and real-world fighting applications.
His cross-training also includes:
- Escrima/Kali Filipino Martial Arts (primarily under Michael Pinelli, various other instructors)
- Seizon Ryu Combat Jujitsu (Barry O’Brien)
- Krav Maga (Level 1 under Anthony Santopadre, Krav Maga Alliance)
- Catch Wrestling (Journeyman rated under Joel Bane; Assistant Coach under Team Believe)
- Muay Thai (under Kru Paul Zambuto)
Coaching, Education, and Professional Credentials -
Beyond the mats, Shimonski is deeply committed to the science of training and performance. He holds a two Master’s Degrees, with one specifically in Psychology and Coaching, enabling him to combine mental performance principles with physical training methodologies.
His professional certifications include:
- Certified Master Personal Trainer (ISSA)
- Specialist in Sports Nutrition (ISSA)
- Specialist in Youth Fitness (ISSA)
- Specialist in Strength and Conditioning (ISSA)
- Certified Running Coach (ISSA)
- Speed, Agility, and Strength Training (ISSA)
- CPR/AED and Basic First Aid (Current)
- SafeSport Certification (Current)
- Concussion Training Certification (Current)
- IBJJF Online Rules Seminar Certification (Current)
- Certified Tournament Judge and Coach (USA Karate)
- Certified Regional Judo Coach (USA Judo, USJA, USJF)
Philosophy and Legacy -
Robert Shimonski’s martial arts philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement, discipline, and practical effectiveness. He respects tradition but demands functionality. He values sport but prioritizes preparedness. He honors lineage while constantly evolving.
As a coach, he emphasizes:
- Technical precision
- Conditioning and durability
- Tactical awareness
- Psychological resilience
- Character development
Today, he continues to train, teach, and refine his craft, bridging tradition and modern combat systems while shaping the next generation of martial artists.
Robert Shimonski can be contacted at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.shimonski.comrs[email protected]
