BJJ & Judo Instructors
Tim Hart
James Chiariello
James Chiariello first began his martial arts training in 1999 at 15 years old starting with Muay Thai. In September of 2002, he began studying Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Currently, he is a 3rd stripe Purple Belt under Philip and Ricardo Migliarese with whom he trains under. James originally began training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as a means of self-defense, but also enjoys teaching and competing. He has placed in several Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and submission grappling tournaments over the years including 1st Place at the 2007 Copa Atlantica Advanced Men’s No-Gi Flyweight Division. He hold a master’s degree in Federal Law Enforcement from St. Joseph’s University and is actively pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Sensei R. Robert Mitchell 3rd
Coach (Sensei) R. Robert Mitchell, 3rd began doing Judo at the age 6 at the Cheltenham Judo Club under the instruction of Sensei Robert Carr. As he got older Sensei Mitchell developed a strong passion for Judo which he displayed in many competitions. Sensei Mitchell served as the team captain from age 13-18, when he gained a reputation as a fierce and technically sound fighter. Sensei Mitchell has racked up many awards during his fighting career including (5x) PA State Champion, (5x) keystone State Games Champion, East Coast Champion, National Championship (3rd place), & Can-Am Games Champion. He learned that no matter how good you are there is always someone training harder when after several tournament wins he suffered his first defeat at the Beltsville Invitational in Beltsville, MD.
Coach Mitchell took a break from Judo to serve in the US Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he learned various techniques that he was able to incorporate into his Judo. Upon his return from the Marines Corps Sensei Mitchell assumed the role of Assistant Coach of the Cheltenham Judo Club (CJC). When the previous Coach retired in 2005, Sensei Mitchell became the Coach of the Cheltenham Judo Club. During his time with the CJC, Sensei Mitchell has trained many Judo champions including 8 state champions and 6 Keystone States Games champions.
Sensei Mitchell was fortunate to train with several local and national instructors, including O-Sensei Phil Porter, Takahiko Ishikawa, Ed Liddie, Mike Swain, Tom Blair, Lou Moyerman, & Robert Carr. These instructors are well known on the Judo circuit for their skills and talents. These instructors inspired Sensei Mitchell to become a Judo Coach. His strong teaching style goes hand in hand with his love for the sport of Judo. He believes that Judo trains students to not only be great competitors but great citizens as well. Sensei Mitchell’s goal is that students improve both mentally and physically from their Judo training. A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn are the greatest assets a student can bring to the mat.
The Mitchell family has been involved in Judo since Sensei Robert Mitchell started as a student more than 20 years ago. Sensei Mitchell’s father, Robert, retired as Coach of the Cheltenham Judo Club a few years ago, although he still loves to impart wisdom to students on the mat. Sensei’s mother, Rebecca, is a Brown Belt and is Co-President of the CJC’s Parent’s Organization. Sensei Mitchell’s brother, Rodney, is a Black Belt National Champion and assistant instructor at the Cheltenham Judo Club. Sensei’s wife, Jennifer is Co-President of the CJC’s Parent Organization. Their youngest daughter, Alessandra, is a Second-Degree Yellow Belt.
Sensei Robert Mitchell looks forward to getting to know all of his new students and making the Judo club a rewarding experience for everyone.
