Nick Rastelli II
Bio
Nick Rastelli II is a highly respected wrestling and judo coach from Western New York with decades of experience developing athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, national, and international levels. He currently serves as an Assistant Women's Wrestling Coach for the Buffalo State University women's wrestling program under Head Coach Thomas Shifflet.
Coaching Career
Rastelli has spent more than three decades teaching wrestling and martial arts throughout Western New York. He is the founder and head instructor of Kin-Tora Judo Club, a program he has operated for more than 25 years. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, technical mastery, character development, and lifelong participation in combat sports.
Wrestling Background
A graduate of Grand Island High School, Rastelli was: Three-year captain of the Grand Island wrestling team Two-time Section VI Champion Two-time New York State place winner (3rd place) Collegiate wrestler at the University at Buffalo 1991 Conference Champion at 118 pounds NCAA Division II National Championship qualifier
Judo Accomplishments
In addition to wrestling, Rastelli is one of the most accomplished judoka in the region: Sixth-degree Black Belt in Judo Five-time National Judo Champion International competitor 5th Place finisher at the World Masters Judo Championships in Tokyo, Japan Bronze medalist in the Kata Division at the Pan American Games Coach of four World Masters medalists Coach of 37 Junior National Champions over the past 30 years
Honors & Recognition
Shifflet has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including: National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Lifetime Service to Wrestling, 2020) New York State Section VI Hall of Fame (2021) Eastern Wrestling League Hall of Fame (2006) Edinboro University Athletics Hall of Fame (2009) Western New York Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011)
