"About Gio"
Giorlando Castronovo
Gio has over five decades of experience as a physical and nutritional advisor specializing in anti-aging, weight training, body building, Jiu Hitsu and the "Sweet Science of Boxing" for the sports-minded individual as well as the rehabilitation of individuals with sedentary habits and/or physical impairments.
Gio's boxing career started in the late 1930s, when Gio's father, known as John "Lefty" Castron, a "South Paw", took Gio to various boxing gyms from Brooklyn to New York (Stylman's Gym & Gleason's Gym) to New Jersey and so on. During these years, Gio met and was able to study some of the greatest pugilists of that era. From "Brown Bomber" Joe Lewis, Tony Galento, Nathan Mann, Marcel Cedan, Tony Zale, Rocky Marciano, Rocky Graziano, Jake " Raging Bull" Lamotta...a never ending list of great fighters. Gio's dad was a trainer and cutman, along side Whitey Bimstein and Ray Arcel. "Lefty" went on to become a manager for dozens of fighters during the 1940s, 50's and 60s.
In the following years, Gio trained along side his dad, fought for the P.A.L. and CYO championships and won the lightweight class in the 1950s. During this time, Gio had dozens of amateur fights under his belt with many organizations.
Gio's interest in body building also came into interest in the early 1950s. Gio used weight training as a conditioning method, when it was a "no-no" for boxers. Gio was always told not to lift weights, but little did they know. It was during this time Gio became aware of the positive influence of body building and the positive impact it had on his boxing skills.
The next phase in Gio's career was the interest in Jiu Jitsu, encouraged by the Head-Sensei of the New York Police Academy, Master Kiyosa Nake. Gio joined Sigward Health Studio and Martial Arts Center, eventually earning a 4th dan. It was at this time that he became aware of just how much boxing was a significant contributor to his martial arts practice.
While Gio continued weight training for his specific sports, this eventually lead him into becoming a competitive body builder where he participated in numerous physique shows. He trained with the best during his career with peers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, Frank Zane, Franco Columbo, Robby Robinson, Lou Farigno, Tom Platz, Lou Dogni and the list goes on. During these years, Gio won dozens of body building titles. After a long break in competition, Gio came back in his late 40s and won the 1976 Mr. America Competition "Master's" title in Venice Beach, California. That same year, Gio placed 5th in the "Open" (any age limit) Mr. A.G.G.B.America Competition in San Francisco. Gio was 21 years their senior. However, during this time, Gio never lost sight of his true love...boxing!!
Now! 75 years old (or young) Gio finally hung up his gloves and is now the proud owner, along with his wife, Liberty and partner Mark Rolph, of Gio's Brooklyn Boxing and Martial Arts Club!!! |
