About NJAC Wrestling

Over 30 years of building champions on and off the mat.

Our History

Founded in 1992, NJAC Wrestling has been a cornerstone of the wrestling community in Fairfield, New Jersey for over three decades. What started as a small club dedicated to teaching youth the fundamentals of wrestling has grown into one of the most respected programs in North Jersey.

Our club has produced numerous state qualifiers, regional champions, and college-level wrestlers. But our mission has always been about more than wins and losses — it's about building character, discipline, and resilience in every athlete who walks through our doors.

Located at 1275 Bloomfield Ave. Unit 15b in Fairfield, NJ, our facility provides a dedicated training environment where wrestlers of all ages and skill levels can develop their craft under the guidance of experienced coaches.

Our Mission

“To develop well-rounded athletes and individuals through the sport of wrestling. We are committed to providing world-class coaching, fostering a supportive team environment, and instilling the values of hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship in every wrestler — from beginners taking their first steps on the mat to competitive athletes pursuing excellence.”

Our Coaches

Chris Cuffari

Chris Cuffari

Founder & Head Coach

NJAC Founder, Est. 1992NCAA D3 All-American & National FinalistTCNJ Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2026)30+ Years Coaching Experience

With more than three decades of coaching experience, Coach Chris Cuffari has dedicated his life to developing young wrestlers and growing the sport in New Jersey.

Chris enjoyed a distinguished collegiate wrestling career at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where he was a member of the 1985 and 1987 National Championship teams. In 1989, he earned NCAA Division III All-American honors and was a National Finalist. In recognition of his team’s achievements, Chris was recently inducted into the TCNJ Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, honoring the 1985 and 1987 championship teams.

In 1992, Chris founded North Jersey Athletic Club (NJAC), becoming one of the early pioneers of the wrestling club movement in New Jersey. Mentored by Roman Ruderman, a world-class wrestler and coach at the prestigious New York Athletic Club, Chris developed a deep appreciation for the technical aspects of wrestling and the importance of passing that knowledge on to future generations.

Throughout his coaching career, Chris has helped develop countless wrestlers, from beginners to state champions and nationally ranked competitors. Among those he has coached are Steven Mocco, Mike Grey, and Donnie DeFilippis, all of whom have gone on to become coaches themselves, continuing to share their knowledge and passion for wrestling with future generations.

Today, with the return of NJAC Wrestling, Chris continues his lifelong commitment to developing not only outstanding wrestlers but also confident, disciplined young men and women.

His philosophy is simple: Great coaching goes beyond winning matches. It’s about building character, instilling discipline, and preparing young athletes for success both on and off the mat.

Mike Amaro

Mike Amaro

Head Coach

St. Mary High School WrestlingEdinboro UniversityUSA Wrestling Certified20+ Years Coaching Experience

Coach Amaro brings over two decades of wrestling experience to NJAC. A standout wrestler at St. Mary High School, he went on to compete at Edinboro University, one of the premier wrestling programs in the country. His USA Wrestling certification and years of coaching experience make him one of the most respected coaches in North Jersey.

Our Facility

Training Center

Our dedicated training facility features full-size wrestling mats, a strength and conditioning area, and everything our athletes need to train at the highest level.

Location

NJAC Wrestling

1275 Bloomfield Ave. Unit 15b

Fairfield, NJ 07004