Solid as a Rock:
IFBB Pro Head Judge, Jim Rockell
By Rob Wilkins
In bodybuilding, it is imperative that the judging panel be comprised of highly qualified individuals who can maintain fairness in a sport which is both objective and subjective. Although there is a set of judging criteria [the objective element], the final decision rests on the shoulders of each individual judge [the subjective element].
Jim Rockell, 57, has served with distinction as an NPC/IFBB judge since 1983. "Judging plays an important role in the outcome of any bodybuilding competition so I take my role as a judge very seriously," says Jim. "My main function as a judge is to objectively view the presentation of each competitor, identify strengths and weaknesses and place them based on their physique, not their reputation or my personal preference."
In addition to serving as an IFBB pro judge, Jim is on the IFBB Pro Committee as Men’s Representative
for the IFBB Professional League. He also is a senior official with the National Physique Committee (NPC) of the USA,
serving on the Board of Trustees, and is Vice President and General Secretary/Zone Chairman for the Northeast USA.
As a twelve year old in the early ’60s, "Rock" first heard about Joe Weider after reading vintage copies of Your Physique magazine. Right away, he was bitten by the bodybuilding bug. "Joe Weider’s articles and his love of bodybuilding inspired me to want to lift weights. Of course those weights had to have the Weider Barbell name imprinted on them!" says Jim. "I fondly remember walking two miles to a small sporting goods store to purchase two 25-pound Weider plates to add to my Weider weight set," he reflected. "Carrying those plates back home provided one heck of an arm workout and my little biceps and forearms were pumped for days!"
Jim’s hometown of Rochester, NY, is rich in bodybuilding history and was one of the original locations for Vic Tanny Health Spa’s, one of the first health club chains in the United States. "As a teenager, I studied the routines of all of the champions found in the pages of Joe Weider’s Muscle Builder and found these articles to be extremely inspiring," said Jim. "It was also a real treat to read articles and see pictures of legendary Rochester bodybuilders such as Alan Stephan, Pete Grymkowski and Danny Padilla."
A gifted high school athlete, Jim curtailed his bodybuilding ambitions and focused on more mainstream
sports like track, cross country and volleyball. "Until recently, coaches usually discouraged athletes from lifting weights
as it was thought to slow them down if they became muscle bound," commented Jim.
Graduating from high school, Jim then attended Bucknell University and building on his tremendous high school success as a track athlete, he figured he would continue this sport in college. However, a summer job dramatically changed the path of Jim’s life.
"Prior to starting my freshman year at Bucknell, I began working on an asphalt crew. At 6′1" and weighing a whopping 129 pounds I knew I had to gain weight due to the physical nature of my job," says Jim. "I started lifting weights again and within a year, I gained over 100 pounds. Needless to say, packing on that much weight quickly ended my track career."
As a college freshman, Jim served in the Bucknell Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program and was looking forward to a career in the Army. But due to a hearing loss suffered as a result of childhood measles, this dream soon ended. "I actually have a 75% loss of hearing in my left ear and a 40% loss in my right ear," says Jim. "I have adapted quite well by paying strict attention and making sure I look closely at whomever is speaking to me."
In 1972, Jim graduated from Bucknell with a degree in history. Looking toward his future, he wrote down four career options which included attending graduate school, applying to law school, beginning a teaching career or joining the Marines. Jim’s inspiration to serve in the military was partially influenced by his father.
"At 17 years old, my dad left the safety of his home and enlisted in the US Navy. Within a few months, he along with millions of young men, were fighting for their country in World War II. My dad was a radar technician on a sub chaser (in the South Pacific) and this experience and the responsibilities placed on his young shoulders, matured him well beyond his years," says Jim. "My dad is my hero and I am so proud of his service to our country."
Unfortunately, due to his hearing condition, Jim could not join the Marine’s either.
With a military career out of the question, Jim applied to a number of schools and was eventually
accepted to a few law school programs and a Master of Science Program, but just prior to making a decision, he was approached
by a former high school history teacher who thought he would be an outstanding teacher.
"In preparation for my teaching career, I attended Geneseo State University, in New York, and received a Master of Science in Education Degree (MSEd) in just over a year. Although I was accepted to a Ph.D program, I pursued teaching in the Rochester City School System. I taught high school for nearly four years and while I felt teaching was a very rewarding career and provided me an opportunity to effect thousands of students in a positive fashion, I knew there was something else I wanted out of life," commented Jim.
In 1976, Jim trained at the Rochester Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). "They had a tiny weight room with limited equipment but that didn’t matter," says Jim. "There was a dedicated group of people including myself who just loved to train and this became my second home where I developed many close friendships."
In October 1977, after raising $10,000, Jim and a friend proudly opened Samson’s Body Building and Health Foods, Inc. "While the gym was only 3,000 square feet and presented many challenges, I was extremely proud of it and knew it would eventually be successful," says Jim.
When Jim’s partner wanted out of the business within the first year, Jim bought him out and committed himself to expanding the business and educating his members on the benefits of a bodybuilding lifestyle.
As it turned out, 1977 was a great year for the sport of bodybuilding as the movie, Pumping Iron,
staring the charismatic Arnold Schwarzenegger, debuted to rave reviews and significantly increased the general public’s
awareness of bodybuilding. Jim’s gym was also gaining prominence at this time, as two members of his gym were
on the verge of becoming bodybuilding superstars. Competing at over 240 pounds, Pete Grymkowski, the 1968 Mr. Rochester
winner, was one of the largest bodybuilders of this era. Grymkowski won the 1977 IFBB Mr. America (heavyweight) title
and IFBB Pro Mr. World.
"In 1977, Grymkowski, teamed up with another former member of my gym, Tim Kimber and along with Ed Connors, purchased the world-wide rights to Gold’s Gym,Venice, California and together they played a tremendous role in popularizing the sport of bodybuilding and arguably making Gold’s Gym the most well known gym chain in the world," says Jim.
Grymkowski was not the only bodybuilding legend training at Jim’s gym. Danny Padilla, the winner of the 1970 Mr. Rochester title also trained there. In 1977, Padilla won the IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Universe titles, the only bodybuilder in history to accomplish this feat.
Thanks to the growing popularity of bodybuilding, by 1979, Jim’s gym membership had dramatically increased and he soon expanded to a 5,000 square foot facility and was recognized as one of the premier gyms in New York state. "In 1983, due to the success of the gym, I took a very risky step by leasing a run down 20,000 square foot warehouse. I sold the building my gym was in previously and used the proceeds to fix up this old property. Within a few years, Sampson’s Gym was not only occupying that 20,000 square foot area, but an additional 12,000 feet where I sold weightlifting equipment and supplements."
In September 1998, Jim purchased an even larger building complex that his current gym occupies.
"In addition to owning the gym, I’m a landlord too," says Jim. "In my complex I have a Karate dojo,
a Kung Fu dojo, a hair salon, a tattoo parlor, a pet store, a lawyer’s office, a chiropractor’s office, a band
studio, a drafting firm, office space, an auto seat cover and classic car place. So this is what keeps me busy when
I’m not judging and traveling with the IFBB or NPC."
Jim’s super gym has produced many NPC champions and IFBB Pros throughout the years. In addition to legendary bodybuilders Padilla and Grymkowski, current IFBB pros Bob Cicherillo, George Farah, Master’s Pro David Finnochairo and IFBB Figure Pro’s Chandra Coffey and Hazal Nelson all earned their IFBB pro status while training at his gym.
"I finally got up the nerve to get on stage in 1978, weighing a lean 198 pounds. I placed third in the Western New York competition and proud to have won the "best abs" title," said Jim.
After competing in a number of shows, Jim realized he wanted to stay involved with the sport after his competing days were
over so he took an interest in judging. "I really enjoyed judging so in 1979, I decided to try promoting too. The Mr.
Rochester competition began in 1954 and is one of the longest running shows in the country. When the YMCA decided to
drop the contest, it was my pleasure to begin promoting it. In 2008, it will mark the 30th year I have promoted this
prestigious show," says Jim.
During the late ’70s and early ’80s, amateur bodybuilding was dominated by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which was the sanctioning body for the majority of amateur bodybuilding contests in the United States. During this time, they owned the premier amateur title, Mr. America.
In 1980, Jim was elected as the AAU Chairman of the Niagara District and for the next two years, helped to build the sport in his district. In 1982, while attending an NPC judges and promoters seminar in Rochester, NY, he met long-time NPC/IFBB official, Art Bedway. The seminar had been set up by two local gym owners who were interested in becoming more active with the NPC and eventually, becoming Chairmen of this region.
"Even though I was not invited to the seminar, I decided to attend," said Jim. "During the course of the seminar, I impressed Bedway with my knowledge of the sport and by the end of the meeting, Bedway informed the attendees that I was the new district chairman and if they had any questions or concerns to contact me," says Jim. "Upon his return to Pittsburgh, PA, Bedway spoke to the President of the NPC, Jim Manion, regarding our meeting and in 1983, I was elected to serve as the NPC Chairman of New York, West District. During this same time, I passed the National Judge’s Test and began judging national shows as well as test judging for the IFBB."
"For over 25 years, Art has been my closest friend in bodybuilding. From our initial meeting, there’s been a mutual respect and understanding for each other. I will never forget the early assistance he provided me and will always appreciate his support."
Jim was eventually elected to serve as a Vice President on the Board of Trustees and was elected to serve as General Secretary and Head Judge of all national events. "At this same time, I became involved with judging in the IFBB. I first judged IFBB pro events in Toronto, Canada, and after proving myself as a capable judge, I was elevated to be a part of the Olympia panels and IFBB European tours," commented Jim.
In addition to his love for bodybuilding, martial arts have been an important part of Jim’s life. "I first became interested in martial arts while in high school so it’s held a very special place in my heart for a long time," says Jim. "In 1987, I decided to resume my martial arts training, specifically Kyokushin Karate, and after six years of blood, sweat and tears, I was proudly awarded my black belt. One of the most satisfying days of my life!" commented Jim.
"In 1990, thanks to my experience in promoting bodybuilding competitions, I teamed up with my sensei, Mike Monaco, and we promoted the American International Karate Championships, here in Rochester. The tournament is a knockdown fighting event, no pads, no gloves," says Jim. "In October 2007, we held our 17th annual event to a sell out crowd at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center."
Reflecting on his 30 year involvement with bodybuilding, Jim says, "From a personal standpoint, I’ve been blessed
to have chosen the direction in life I did. I’ve been able to meet a number of remarkable people who have greatly
contributed to my success and I would like to recognize the following for their assistance to me:
Jim Manion - For nearly 30 years of friendship and the confidence in me to become a head judge for the IFBB and NPC.
Matt Crane - My right hand man in the district, Matt serves as my NPC Vice Chairman and is also a fellow NPC National Judge and IFBB Pro Judge.
Grace Crane - The creator of Goody Girls (fitness treats), who serves as a judge for our local NPC competitions.
Hazal Nelson - My NPC Woman’s Rep in the district and IFBB Pro Figure competitor who has been instrumental in increasing the number of NPC figure competitors in our area.
Greg Ladd - NPC judge who is also the President of American Muscle and Fitness, the computer company that provides the software we use to run our business and competitions.
John Stenardo - NPC National Judge who is my traveling partner to a number of NPC shows
Tracy Greenwood - IFBB Pro who has played a key role in increasing the number of women competitors and
is a key contributor to our annual Rochester show.
I would also like to thank Eric
Hillman, Steve O’Brien, Earnest Bea and the rest of the loyal IFBB and NPC
officials and judges for all of their support throughout these years.
Thanks to all my National Judges and NPC officials - Steve Weinberger, Sandy Williamson, Mike Katz, Jon Tuman, J.M.Manion, Peter Potter, Ken Taylor, Steve Stone, Kim Klein, John Kemper, Clark and Patty Sanchez, Gary Udit, Lee Thompson, Rope Felder, Linda Wood Hoyt, and all the other NPC National Judges and IFBB Pro Judges I may have forgotten to mention.
Special thanks to Debbie Albert, NPC and IFBB Pro Judge, for all her dedication and help on the numerous panels we have judged together on.
Five tips from Jim for amateur and pro competitors:
1. Listen to the instructions of your head judge. If he or she wants you to stand relaxed with your arms at your sides, do just that. There is an important comparison and look we are after when we ask you to stand relaxed. If you are flexing and contorting, we cannot compare you properly.
2. When you are on stage, have confidence in the body you are displaying - keep your head up and carry yourself with pride, not conceit. How you carry yourself can go a long way.
3. Never be afraid to make eye contact with the judges. This also shows a level of confidence that you have and will make the judges aware of your presence.
4. Make sure your appearance and coloring is perfect. To suffer through months of training and dieting in order to achieve a competition ready physique and not take care of the simple things like proper color and posing oil could negate all your hard work.
5. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy your time on stage as if it was to be your last. You deserve this after all the time and effort you have put into your body. That half-hour or whatever it turns out to be should be a precious small amount of time for all the work you have done to get there.
When in Rochester, NY, stop by and visit Jim at:
Powerhouse Gym of Rochester
474 West Ridge Road
Rochester, NY, 14615
(585) 663-7220
*Amy Yanagisawa-Wilkins contributed to this article.