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Professor Josef "Ze Cobra" Manuel Biography

Professor Josef "Ze Cobra" Manuel born and raised in Newark New Jersey was first introduced to this brilliant form of Martial Art in his teenage years watching the early editions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He began his training in 2001 under Professor Mario Marcio Lemos a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Rickson and Royler Gracie of the famed Gracie Family. After receiving the rank of Blue Belt Instructor, Professor Mario Lemos relocated to South Jersey. This is the time where he began to train and study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor David Adiv, a Black Belt under Master Royler Gracie. Professor Josef had the opportunity to be under the tutelage and train with Master Royler Gracie both in the U.S and in Brazil. In 2003, he received the rank of Purple Belt from Professor David Adiv. Professor Josef also trained with other Legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu players in his search to increase his knowledge of this wonderful art, such as the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Grandmaster Helio Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Royler Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Rolker Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Igor Gracie, Edson "Baiano" Carvalho, John Danaher, Marcio Feitosa, Gene Dunn, Gordinho, Carlao Santos, Felipe Costa, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro, Rogerio "Minotouro" Nogueira, Rodrigo "Feijao", Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and Marcos Santos.

In 2004, Professor Josef traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to train and compete. While he was there he sought out Master Robson Moura "The magician of the 135 pounders". Professor Josef finally had the chance to meet Master Robson in June of 2005 where the foundation for a lasting friendship was set in stone. On Febuary 14th, 2009 Professor Josef was promoted to the prestigious rank of Black Belt Instructor by Master Robson Moura thus becoming Master Robson Moura’s 1st American Black Belt. On March 19, 2009, Professor Josef had the pleasure of training soldiers from the United States Army where he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Army Combatives Level 1. Professor Josef will continue to train our armed forces and attain the highest level of Combatives Training.
 With great teachers, dedication and a relentless will to succeed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Josef has been actively participating in the competition scene and is now fulfilling his goal of becoming a Champion and Master himself.

Actively Updating Stay Tuned For More Titles

2009

BLACK BELT NO - GI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
GOLD MEDALIST
BLACK BELT NO-GI PAN AMERICAN NO - GI
SILVER MEDALIST
SUBMISSION SHOOTOUT
ADVANCED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST
SUBMISSION SHOOTOUT
ADVANCED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST
ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
BLACK BELT SUPER FIGHT
SILVER MEDALIST
ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
BLACK BELT SUPER FIGHT NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST
NYC SUBMISSION SHOOTOUT NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST

2008

LONG ISLAND PRIDE 173-183 lb. Division
SILVER MEDALIST
ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW JERSEY STATE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU TOURNAMENT
GOLD MEDALIST
BATTLE AT THE BATTLESHIP
GOLD MEDALIST
ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
SUPER FIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST


2007

ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
SILVER MEDALIST
GRAPPLERS QUEST
SILVER MEDALIST
ALLIED BJJ OPEN
SILVER MEDALIST
LONG ISLAND PRIDE
SILVER MEDALIST
ULTIMATE GRAPPLING CHALLENGE
NO - GI OPEN CLASS SUPER FIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
GRAPPLERS QUEST "BEAST OF THE EAST" BJJ
GOLD MEDALIST


2006

PENNSYLVANIA STATE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FEDERATION-
**COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD**
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - OPEN WEIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - SUPERFIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - OPEN WEIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - SUPERFIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS -BLACK BELT SUPER FIGHT
SILVER MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - SUPERFIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE MASTERS NO - GI
GOLD MEDALIST


2005

GRAPPLERS QUEST (ELIZABETH, NJ)
BRONZE MEDALIST
NAGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (JERSEY CITY, NJ)
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
GOLD MEDALIST
GRAPPLERS QUEST (JERSEY CITY, NJ)
GOLD MEDALIST
GRAPPLERS QUEST (BAYONNE, NJ)
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS- FEATHERWEIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS- LIGHTWEIGHT
GOLD MEDALIST


2004

NAGA BATTLE OF THE BEACH
GOLD MEDALIST
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
GOLD MEDALIST
GRAPPLERS QUEST
GOLD MEDALIST
NAGA (JERSEY CITY, NJ)
GOLD MEDALIST
NAGA (MIDDLETOWN, CT)
GOLD MEDALIST
NAGA (MIDDLETOWN, CT) ABSOLUTE
SILVER MEDALIST
RGDA (WEST ORANGE, NJ)
GOLD MEDALIST
**RECEIVED CERTIFICATE RANKING 6TH IN NATION FOR HIS WEIGHT CLASS**


2003

RGDA TOURNAMENT
SILVER MEDALIST
PENNSYLVANIA OPEN ABSOLUTE SUPERFIGHT
CHAMPION
RGDA TOURNAMENT
SILVER MEDALIST


2002

PENNSYLVANIA OPEN
SILVER MEDALIST
PENNSYLVANIA OPEN ABSOLUTE
SILVER MEDALIST
NAGA (BAYONNE, NJ)
SILVER MEDALIST
GRAPPLER’S QUEST (BAYONNE, NJ)
SILVER MEDALIST