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 Royce Gracie in 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 when he began to train and study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor David Adiv, a Black Belt under Master Royler Gracie. Manuel 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.

Manuel 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, Andre Pederneiras, Wendell Alexander, Robson ?Robinho? Moura, Edson ?Baiano? Carvalho, Cleber Luciano, John Danaher, Marcio Feitosa, Carlao Santos, Felipe Costa, Vitor ?Shaolin? Ribeiro, Rogerio ?Minotouro? Nogueira, Rodrigo ?Feijao?, Rubens ?Cobrinha? Charles, Marcos Santos, Andre Galvao, Rafael Mendes, Gui Mendes, Ciao Terra, and Keenan Cornelius.

In 2004, Manuel 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?. Manuel finally had the chance to meet Master Robson in June of 2005 where the foundation for a lasting friendship was set in stone. On February 14th, 2009 Manuel was promoted to the prestigious rank of Black Belt Instructor by Master Robson Moura thus becoming Moura?s 1st American Black Belt. Manuel is currently Robson Moura's most decorated and highest-ranking American Black Belt.

On March 19, 2009, Manuel had the pleasure of training soldiers from the United States Army where he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Army Combatives Level 1. Jan 25, 2010, He was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Army Combative Level 2. Manuel will continue to train our armed forces and attain the highest level of combat training. Manuel?s expertise in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been recognized throughout the law enforcement community and he now has the pleasure of training Federal Agents and Local Law Enforcement Officials.

With great mentors, dedication, and a relentless will to succeed in the science of Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Manuel continues to actively participate in the competition scene, fulfilling his goal of becoming a world-renowned athlete and team leader himself. Manuel is now the founder and leader of the newly formed Team Choke Lab Association.