Lineage: Carlson Gracie, Andre Perdeneiras, Robson Moura

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 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, 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.