Professor Josef
"Zé Cobra" Manuel
4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt · Founder of Chokelab Academy
Years On The Mat
IBJJF Black Belt
World Champion
Certified Referee
The Foundation of a Champion.
Originally a boxer, Josef’s trajectory shifted after witnessing the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championships. Recognizing the necessity of ground mastery, he began his BJJ journey in 2001 under Professor Mario Lemos, a student of the legendary Rickson and Royler Gracie. This early exposure to the Gracie family’s high-level fundamentals laid the groundwork for his future success.
In 2005, Josef aligned with 7-time World Champion Master Robson “Robinho” Moura. As a standout representative of the world-renowned Nova União academy, Josef traveled, trained, and studied directly under Moura, eventually making history on February 14, 2009, when he became Master Robson Moura’s first American Black Belt World Champion.
A Certified Authority.
Professor Manuel’s expertise is recognized by the highest governing bodies in the sport. He is a 4th-degree Black Belt officially certified by the IBJJF and holds a Black Belt representative certificate from Nova União founders André Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander.
Beyond the mats, Josef serves as a Certified Referee for both the IBJJF and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), the gold standards of international grappling. His tactical knowledge has also been utilized by the U.S. Army, where he attained Level 1 and Level 2 Combative certifications, as well as by various Federal and Local Law Enforcement agencies.
The "Chokelab" Philosophy.
Notable Achievements.
01 IBJJF World Championship Gold Medalist
02 IBJJF Pan-American Championship Gold Medalist
03 IBJJF European Open Gold Medalist
04 Multi-Time IBJJF International Open Champion
05 State Champion: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
06 1st American Black Belt promoted by 8x World Champion Robson Moura.
07 Certified Tactical Instructor for Army Combatives and Law Enforcement.
Professor Josef Manuel exemplifies the true essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the triumph of technique and intelligence over raw strength.
Meet the Coaches.
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