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 U.F.C. He began his training in 2001 under Mario Marcio Lemos a Black
Belt under Rickson and Royler Gracie. After receiving the rank of blue belt Instructor Mario Lemos relocated to South Jersey. He began to train and study Brazilian Jiujitsu under David Adiv, a Black Belt under Royler Gracie. Josef also had the opportunity to learn from and train with Royler Gracie both in the U.S and in Brazil. He received his Purple Belt from David Adiv. Josef also trained with other great 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" Ribiero, Rogerio "Minotauro" Nogueira, Rodrigo "Feijao", Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and Marcos Santos.
In 2004, 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". Josef finally had the chance to meet Robson in June of 2005 where they immediately became very good friends. On Febuary 14th, 2009 Josef was promoted to Black Belt by Robson Moura and is the only Black Belt in the United States to train and teach under world renown, 7 x Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, Master Robson "Robinho" Moura. With great teachers, dedication and strive to succeed in Brazilian Jiujitsu, Josef has been actively participating in the competition scene and is now fulfilling his goal of becoming a Champion and Master himself.
Cutting Edge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
At Cutting Edge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our youth programs are designed to instill confidence and aid children in developing to their fullest potential. We seek to help build a solid foundation in life for as many children as possible, by assisting them in achieving a healthy mind and body through martial arts instruction. This wellbeing will instill in them the self-confidence, focus and determination necessary to become strong and successful in every aspect of life.
Our adult program is designed to help one achieve self-confidence through physical conditioning and mastering the art of self-defense. We strive to train as many adults as possible to be physically fit and relieved of everyday stress and adept in practical martial arts skill, which will assist them in becoming more confident and successful in every aspect of their lives.
As a Cutting Edge student, you’ll be in great company. We provide the most comprehensive training for people of all ages. Cutting Edge has been the school of choice for many law enforcement officials, professional athletes, educators, and fitness enthusiasts.
Practical Self-Defense
At Cutting Edge, we ensure you will receive well-rounded, streetwise self-defense skills that work! To achieve this, we combine the greatest benefits of kickboxing and submission grappling.
Kickboxing – incorporates the most effective hand, knee, elbow, and foot techniques with an intense cardio workout. This method of defense enables you to protect yourself in stand-up confrontations before an attacker gets close enough to physically restrain you.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using powerful chokeholds to force an opponent to submit or be knocked out. BJJ promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant.
Submission grappling – teaches you how to escape holds and grabs using techniques such as throws, joint locks and submission. These defenses are most useful in close-range altercations and protection after being forced to the ground.
This unique combination of kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling is what makes Cutting Edge a true Mixed Martial Art. While most other schools or systems focus on only one or two areas of self-defense such as hand or foot techniques, or grappling, Cutting Edge's unique fusion of all three will provide you with the knowledge to defend yourself in virtually any situation.
Total Fitness
Muscular Development using the latest exercise physiology, our classes target every muscle, helping you develop greater strength and muscular definition.
Cardio conditioning through intense cardiovascular conditioning, you’ll expand the capacity of your heart and lungs while burning calories. The result increased stamina to keep you energized all day.
Flexibility in order to protect you from injury, as well as enhance your range of motion, we’ve incorporated stretching exercises to keep you feeling young and agile.
Muscular Development + Cardio Conditioning + Flexibility = Total Fitness.
Consistency the key to success
it’s easy to want to be in-shape, but finding the motivation to go to a health club regularly, or the dedication to run on a treadmill after a long day is not easy. Almost any workout done consistently will produce results, but not all workouts will give you the motivation to continuously train.
In short, gym workouts are dull; I’m sure you noticed the numerous TV’s and radios that try to distract you from watching your workout time elapse from your exercise machines display. At Cutting Edge, our classes are motivating, exciting and fun. You’ll actually enjoy learning martial arts while training to get into the best shape of your life. The combination of a fun workout, total body results and gaining the life-skill of self-defense is what we call “ Cutting Edge’s Three-Dimensional Workout”… giving you three key reasons to take our classes instead of just one. Finally a fitness program you’ll be able to stick with. Consistently!
Superior Instruction
Hand-picked by Professor Josef Manuel himself, every candidate must complete years of rigorous training prior to becoming a certified head instructor or Sensei. To preserve the school’s high ideals, these Instructors and Sensei’s must continually train every week to stay current on the latest and most effective self-defense techniques, instructional methods, nutritional and exercise-physiology regimes. We expect the utmost quality from our instructors, and in turn, you can expect unparalleled Martial Arts instruction.
Confident Kids
More than just another after-school activity, Cutting Edge's is an exciting and fun way to gain the tools necessary to succeed in life. We start with a disciplined environment, where kids begin to achieve. This external source of discipline leads to the development of self-discipline, or what we call a non-quitting spirit. Self-discipline leads to even greater achievement, because a child that doesn’t quit will ultimately succeed. Self-discipline and achievement, combined with self-defense ability builds true confidence, and confident kids are happy kids!
Be Your Best
From beginners to black belts, we train you to realize your potential. As a student, you’re looked upon as an individual and will never be compared to another. You don’t need to be in the best shape of your life, and no prior experience is necessary. All you need is the right attitude and the desire to do your best leaves the rest to us. Your success begins with your willingness to try.
Begin Your Journey
Making the first step is easy and the best place to start is a private introductory class. You’ll experience, first-hand, the excitement and challenge of Cutting Edge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through this lesson you’ll have the opportunity to not only meet one-on-one with the instructor, but to see all the benefits and advantages of how Cutting Edge will change your life physically and mentally.
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