Josef’s journey in the martial arts spans over 20 years. Born and raised in Newark NJ, he was first introduced into the martial arts through the study of Boxing, when his questions about what to do when in a clinch or taken down in a fight first arose. It was watching the first edition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship that Josef was privileged to see Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in action. Later while working as a freelance illustrative designer, Josef had the opportunity to meet Jonathan Pantaleon. Jonathan was well versed in the art of Aikido, Kali Escrima, Taekwondo, Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While in a conversation about the arts Jonathan took note of Josef’s martial prowess and questions about street fighting and gave him his first introduction to wonderful art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2001, Josef was introduced to Mario Lemos who was a student of Rickson and Royler of the famed Gracie family who began to form and train him to become a champion. On his quest to learn from the best that Brazil had to offer. In 2004 Josef was introduced to 7x Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Robson " Robinho" Moura from the world renown Nova Uniao academy from Brazil and since then has trained, studied and traveled with Robson as part of his instructor and competition team. On his own, Josef is accomplished in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competing and winning in numerous tournaments including the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania State Championships, the Grapplers Quest, Ultimate Grappling Challenge and North American Grapplers Association, the Pan American and World Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only has he won his division but also won the coveted Open Weight Class booble a mark of true mastery and example of the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.