Mark Staniszewski

Mark Staniszewski (b. Aug. 1973) is Long Island's first dual black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo; and a Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee.

Biography

Staniszewski was introduced into The Martial Arts at the age of 5, studying various styles of karate, and Tae Kwon Do under 1988 Olympic coach Y.H. Park. An East Meadow High School wrestling team captain under Hall of Famer John Hamilton, Staniszewski went on to wrestle for Cortland State under Olympic alternate Gene Neiman. While in college he discovered the Olympic sport of judo. In 1996, Staniszewski was introduced to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by childhood friend UFC veteran Matt Serra. Finding them to be perfect complements to each other, Staniszewski trained and competed in both disciplines under world renowned practitioners and instructors. His unique style has been influenced by legendary martial artists and friends: John Lucas, UFC veteran Matt Serra, Renzo Gracie and Joe Moreira. Staniszewski has earned State, National, Pan American and World Championships.

Judo

• Rank: Black Belt (4th degree).

• Certifications: USA Judo, United States Judo Federation, Kodokan

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Rank: Black Belt (1st degree)
• Certifications: IBJJF, USBJJF, United States Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).

Notable Accomplishments

• First athlete in Martial Arts history to win Pan American Championships in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Captain of Team USA at the 2009 World Judo Masters Championships where he led the US to a bronze medal (tied with Russia).
• The only US athlete to medal in both the Elite and Masters divisions at the 2009 USA Judo Nationals and World Team Trials.
• Won both the Elite and Masters divisions at the 2009 East Coast Championships.
• As a freshman at Cortland State, he earned a starting position on the dual meet national wrestling team.
• In 1995, he was one of only two Americans to make the University of North London (England) rugby team. He started as left prop.
• Ranked in USA Judo's Top 10 Elite Athletes in America in 2009 and 2010.
• Voted USA Judo's Most Outstanding Masters Athlete for 2010.
• Finished the 2005 NAGA grappling season ranked #1 in the nation. Nationally ranked 2003,04',05',06',08',09',2010
• The only athlete is America to simultaneously compete in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling on the international level.
• Known in competition for his devastating sode guruma jime (Ezekiel choke) He utilized an Ezekiel choke to defeat Jim Hannan in the finals of the (no-gi) Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships; he beat undefeated submission grappler Steve Quinn in a charity Heavyweight Championship bout at Fight Club #4; and he defeated Nicholas Gohn by Ezekiel to advance to the medal round at the 2009 USA Judo National Championships and World Team Trials.
• On Oct. 2, 2009, Staniszewski competed in a charity main event against undefeated fighter Steve Quinn. Staniszewski won by submission and raised thousands of dollars for martial arts based charities including: The Blind Judo Foundation, Rusty Kanokogi Memorial Fund, Jeff R. Lorio Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Sloan Kettering Cancer Research.

Career highlights

Gold

Silver

Bronze