The world of mixed martial arts lost one of it?s brightest stars on Wednesday September 21, 2005 when South Jersey native Joe Priole lost his two year battle with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. People may remember him as a fighter who went 3-1 in his mixed martial arts fighting career and how he was IFC champion. Or how he won grappling tournaments all over the world, but most people admired Priole not as a great competitor, but as a great human being.From his website:’Joe Priole grew up in Tabernacle NJ and is a graduate of Shawnee High School class of 1987. At a very young age, Joe had a goal of self-defense, thus began his career and training in martial arts at Korean Karate in Medford, NJ. Joe’s career in martial arts has taken him all over the world for training and competition. He has trained, competed and won in most every type of martial arts? including Karate, Kickboxing, Vale-Tudo (no holds barred), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Joe has also competed and won on a Regional and National Level, as well as the World Championship in Brazil. In addition to competing, Joe also teaches martial arts to people of all ages and genders. He has organized and sponsored many successful non-profit training seminars and workshops for women?s self-defense. His love of children brings him to local towns and schools where he instructs kids of all ages in swimming and self-defense, while teaching them about self confidence and achieving their goals. Much of his work has been free gratis, because that?s the kind of man he is. Joe has been a positive role model in the South Jersey and surrounding area for many years. His great attitude and giving heart have been an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with him. No training could have prepared Joe for his most important fight, the fight of his life.’From http://www.jiujitsugear.comBrian Cimins of Grappler?s Quest:’Joe was one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met in this sport. Rest in peace my great friend, martial arts business mentor, and one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Joe was one of those guys who I could always count on, and he never asked for anything in return. I wish I could have done more for him, but he always told me my friendship was all he needed. I will miss him greatly. Joe would always come to my tournaments early in the morning with his team. Back in the day, I was a LOT less organized and frantically running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Joe would always stop me, put his hand on my shoulder, and say, ‘Hey Man…you looked stressed, is everything ok? I rather not referee today, but if you need me, you know I’m here for you.’Every show, he always ended up refereeing, getting me volunteers, and calming me down when I needed it the most. At the last minute, Joe jumped in as a referee (after bolting from a seminar) for SportFighting, when Eddy Rolon, our other referee needed to coach his guys. He literally jumped out of his seat, threw on a Black T-Shirt and jumped in the ring. He was my reason for meeting so many great people including: Marco Perazzo, Jared Weiner, Rick Macauley, Brad Court, Rick and Phil Migliarese, Pat Stano, Dan Haney, Tim Carpenter and the rest of the Philly/South Jersey crew. He was one of those people who took time to get to know you and his only intentions were to help others. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to have been able to share so much time with such a great person.’From http://www.jiujitsugear.comValentine Uff, Seargent, Camden City Police‘Joe Priole was a super human who fought this scurge called cancer all the way to the end. He was a man amongst men and was loved like a brother by most.On behalf of the Camden City Police Department and all the South Jersey Police Officers who studied street survival at Champion, I send out heartfelt condolences. You will be sadly missed and forever remembered!’From http://www.jiujitsugear.comMarco Perazzo‘Joe fought a 2 year battle against cancer (non Hodgkin?s lymphoma) never once conceding anything mentally or spiritually to the disease. I will miss him. Please keep his family in your prayers.’
