Testimonials

"Derek Mangi is a great guy both personally and professionally. He has mastered his craft with his attention to detail and his ability to motivate his clients to push themselves to go the extra mile!"

- Curtis Martin, NFL Superstar

"Derek Mangi is a great guy as well as a great training partner. When I was training for the Abu Dhabi trials and championships Derek was a huge contributor to my success. In the world of MMA it is very challenging to discover someone as selfless as Derek. With just observing his long list of accomplishments you might assume him to be a egotistical cocky guy but he is nothing but the contrary."

"When I first met Derek I was under the impression that he was just a Brazilian Ju Jitsu practitioner. To my surprise he is far from just that. He is highly talented and proficient in wrestling, boxing and kickboxing as well. I look forward to working with Derek for a long time in all the facets of MMA and fitness."

- Chris Weidman, UFC Fighter

"I am thankful that I found my way to Derek Mangi. His dedication to his athletes and to his profession as a fitness trainer and instructor are evident. His quest for being the best trainer proves that he is committed to excellence and helping others achieve a fitness/athletic level that they never thought possible. He is without question, the best!"

- Tim Goettelmann, All American and All Pro Attackman
Loyola College in Maryland and Long Island Lizards

"Derek helped me sparring getting ready for my fights. He has a wealth of knowledge of jiu-jitsu and boxing. Derek actually got his hands dirty competing and training with pros. You can't beat that when it comes to training whether it be physical or technical."

- Peter "Drago" Sell, UFC Fighter

"Derek is a truly talented athlete. He is well versed is all the areas of martial arts from boxing, to wrestling, and even further he is an expert grappler. He has immense knowledge of techniques and is highly skilled in executing moves. A great training partner and overall A great person."

- Phillipe Nover, TUF Season 8 Finalist and UFC Fighter

"Derek Mangi is not just a great grappler but he's a great trainer as well. He helped me to prepare before some of my fights."

- Deividas Taurosevicius, Reality Fighting Lightweight Champion, NABC Lightweight Champion, IFL PITBULLS Team Member

"I have trained with Derek Mangi on many occasions. He is a great training partner, articulates proper technique when teaching, and has real Martial Arts knowledge both on the ground as well as standing that can benefit anyone that trains with him.'

- Derek Panza, World Kickboxing Champion

"For the 2009 Pan American Championships I trained with Derek both as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training partner and as a fitness coach. I came into the tournament with more strength and stamina then ever before. His ability as a personal trainer is second to none. The strength and conditioning program he developed for me gave the extra edge to win."

- Will Horneff, 2009 Middleweight Brown Belt Champion (NO-GI);
Actor in films such as "The Sandlot", "The Roost" and "Born to be Wild"

"An excellent competitor with an unwavering drive and determination to succeed, Derek gave me one of my toughest submission grappling matches to date. Extremely personable and carries himself very professionally, always with the up most respect towards others. A great asset to combat sports as well as the fitness industry."

- Brendan Barrett, IFL Fighter

"I have gotten to know Derek Mangi on various levels through the world of grappling. From my exposure to him as a competitor, training partner, and instructor, I can confidently say that Derek is top-notch in each facet of the game.

I had the privilege of competing against Derek in November of 2008; he is a fierce and tireless opponent, yet respectful on and off the mat. After seeing his technical prowess first-hand and getting to know him afterwards, I was eager to train with Derek. I found his vast experience and insight of the sport to be a valuable resource in my preparation for the ADCC Trials and Championships. This was especially true in preparing my overall tournament strategy and individual game-plans for my potential opponents; Derek's contribution had a significant positive impact on my performance.

Derek has a great mind for the sport and is clearly passionate about helping those he trains with to reach their goals. I look forward to working with Derek for any future competitions I may have. Thanks Derek!"

- Gerard Rinaldi, 2x All American Wrestler, 2009 Abu Dhabu Championships Finalist

"Derek Mangi has become a World Class grappler and keeps improving. He will go down as one of the sport's all time greats as he continues to improve with each competition."

- Anthony Argyros, 81x NAGA Champion

"Derek Mangi is one of the top up and coming competitors in the nation right now. He loves to compete in every tournament possible, big or small and has been on a tear winning a good majority of them. If Derek keeps training and competing the way he has been i only see things getting better for him. And i cant think of many people who deserve it more."

- Nolan Dutcher, 22x NAGA Expert Champion

"I met Derek at a local Grappler's Quest last year and started training with him shortly after. Derek is a very technical grappler and continues to build his knowledge with his numerous 1st place finishes at most of the tri state area's tournaments. Whenever I can, I take the one and a half hour trip out to Long Island because I know I am getting top notch training."

- Derek Picinich, PAN American Games Gold medalist, Grapplers Quest Champion

"Derek is probably the most naturally gifted fighters I ever had the pleasure to train with. When he trains it seems effortless and makes you better at what you're trying to achieve. His teaching methods are straight forward and easy to understand...very technical."

- Mike Benoit, MMA Champion

"I have had the great pleasure of training with Derek many times and I certainly consider myself lucky to have that opportunity. After travelling and training in different parts of the world I realize that I have trained with one of the most technical and talented grapplers right here at home. His vast knowledge and insight into grappling is world class and it makes him invaluble as a coach or training partner. We've gone to a few tournaments together and each time I followed his advice to a tee as he coached me to a gold medal. In the tapes you can hear him calling out every move a second before I hit it because he just sees grappling so clearly, his insight is so pure. He understands the game well enough to dominate his own matches, but also to coach others step by step through theirs."

- Nick Castellano, No-Gi Jiu Jitsu World Champion

"Training with Derek made me realize true strength lies in technique."

- Joe Brunetti, BJJ Black Belt

"Derek entered into martial arts and boxing many years ago and has developed a mindset that is unparalleled. Whether training, competing, coaching fellow athletes or sharing his knowledge with students, Derek puts a 110% effort into all aspects. He is consistently ranked as one of America's top grapplers and I am honored to call him my friend and training partner."

"Judo" Mark Staniszewski, 5x National Judo Champion
Captain of Team USA-World Judo Masters