Mario ‘Serious’ Stapel is a pioneer of German BJJ and MMA. He started training Jiu-Jitsu in the mid 90’s and eventually transitioned to MMA fighting in the 4 corners of the world. In this interview, the 3rd degree BJJ black belt talks to us about his awesome story, the German BJJ scene back then and now and much more:

Hi Mario, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe? 

Hey Guys, my name is Mario Stapel. I am a German Native, 3rd degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Franco Vacirca. I teach and train at the Serious Fighter Training Center in Asslar / Germany. My main Titles? Man i really dont beleve in Titles but in opponents. So i fought Names like Orlando Wiet, Duane Ludwig, Hitalo Machado or Harris Sarmiento and I am the current Shooto Germany Champion.

You were one of the first people to start training BJJ in Europe. How did you discover BJJ and how did you start training?

Wow thats a loooong story. But i gonna try to make it short. One of my Kickboxing Idols, Orlando Wiet lost to Remco Pardoel at the Ultimate Fighting Championship 2. So i gave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a try and searched for a good BJJ Academy, found the Vacirca Borthers and fell in love with the art and the BJJ Lifestyle.

What made you decide to combine MMA and BJJ and eventually become a pro MMA fighter? Back in your days MMA was the natural next step after BJJ, whereas nowadays many people choose to just stick to BJJ. Why do you think that is?

Hmmm… Back in the days BJJ and MMA or Vale Tudo was basically one and the same thing. I always loved to compete. So it was a logical step to compete in MMA as well. I never thought about being a professional Fighter. It just happened – I guess because i loved it so much.

Please tell us about your first BJJ instructors the Vacirca bros from Switzerland. They are among the pioneers of BJJ in Europe but not many people know about them. 

Man the Vacircas, i owe them everything. I was a 18 year old little punk-ass when I entered their academy for the first time. I barely had the money to travel to Switzerland back at the days. But they were so kind to me and even i didnt had much money they spent so much time with me on the mat. All I can say is THANK YOU, Thank you so much for everything. Now I try to pass on their Jiu Jitsu the way they thought me. I mean of course I have my own way. The Vacircas never liked competitions too much, but I do. What i think is also the reason why not to many people know about them. But still – the best BJJ Teachers i ever met.

What do you think about the growth of BJJ and MMA in the Germany? What are threats and opportunities for them there?

Like everywhere in the World it’s getting bigger an bigger. There are so many tournaments in Germany right now. You are able to compete alost every single weekend. I remeber when i sarted BJJ. OMG we had to travel across Europe to compete and still we were able to compete like 3 or 4 times a year at most. I its so much better right now AND we also have major organizations like IBJJF or NAGA in Germany now. It is fun to compete at those.

Please tell us about your academy and team

My Team? Well its a complete MMA Training Center. We have a big, fenced Grappling area, a separate boxing area with many heavy bags and stuff, a weightlifting room and provide some of the best instructors of the country for BJJ, Wrestling and Boxing. People can come in and sign a contract to train or just pay a couple of bucks per day and stay as long as they want to prepare for a fight or a tournament for example. you can check it out at www.facebook.com/seriousfighter
Gi or No Gi? How would you describe your BJJ game?

Thats a good question. I love to train with the Kimono because it sharpens your technique so much. but for competition i prefer Nogi because the game is closer to mma and without the Kimono i can use my wrestling a little more.

How big is the difference in adrenaline, excitement, rage and fear between an MMA fight and a BJJ competition?

To me it has nothing to do with BJJ or MMA. As soon you want something real bad you gonna get nervous or get pumped and the the adrenaline is gonna kick in. No matter if its a big fight in MMA, BJJ or the most beautiful Girl in the Club or at a Bar. As soon you want something real bad, nature will take over.

What has been the pinnacle of your career so far? What’s next for you and your team?

Man, I really dont know. I have so may great memories of my Fighting career. Its hard for me to point out one… When i got invited to fight in Japan for the first time, my first victory at King of the Cage in the USA and my victory over my old Kick Boxing Idol Orlando Wiet where definitly the greatest moments. About the future. I wanna Fight a couple more years and i gonna keep teach teaching Jiu Jitsu and what ever happens, happens.

Thanks Mario and all the best.

Thanks for the interview my friend! Take care!