I sat down with former UFC Fighter, instructor, entrepreneur, and world-renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu martial artist Kurt “Batman” Pellegrino. In this interview Kurt opens up about his battles with dyslexia and bullying, and how his mindset has helped him on and off the mats.
Early Life and Dyslexia
Kurt faced significant challenges from a young age. Born with severe dyslexia, he struggled in school and became the target of bullying. “I’ve been broken since I can remember,” he shared, highlighting his lifelong battle with a learning disability. Despite these obstacles, Kurt’s resilience and determination were unwavering.
Wrestling as a Lifeline
Wrestling became a sanctuary for Kurt. Encouraged by his father, a Marine, he dedicated himself to the sport, finding both an outlet for his frustrations and a path to respect. His hard work paid off, and he became a two-time New Jersey State Wrestling Finalist and a Region Six champion and MVP. Wrestling not only honed his physical skills but also built his mental toughness, preparing him for future challenges.
Transition to MMA
Kurt transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2003, bringing his wrestling prowess to the UFC octagon. Kurt trained under BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia and he quickly made a name for himself, debuting in the UFC on July 8, 2006. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Drew Fickett, Kurt’s resilience shone through as he secured notable victories over fighters like Rob Emerson, Alberto Crane, and Thiago Tavares. His submission win over Fabrício Camões at UFC 111 earned him the “Submission of the Night” honor.
Mindset and Motivation
Kurt’s mindset was shaped by his early experiences with bullying and dyslexia. He used these challenges as fuel for his success, maintaining an unwavering pace in training and competition. “I’ve been battling a learning disability and being in uncomfortable situations my whole life,” he explained. This relentless drive was a key factor in his rise to prominence in the MMA world.
Family and Coaching
Balancing fatherhood and coaching, Kurt is deeply committed to his family. He ensures that his children, especially his son Kurt Jr., a talented young wrestler, receive the support and encouragement they need. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, Kurt aims to prevent his children from facing the same pressures he did. “Ever since I started telling him, ‘I love you,’ he’s been doing really good,” Kurt shared, highlighting the importance of love and support in achieving success.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from professional fighting, Kurt established Pellegrino Mixed Martial Arts, a premier training center at the Jersey Shore. Here, he continues to inspire and train the next generation of fighters. His legacy in the sport remains impactful, with numerous accolades, including Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors, and inductions into the Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame and the New Jersey MMA Hall of Fame.
Kurt Pellegrino’s Accolades
- 3rd degree black belt certified IBJJF
- 7-5 UFC record
- 2x NJ state finals
- Region six champion and MVP
- Region six Hall of Fame
- Pt. Pleasant Borough Hall of Fame, Pt. Pleasant Borough Wrestling Hall of Fame, Retired singlet
- 13-0 Grapplers Quest super fight champion
- Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame
- NJ MMA Hall of Fame
- US trials runner up
- Pan Am gi gold medalist
- Pan Am nogi black belt gold medalist
- 3x New York Open gold medalist
- 14 fights in the UFC
- 5 fight of the night plus submission of the night winner
- Arnold Classic Open champion
- Fight to Win winner via submission of the Night
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Kurt Pellegrino Links & Resources:
- UFC Profile: https://www.ufc.com/athlete/kurt-pellegrino
- Pellegrino Mixed Martial Arts: https://www.pellegrinomma.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/kurtpellegrino/
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