Police Officer DiEsso is State-Ranked Ground Fighter

The conventional wisdom that says TV watching won't help you get into shape doesn't apply to South Orange Police Officer Al DiEsso, who was inspired to start training as a ground fighter two years ago after watching UFC matches.

"[Ground fighting is] a physically demanding sport," said DiEsso, 38, who lives in Franklin Township. "You have to train and be in shape for it."

After a recent North American Grappling Association tournament at Essex County College in Newark that drew 2,000 total competitors, DiEsso finished third in his weight class of 150 to 159.9 lbs and improved his statewide ranking from No. 19 to No. 13. He next plans to compete in June.

Ground fighting is a martial art that entails hand-to-hand combat while opponents face off on the floor, and the winner exhibits a mastery of submission holds—like ankle, shoulder and elbow locks—that force an opponent to submit, though points are also awarded. According to DiEsso, "you win by making the other guy quit."

DiEsso trains intensively in the month leading up to a tournament, incorporating a cardio routine into his workouts and cutting back on carbohydrates in his diet. His sport has invariably led to some injuries, and he credits the South Orange Rescue Squad with helping to put him back together, diagnosing elbow and ankle sprains and dislocated toes.

He also says his training has been helpful in terms of police work—compliance, specifically.

"I can stop a threat without shooting him or punching him," he said. "I can just hold and control somebody."