Pawel Nastula
Encyclopedia
Paweł Marian Nastula (born 26 June 1970 in Warsaw
) is a Polish
judo
ka and mixed martial artist
. He was the 1995 and 1997 Judo World Champion, and 1996 gold medallist at the Olympic Games
in Atlanta, Georgia
, USA, winning those titles in the U95kg weight category.
, Nastula had won many European and World competitions, and was considered one of the top judo players in the world. Between February 1994 and march of 1998 Nastula was unbeaten in Judo, having 312 consecutive wins over a period of those 1,220 days and winning every competition, a monumental feat. His winning streak snapped when the weight category was changed (from -95 kg to -100 kg).
He had some experiences in wrestling
and sumo
too
He retired from the sport in 2004.
and Alexander Emelianenko. Nastula wasted little time lamenting these losses. In his 3rd match in July 2006, Nastula made easy work of previously unbeaten MMA professional Edson Drago
.
After a very close fight, Nastula suffered defeat to Pride Grand Prix finalist Josh Barnett
by ankle lock at PRIDE 32: The Real Deal
. It was later announced that he failed his NSAC
-administered drug test.
Nastula tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone
as well as banned stimulants phenylpropanolamine
, pseudoephedrine
, and ephedrine
. Nastula has denied the veracity of the test results, however, claiming that the stimulants were absorbed into his system from over-the-counter supplements and that nandrolone, a mass-building substance, would not have been useful to him as he has not gained any muscle mass since coming to PRIDE. According to an interview by the website www.budo.pl, Nastula has hired lawyers to solve the situation.
Following the fall of PRIDE FC, Nastula signed with World Victory Road
and competed at Sengoku 4, losing via a controversial TKO to Yang Dong Yi. Nastula was unable to answer the referee's call to stand up, after receiving numerous strikes to the groin earlier in the fight. The referee inexplicably halted the bout, declaring Yang the winner by TKO.
, Nastula was signed by a new promotion from Poland, MCC (Martial Combat Club) and was expected to face Koji Kanechika in their event in May. Unfortunately, the promotion folded and the event was cancelled.
Since then, Paweł was reported to be in talks with various promotions from Poland. KSW
stated to be in talks with Nastula several times, changing its mind about the event he should participate in. For example, Paweł was reported to face Mariusz Pudzianowski
at KSW XIII
, which was later changed to KSW XIV
. However, after losing to Tim Sylvia
, Pudzianowski pulled out of that fight.
Despite many failed returns to the ring, and no bouts since the Sengoku loss from August 2008, Paweł remained active, running his club (Nastula Club) in Warsaw
and training with fighters like Robert Jocz
, Jan Błachowicz
and Krzysztof Kułak.
However, after Pudzianowski's withdrawal from KSW XIV
, Nastula stated in recent interviews, that he will retire if he won't get to fight in 2010.
In July 2010, Nastula signed with another new Polish promotion, Fighters Arena. Paweł made his anticipated comeback (and first ring appearance in Poland) at the inauginational show of the promotion in the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland, facing Yusuke Masuda (training partner of Hidehiko Yoshida
) in the main event.
Nastula proved to be in shape, as he quickly knocked down his opponent and followed with a flurry of punches on the ground, forcing the referee to stop the bout early at 0:26 of the first round.
For his sport achievements, he received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
(5th Class) in 1996.
Nastula is the author of the book My Judo (2000), where he describes his favourite techniques and their combinations.
He took part in the 2009 Polish version of Dancing with the Stars, eventually finishing sixth overall.
|align=center| 4–4
| Jimmy Ambriz
| Submission (hand injury)
| STC: Bydgoszcz vs. Torun
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:50
|Bydgoszcz, Poland
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 3–4
| Andrzej Wroński
| TKO (punches)
| Wieczór Mistrzów
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:09
|Koszalin
, Poland
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 2–4
| Yusuke Masuda
| TKO (punches)
| FAŁ: Fighters Arena Łódź
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:26
|Łódź, Poland
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 1–4
| Yang Dong Yi
| TKO (exhaustion)
| World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 4
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 2:15
|Saitama, Saitama
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 1–3
| Josh Barnett
| Submission (toe hold)
| Pride 32
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 3:04
|Las Vegas, Nevada
, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 1–2
| Edson Claas Vieira
| Submission (armbar)
| Pride Critical Countdown Absolute
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:33
|Saitama, Saitama
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 0–2
| Alexander Emelianenko
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| Pride Shockwave 2005
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:45
|Saitama, Saitama
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 0–1
| Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
| TKO (punches)
| Pride Critical Countdown 2005
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:38
|Saitama, Saitama
, Japan
|
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
) is a Polish
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
ka and mixed martial artist
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
. He was the 1995 and 1997 Judo World Champion, and 1996 gold medallist at the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
, USA, winning those titles in the U95kg weight category.
Judo career
Paweł started training Judo at the age of 10 at AZS AWF. In addition to the 1996 Summer Olympics1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
, Nastula had won many European and World competitions, and was considered one of the top judo players in the world. Between February 1994 and march of 1998 Nastula was unbeaten in Judo, having 312 consecutive wins over a period of those 1,220 days and winning every competition, a monumental feat. His winning streak snapped when the weight category was changed (from -95 kg to -100 kg).
He had some experiences in wrestling
Wrestling
Wrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...
and sumo
Sumo
is a competitive full-contact sport where a wrestler attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally...
too
He retired from the sport in 2004.
Early career
Nastula received a very tough welcome to the PRIDE organisation, immediately facing two of PRIDE's top heavyweight contenders and seasoned professionals in Antonio Rodrigo NogueiraAntonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his technical mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is a former UFCInterim Heavyweight Champion...
and Alexander Emelianenko. Nastula wasted little time lamenting these losses. In his 3rd match in July 2006, Nastula made easy work of previously unbeaten MMA professional Edson Drago
Edson Drago
Edson "Draggo" Claas Vieira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and boxer.-Early career:Vieira emerged as a heavyweight prospect in 2005 and 2006 when he ran his record to 9-0 with a string of brutal knockouts, including his 15-second pummeling of Chute Boxe product Helio Dipp a fight for which he...
.
After a very close fight, Nastula suffered defeat to Pride Grand Prix finalist Josh Barnett
Josh Barnett
Joshua Lawrence Barnett is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler who currently fights in the heavyweight division of Strikeforce. Barnett has been an accomplished fighter in mixed martial arts, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship and the King of Pancrase Openweight...
by ankle lock at PRIDE 32: The Real Deal
PRIDE 32
Pride 32: The Real Deal was a mixed martial arts event and was held by the Pride Fighting Championships. The event took place on October 21, 2006, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.-Background:...
. It was later announced that he failed his NSAC
Nevada Athletic Commission
The Nevada Athletic Commission regulates all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat within the state of Nevada, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, kickboxers, mixed martial arts fighters, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers...
-administered drug test.
Nastula tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone
Nandrolone
Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid that may be present naturally in the human body, albeit in minute quantities of less than 0.4 ng/ml. Nandrolone is most commonly sold commercially as its decanoate ester and less commonly as a phenylpropionate ester...
as well as banned stimulants phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine , also known as the stereoisomers norephedrine and norpseudoephedrine, is a psychoactive drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes which is used as a stimulant, decongestant, and anorectic agent. It is commonly used in prescription and over-the-counter cough...
, pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. It is used as a nasal/sinus decongestant and stimulant, or as a wakefulness-promoting agent....
, and ephedrine
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, concentration aid, decongestant, and to treat hypotension associated with anaesthesia....
. Nastula has denied the veracity of the test results, however, claiming that the stimulants were absorbed into his system from over-the-counter supplements and that nandrolone, a mass-building substance, would not have been useful to him as he has not gained any muscle mass since coming to PRIDE. According to an interview by the website www.budo.pl, Nastula has hired lawyers to solve the situation.
Following the fall of PRIDE FC, Nastula signed with World Victory Road
World Victory Road
World Victory Road is a defunct Japanese Mixed Martial Arts organization which promoted the Sengoku Raiden Championship in Japan. The organization was formed in 2007 following the purchase of Pride FC by Zuffa. It operated in conjunction with the Japan Mixed Martial Arts Federation...
and competed at Sengoku 4, losing via a controversial TKO to Yang Dong Yi. Nastula was unable to answer the referee's call to stand up, after receiving numerous strikes to the groin earlier in the fight. The referee inexplicably halted the bout, declaring Yang the winner by TKO.
Return to MMA
In 2008, after an extensive training in grapplingGrappling
Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial...
, Nastula was signed by a new promotion from Poland, MCC (Martial Combat Club) and was expected to face Koji Kanechika in their event in May. Unfortunately, the promotion folded and the event was cancelled.
Since then, Paweł was reported to be in talks with various promotions from Poland. KSW
Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki
Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki, better known by its acronym, KSW, is widely considered to be the premiere mixed martial arts organization in Poland and one of the leading promotions in Europe. To date, most events have been hosted in Warsaw, Poland...
stated to be in talks with Nastula several times, changing its mind about the event he should participate in. For example, Paweł was reported to face Mariusz Pudzianowski
Mariusz Pudzianowski
Mariusz Zbigniew Pudzianowski is a Polish former strongman and current mixed martial artist...
at KSW XIII
KSW XIII
KSW XIII: Kumite was a MMA event held by the Polish promotion KSW on May 7, 2010 in Katowice, Poland at the Spodek. It was the thirteenth numerical event from KSW and their sixteenth MMA event in total.-Background:...
, which was later changed to KSW XIV
KSW XIV
KSW XIV: Judgment Day was a mixed martial arts event held on 18 September 2010 by the Polish promotion Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki in Poland at the Atlas Arena in Łódź...
. However, after losing to Tim Sylvia
Tim Sylvia
Timothy Deane Sylvia is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter, professional wrestler, and former Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Champion. He trains as a member of the Miletich Fighting Systems camp and is part of their MFSE group...
, Pudzianowski pulled out of that fight.
Despite many failed returns to the ring, and no bouts since the Sengoku loss from August 2008, Paweł remained active, running his club (Nastula Club) in Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
and training with fighters like Robert Jocz
Robert Jocz
Robert Jocz is a Polish mixed martial artist. He fights in the Middleweight division and has competed for numerous European MMA promotions, like BOTE, M-1, KSW, Ultimate Glory and The Cage. Robert has earned the reputation of a tough fighter, because he has never been finished for the most of his...
, Jan Błachowicz
Jan Błachowicz
Jan Błachowicz is a professional Polish mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division. He is the current KSW Light Heavyweight Champion...
and Krzysztof Kułak.
However, after Pudzianowski's withdrawal from KSW XIV
KSW XIV
KSW XIV: Judgment Day was a mixed martial arts event held on 18 September 2010 by the Polish promotion Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki in Poland at the Atlas Arena in Łódź...
, Nastula stated in recent interviews, that he will retire if he won't get to fight in 2010.
In July 2010, Nastula signed with another new Polish promotion, Fighters Arena. Paweł made his anticipated comeback (and first ring appearance in Poland) at the inauginational show of the promotion in the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland, facing Yusuke Masuda (training partner of Hidehiko Yoshida
Hidehiko Yoshida
is a Japanese gold-medalist judoka and retired mixed martial artist. He is a long time veteran of Japan's Pride Fighting Championships, competing in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, also managing to fight in the semi-finals in the Pride 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix...
) in the main event.
Nastula proved to be in shape, as he quickly knocked down his opponent and followed with a flurry of punches on the ground, forcing the referee to stop the bout early at 0:26 of the first round.
Personal life
Paweł is married and has two daughters.For his sport achievements, he received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
Polonia Restituta
The Order of Polonia Restituta is one of Poland's highest Orders. The Order can be conferred for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, sport, culture, art, economics, defense of the country, social work, civil service, or for furthering good relations between countries...
(5th Class) in 1996.
Nastula is the author of the book My Judo (2000), where he describes his favourite techniques and their combinations.
He took part in the 2009 Polish version of Dancing with the Stars, eventually finishing sixth overall.
Mixed martial arts record
| Win|align=center| 4–4
| Jimmy Ambriz
Jimmy Ambriz
Jimmy "The Titan" Ambriz is an American mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Super Heavyweight division. He is a former King of the Cage Super Heavyweight Champion. His nickname "The Titan" is for his enormous size and raw power...
| Submission (hand injury)
| STC: Bydgoszcz vs. Torun
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:50
|Bydgoszcz, Poland
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 3–4
| Andrzej Wroński
Andrzej Wronski
Andrzej Wroński is an Polish wrestler who has won two Olympic gold medals...
| TKO (punches)
| Wieczór Mistrzów
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:09
|Koszalin
Koszalin
Koszalin ; is the largest city of Middle Pomerania in north-western Poland. It is located 12 km south of the Baltic Sea coast. Koszalin is also a county-status city and capital of Koszalin County of West Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999...
, Poland
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 2–4
| Yusuke Masuda
| TKO (punches)
| FAŁ: Fighters Arena Łódź
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:26
|Łódź, Poland
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 1–4
| Yang Dong Yi
| TKO (exhaustion)
| World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 4
World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 4
World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 4 was a mixed martial arts event promoted by World Victory Road. The event took place on August 24, 2008 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, Japan...
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 2:15
|Saitama, Saitama
Saitama, Saitama
' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 1–3
| Josh Barnett
Josh Barnett
Joshua Lawrence Barnett is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler who currently fights in the heavyweight division of Strikeforce. Barnett has been an accomplished fighter in mixed martial arts, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship and the King of Pancrase Openweight...
| Submission (toe hold)
| Pride 32
PRIDE 32
Pride 32: The Real Deal was a mixed martial arts event and was held by the Pride Fighting Championships. The event took place on October 21, 2006, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.-Background:...
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 3:04
|Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 1–2
| Edson Claas Vieira
| Submission (armbar)
| Pride Critical Countdown Absolute
PRIDE Critical Countdown Absolute
Pride Critical Countdown Absolute was a mixed martial arts event held by the Pride Fighting Championships. It took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on July 1, 2006.-Background:...
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:33
|Saitama, Saitama
Saitama, Saitama
' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 0–2
| Alexander Emelianenko
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| Pride Shockwave 2005
PRIDE Shockwave 2005
Pride Shockwave 2005 was a mixed martial arts event held by the Pride Fighting Championships at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on December 31, 2005. In Japan, the event was called "Otoko Matsuri 2005 – Itadaki"...
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:45
|Saitama, Saitama
Saitama, Saitama
' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...
, Japan
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 0–1
| Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his technical mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is a former UFCInterim Heavyweight Champion...
| TKO (punches)
| Pride Critical Countdown 2005
PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005
Pride Critical Countdown 2005 was a mixed martial arts event held by the Pride Fighting Championships. It took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on June 26th, 2005.-Background:...
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:38
|Saitama, Saitama
Saitama, Saitama
' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...
, Japan
|
Judo
- Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
- 1996 Atlanta 1st Prize (Gold Medal)
- World ChampionshipsWorld Judo ChampionshipsThe World Judo Championships are the highest level of international judo competition, along with the Olympic judo competition. The championships are held once every year by the International Judo Federation, and qualified judoka compete in their respective categories as representatives of their...
- 1991 Barcelona 2nd Prize
- 1995 Tokyo 1st Prize
- 1997 Paris 1st Prize
- European ChampionshipsEuropean Judo ChampionshipsEuropean Judo Championships is the Judo European Championship organized by the European Judo Union.- List of tournaments :- External links :*...
- 1994-1996 1st Prize
- 1999 Bratislava 2nd Prize