5 Things you didn't know about Santino Marella 

#3. Marella is a Judo expert

Santino Marella: Judo Warrior

Josh Barnett recently announced that Santino Marella would compete at Bloodsport II, an event billed as a smorgasbord of mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. Barnett tweeted the following about the former WWE Superstar, "From Judo to Battlearts and MMA, this man has all the credentials for Bloodsport."

The news came as a shock to most fans, who were unaware of Marella's extensive judo experience. Motivated by Bruce Lee movies, Marella began training in judo at the young age of nine. Marella signed up for classes and quickly fell in love with the sport, "That was it. It gets in your blood."

Marella competed in Judo Ontario, Judo Canada, and various other tournaments. He event competed in judo at the collegiate level in Montreal, as part of Canada's National Team. Marella inevitably chose a carer in sports entertainment, but credits judo with helping him fast track the physical parts of professional wrestling.