Izzy Martinez
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United States Martinez in 2025 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Israel Martinez |
| Born | April 23, 1982 Aurora, Illinois, U.S. |
| Website | izzystylewrestling.com |
| Sport | |
| Country | United States |
| Sport | Wrestling |
Event(s) | Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman |
| College team | North Idaho (2001–2003) Iowa (2003) |
| Now coaching | Izzy Style Wrestling Jackson Wink MMA Academy |
Izzy Martinez (born April 23, 1982) is an American former folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestler who is the current chief operating officer of Real American Freestyle. He also coaches at Izzy Style Wrestling and Jackson Wink MMA Academy.
As a wrestler, Martinez was a three-time IHSA champion in high school wrestling and a one-time NJCAA champion in collegiate wrestling.
In coaching, his teams at Montini Catholic High School captured eight IHSA championships. He was a one-time NWCA Coach of the Year recipient, and has been inducted into the NWCA Hall of Fame.
Israel “Izzy” Martinez was born in Aurora, Illinois to Jose and Betty Martinez.[1]
In July 1997, Martinez competed in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions at the Cadet National Wrestling Championships.[2][3]
He wrestled for West Aurora High School, compiling a record of 116-1 and three IHSA state titles before being removed from the team for rule violations before his senior year.[4] Martinez reportedly had trouble making weight, leading to the dismissal.[5]
College career
Martinez began attending North Idaho College, where he compiled a record of 27-0 and won the 2002 NJCAA championship.[6]
He then committed to Iowa in November 2002.[7]
While in his first year at Iowa, Martinez was dismissed from the school after being arrested for public intoxication.[8]
