Savarese BJJ Academy turns 14!!

The Savarese BJJ Academy turns 14! Today is the 14th Anniversary of the Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

My Journey

Woke up this morning and took a moment to reflect on the journey. I opened this school with nothing but guts. No money, no plan. Thinking about what I know now compared to what I knew then, looking back now, it’s amazing I didn’t go out of business. I can only laugh at my ignorance. Over these 14 years, I have personally have grown so much as an instructor, a business owner, BJJ practitioner and most importantly, as a person. It was truly the best decision I ever made. I am so thankful for those who have supported me and helped me grow during this journey. To know how much we as a team have made a difference in the lives of the people in the room and in our community for years and generations to come is the most rewarding feeling one can have. Lives are changed EVERY DAY here. People become better versions of themselves before our eyes. As a white and blue belt, doing something like this seemed like a pipe dream. It was a goal that seemed almost unattainable but I am proud that it was a goal and dream reached. I would like to thank all my students whose role plays an important part in the success of our Academy. I am so proud of the way everyone treats each other and I can honestly say the atmosphere in our Academy is what I am most proud of. Just a group of people who stand by each other every day in pursuit of a bigger picture, leaving their problems and ego at the door and trying to become better martial artists and people every day. I am even thankful for the bad times, the students who opted out of this journey with me, because the lessons I learned from those times made me stronger and better. Looking forward to helping others grow on and off the mats for as long as humanly possibly. Thanks to all my students for their trust and dedication and to everyone on the ride w me. I truly am grateful. As we begin the rebuild process after this dumpster fire known as 2020, i can honestly say I love where we are right now as a TEAM, w everyone on the same page.

Academy History

These 3 pics show our journey from the outside of the Original 900 sq ft Academy at 482 Stuyvesant Ave where it all started. This place had a drum set in the office. It had a door that was so short that in the winter winds of cold would blow through. We constantly put holes in the walls while training.
Next was 500 Stuyvesant Ave. It had the poles, ugghhh! This 2nd floor Academy was a microcosm for many of our journeys. It was a place where many of us grew and ascended to new heights. For me, it was a truly special and meaningful place for many of my upperbelts and where others got their start.
And lastly, our home, our 5500 sq ft facility at 40 Park Ave. The place I always dreamed we’d someday have.

Thanks to the Gracie Family http://www.graciehumaita.com/ for bringing this amazing art into my life and the lives of my students
Looking forward to what the future brings!