Ariana Zeppetelli becomes Savarese Jiu-Jitsu’s only female blackbelt!
Last night, Ariana Zeppetelli becomes Savarese Jiu-Jitsu’s (www.njbjj.com) only female blackbelt! It was special for many reasons. Along w teammate Leo Alves, they became the 1st 2 blackbelts that started from our kids program. They also became the 2 youngest people to ever receive a blackbelt from me. It was a honor to tie this belt around the waist of someone who has become like a daughter to me, but also the epitome of true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a blackbelt that excels in ALL areas of Jiu-Jitsu, passing, guard, near perfect fundamentals and self-defense. She is also one of the hardest working people I know. She gave a beautiful speech, talking about how she grew up in our Academy, and that many of the good things instilled in her she learned here. I cannot begin to express in words Ari how proud of I am of the woman you’ve become, how proud I am of you of the example you set for our newer students and the women in our Academy and the hurdles you overcame to get here. You have taken every brick thrown at you and built a house with it. Welcome to blackbelt. The journey now begins!
Ari shares her thoughts
Ariana had this to say on her IG page:
If you really want to do something you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse🤘ðŸ¼
Professor Sav,
I can make a list of accomplishments I achieved because of you and your teachings. I am strong, I am tough, and I am confident, and it’s all because of you. Thank you for treating me like the daughter you never asked for.
Professor Sean,
Thank you for being my first coach. You played a major part in building my foundation and because of you and Professor Sav’s teachings, I have the most basic but effective Jiu Jitsu style that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Mom & Dad,
Thank you for raising me the way you did. You are my backbone and no matter what happens, I know you two are always behind me.
Kayla, Theresa, & Lawrence,
This belt is all of ours. Never discount your accomplishments. I might be the oldest but you three are my inspiration. I promise to be the best role model I can be.
To all my girls,
You are a lot stronger than you think. Enjoy your journeys and know that I will be right beside you every step of the way.
To all my teammates,
Thank you for bringing out the best version of me. Without you, I wouldn’t be here and always remember;
1. It’s okay to take a break as long as you don’t make it a habit.
2. Embrace that your teammates are going to hold you accountable and call you out when you’re slacking off. When you’re feeling lazy, lean on them to motivate you.
3. Listen to Professor Sav, especially when he says that all you have to do is show up and give it your all. The goal is to get 1% better everyday not to be perfect.
🖤 Coach Ariana
Highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt teaches in Lyndhurst