Professor Rafael Lovato Jr. interview

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Professor Rafael Lovato Jr. interview

Here is a great Professor Rafael Lovato Jr interview, definitely worth the watch.

About Lovato Jr

At he age of 21, Rafael became the youngest American to receive a black belt in BJJ at that time. In receiving his black belt Rafael also helped accomplish another feat, as he and his father became the first American father and son BJJ Black Belts. Rafael has continued to make much history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming the most decorated American BJJ competitor today. In 2007, Rafael became the first person ever to win the European Open Championships, Pan-American Championships, Brazilian National Championships (Brasileiro), and World Championships (Mundials) at the Black Belt level all in the same year! These accomplishments earned Rafael the prestigious BJJ competitor of the year award for 2007. Currently, Rafael is the first American to have won the European Open Championships, and only American to have won the Pan-American Championships and Brazilian National Championships (Brasileiro) at the adult Black Belt level and he is the 2nd American, after BJ Penn, to win the World Championships as a Black Belt. In 2009, Rafael was honored for his accomplishments when he was inducted into the prestigious Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame. In 2010, Rafael became part of an elite group of competitors to ever win Black Belt World titles with and without the gi, when Rafael won the No-Gi World Championships in the Black Belt Heavyweight division. On that same day, Rafael achieved another amazing feat, but this time as a teacher, when his student and first Black Belt, Justin Rader, won his Black Belt division at the No-Gi World Championships as well. The duo made history that day as teacher and student Black Belt No-Gi World Champions and Rafael became the first American to produce a Black Belt No-Gi World Champion.

Rafael has gone on to win two more No-Gi World titles (2011 & 2013), winning his third on the same day with Justin Rader once again, who earned his 2nd No-Gi World title, and his 2nd Black Belt, James Puopolo, who won his first Black Belt No-Gi World title. In 2012, Rafael was a part of Professional Jiu-Jitsu history when he was victorious in the first ever Metamoris event. Rafael defeated Kayron Gracie with his famous Kimura technique earning him the submission of the night award. In 2013, Rafael made history in Brazil once again, this time winning the prestigious Black Belt Absolute division at the Brazilian Nationals, crowning him the best in Brazil. Rafael won 3 of his 5 matches in the absolute by submission, with a Kimura in the semi finals and finals. At that moment, not only did Rafael become a 2 time Brazilian National Champion, but he achieved a much greater accomplishment as the first non-Brazilian to ever win a major Black Belt Absolute title. Later in 2013, Rafael led the largest team of Americans to ever compete at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships. Rafael, along with his Black Belts, Justin Rader and James Puopolo, and his up and coming Purple Belt, Jared Dopp, made history at the event as an American team with a member in 4 of the 5 weight classes. Three of them were able to reach the final four in their categories with Lovato earning the Silver medal and Justin Rader earning the Bronze medal. It was a performance that will never be forgotten.

If you live in the northern NJ area and would like to be part of Lovato’s Team, contact Professor Chris Savarese at 201 933-5134 for a free trial class.

#tbt Savarese BJJ Academy wins RGDA Tournament team Title

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rgda patch rgda

#tbt Savarese BJJ Academy wins RGDA Tournament team Title

Our throwback Thursday pic today is from when the Savarese BJJ Academy won the RGDA Tournament Team Title. I will always believe that tournament was a turning point in the history of our school. The RGDA (Royler Gracie-David Adiv) Tournament was stacked between the associations best schools from NJ, Penn, Canada and Ohio. It was our first team championship. Most of the people in this picture set a goal 6 weeks out to win their division and we set a goal to win the team title after coming in 2nd the previous year. I remember David Adiv texting me after and saying “Bro, your guys fought like lions!” I was so proud. Many students in this picture are still with me today and are blackbelts and brownbelts now, one even has his own school. Thank you for making that a special day that I will always remember. oss

Professor Savarese

About Savarese BJJ Academy

Founded in 2006 by owner and head instructor Professor Chris Savarese, the Savarese Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy was opened w/ one purpose: to better peoples lives on and off the mat through the teaching of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Savarese BJJ Academy provides the support, knowledge and experience that allow our members to experience real Gracie Jiu Jitsu in a safe and friendly environment, to the best of their abilities, at their own pace and commitment level.

Our doors are open to men, women and children of all ages, shapes and sizes. If you would like to join our team please contact us:

Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
40 Park Ave (back building)
Lyndhurst NJ 07071
201 933-5134

[email protected]
savtransfer.wpengine.com

Lyndhurst Martial arts school Savarese BJJ wins Team Title at NJBJJF

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Lyndhurst Martial arts school Savarese BJJ wins Team Title at NJBJJF

 

Lyndhurst Martial arts school Savarese BJJ wins Team Title at NJBJJF! Congrats to all the people from the Savarese BJJ competition team for their excellent showing yesterday at the New Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NJBBJF) yesterday. Our team took 1st Place in the Team Standings for the 3rd time, a great honor in tournaments. Our affliate Training4Life Martial Arts Academy had a HUGE day and we are so proud of everything that Coach Chris Laciura is doing there. If you live in the Pequannock area, check them out. Congrats to Brian Procel for stepping up a weight class (something many brownbelts won’t do) and beating a seasoned competitor for 1st place. Congrats to our 16 yr old beast Sean Yadimarco, who continues to collect belts and 1st place medals on winning his gi and no-gi divisions and congrats to Maria Villa who stepped up to do her 1st competition knowing that her coaches wouldn’t be there and still had to guts to try. You will be better for next time because of your experience yesterday. So proud of all of you, not because of your victories but because you aren’t afraid to fail. oss.

 

Great Renzo Gracie interview

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Great Renzo Gracie interview

Posted this on my Academy Facebook page last week but if you are a BJJ practitioner and haven’t watched it, please do so. Renzo gets into what he believes is an important time in the history of BJJ and even opens up about his brother’s passing. Whenever I hear him speak, I am so grateful for the time I got to spend training directly under him for all those years. It was an amazing experience and a turning point in my growth in BJJ.

About Renzo Gracie

Renzo Gracie is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the famous Gracie family and a legend in BJJ. Renzo was born in Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil and is the grandson of Gracie Jiu Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie and son of 9th Degree BJJ black belt Robson Gracie, brother to Ralph and Ryan Gracie. Renzo started training Jiu-Jitsu as an infant. He had formal instructor from many of the Gracie patriarchs, but to of his biggest influences were the legendary Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr (the man who later awarded him his black belt)..

Renzo has won numerous competitions the most prestigious being the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) in which he is a 2x Champion.  Renzo’s name is also synonymous with Vale-Tudo, the famous No Holds Barred style of fighting in Brazil that originated today’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Renzo’s first official fight was at the age of 25 in the Gracie Vale Tudo Challenge were he submitted his opponent Luiz Augusto Alvareda by rear naked choke. Renzo has fought all over the world for organizations such as Pride FC in its heyday and the UFC. He pioneered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America in the 1990’s when he founded Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City, one of the cornerstones of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America. He is established as one of the best teachers and mentors in the sport.

 

Lyndhurst Martial Artist Harun Incekara receives promotion

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Lyndhurst Martial Artist Harun Incekara receives promotion

Lyndhurst Martial Artist Harun Incekara receives promotion to white and yellow belt! Harun was promoted today by his Coach Sean Bermudez and instructor Professor Chris Savarese at the Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Academy in Lyndhurst. This BJJ promotion is a big deal for someone his age. This promotion is a long time coming. He has been training with us for a long time and is finally old enough to wear this rank. Harun has been one of the better kids in our program for the last couple of years. He is always one of the kids who volunteers to help the younger and newer kids and has a great attitude. In BJJ Competition, he is undefeated in 6 tournaments and only has 2 points ever scored on him. We are so excited to see what the future holds for him. Great job buddy!

Savarese BJJ Academy Kids Program

The main goal at Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is to boost the self-esteem of all of our students. Every day in the USA, over 100,000 kids miss school because of some form of bullying. There are many experts who believe that fear of bullying may be the leading cause of low self-confidence in the children in our country. Worse, statistics suggest that less than 20% of kids actually report acts of bullying.  At Savarese BJJ, we focus on the physical, emotional and mental well being of our students. We like call themâ€Life Skills.†We provide our kids with the most powerful defensive skills in BJJ so they will be ready to stand up against bullies. In addition, we help our students with the development of characteristics and skills they will need in order to live a happy and balanced life.  Our students develop confidence, discipline, courage, responsibility, and leadership among other important values. We encourage non-violent resolutions to conflict. We aim to develop life-improvement skills as well as building the child’s character in a positive way. Our belief is uncoachable kids become unemployable adults. We teach these skills in the most fun atmosphere possible

Our Lyndhurst kids BJJ classes are beneficial in many ways. Children who participate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes quickly increase their physical fitness level. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves both large and small muscle groups in the body. Improvement of physical well being is not the only goal.

Our program can and WILL help your child increase their confidence, self-esteem, discipline, while teaching them life skills that will last them a lifetime.

In our time-proven program, your child will be able to progress at their very own pace. We understand that everyone learns differently. No matter if your child can only train once a week or everyday we have the program that will fit your needs.

New Jersey kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develops many traits in your child. These traits include:

  • Increased self esteem
  • Greater Self Discipline
  • Increased ability to Focus and Concentrate
  • Elevated Self Confidence
  • Overall Improvement in Attitude
  • Improved Physical Fitness Level
  • Development of Leadership Skills
  • Greater Respect for themselves and others
  • Increased Patience
  • Greater work Ethic
  • Better Understanding of How to Channel Aggression

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also a fun, competition based sport if you child chooses to compete. We prepare students to compete as well in separate competition based classes and we have one of the top competition teams in NJ, winning 6 team championships in various tournaments over the last 3 years.

Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school

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Royler seminar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school

Savarese Jiu-Jitsu in Lyndhurst NJ held a Royler Gracie northern NJ jiu-jitsu seminar last night. Over 50 people were in attendance for the 4x World Champion’s teaching. Professor Chris Savarese, owner of the school said on his Facebook page “Thank you to Royler Gracie for an awesome seminar that my students were raving about afterwards. You set such a great example for our art and bring the same passion, excitement and love of teaching that you did when I was still a white belt. It was my great honor to have you teach on my mats. Thank you to David Adiv as well for coming and always answering every question I have on BJJ. I hope you guys realize how lucky we were to have 2 of the best BJJ instructors in the world on our mats tonight. Thanks Angelica Oliveira for jumping in and helping our women as well. Tonight was a great night.” Savarese received his blackbelt from Gracie in 2008.

Royler Gracie

Royler Gracie is a retired Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and competitor. He also was a Mixed martial artist who fought mainly in Japan. He ran the Gracie Humaitá school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for many years under his father Grandmaster Helio Gracie’s direction, but currently resides in San Diego. Royler is a member of the famous Gracie family as son to the late Grandmaster Helio Gracie and brother of Rickson, Royce, Relson, Rolker and Robin. He holds a 7th degree red/black belt in the style pioneered by his family, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Prior to his retirement, Royler competed in the black-belt ranks for 20+ years and is a 4x World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, 3x Pan Am Champion and 3x Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Champion, all in the Pena/Featherweight Black Belt Category. He is a legend in jiu-jitsu circles.

Savarese BJJ

If you would like to try a free trial class at Savarese BJJ Academy, call 201 933-5134 or email [email protected] for a free trial class.

 

Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school

Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school

Savarese Jiu-Jitsu academy Team picture 2015

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Savarese Jiu-Jitsu academy Team picture 2015

Here is the Savarese Jiu-Jitsu academy Team picture 2015. *(Forgot to post this last week)* I want to thank everyone who gave up their friday night to come to our team picture party. It’s always nice to have people who appreciate the work that Sean and I put into this party. Next time I will try for it in like April or Sept/October so nobody is away. This pic meant a lot to me because the people in this room were a big part of my recovery progress from surgery last year and this picture will be blown up and hung in the training room forever. I look forward to spending many years on the mats with all of you ….my second family. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” I present to you the Savarese BJJ Team photo 2015.

Best Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Lyndhurst Area

The Savarese BJJ Academy is the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the Lyndhurst area. In addition to the many individual, kids and team championships won in jiu-jitsu competitions all over the world, Savarese BJJ has won Martial Arts school of the year in 2012 and 2014. Students of all ages train at the Academy from World Champion BJJ practitioners to policemen to fireman to teachers to construction workers and lawyers. Our childrens program is one of the largest BJJ kids programs in the US and one that many other schools come in to watch and model their schools after. Savarese BJJ also believes in giving back to their community and does so every chance they get, devoting time to teach martial arts and self defense in schools and $ to sponsor local baseball and softball teams. If you would like to join our championship Academy, call 201 933-5134 or email [email protected] for a free trail class.

Rutherford resident Gabe Mendez received jiu-jitsu promotion

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Rutherford resident Gabe Mendez received jiu-jitsu promotion

Rutherford resident Gabe Mendez received jiu-jitsu promotion at the Lyndhurst Martial arts school Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on thursday. Congratulations to Gabe on earning his Junior Grey Belt from Coach Sean Bermudez, the head children’s instructor at the Academy.today! It is a extremely tough rank for kids to earn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It take a lot of dedication to make it that far. Great job Gabe, keep up the great work!

Martial Arts for Kids in Rutherford area

If you are looking for martial arts schools for kids in the Rutherford area, Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is your top option. The goal at Savarese BJJ is to boost the self-esteem of our students. Over 100,000 kids miss school due some form of bullying every single day in our country. Experts believe that fear of bullying may be the leading cause of low self-confidence in children. Statistics also say that less than 20% of kids actually report acts of bullying.  At Savarese BJJ, we focus on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our students, the “Life Skills†as we like to call them. We provide our young students with the most powerful defensive skills so they will be ready to stand up against bullies. Our students develop confidence, discipline, courage, responsibility, and leadership among other important values. We promote non-violent resolutions to conflict. We aim to develop life-improvement skills as well as building the child’s character in a positive way. Our belief is uncoachable kids become unemployable adults. We teach these skills in the most fun atmosphere possible.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also a fun, competition based sport if you child chooses to compete. We prepare students to compete as well in separate competition based classes and we have one of the top competition teams in NJ, winning 6 team championship in various tournaments over the last 3 years. For a free trial class call 201 933-5134 or email [email protected] for more info.

 

Lyndhurst Kids Martial Arts Top July Student Kylie Cannan

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Lyndhurst Kids Martial Arts Top July Student Kylie Cannan

 

Lyndhurst Kids Martial Arts Top July Student Kylie Cannan had a great month! Congrats to the The Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Academy student recently joined the program and since has really found a love of martial arts. Over the past month and a half, she has dedicated herself to making it to class more than ever. She has made so much progress this month and we are so proud of her! She embraces everything that is taught in the Kids Martial Arts program. Her dedication, discipline, and confidence are just some of the changes she has shown in the last month. Her love of the martial arts is shared by her dad Sean, a former Colgate football standout who is training BJJ as well. When selecting a Student of the Month, the instructors look for many things in the students in our program and Kylie exhibits them all. Great job this past month Kylie and keep up the great work!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids

In BJJ Kids Programs, students are instilled with qualities that will help them throughout their lives. Through the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the kids learn that Commitment, Respect, Focus, Self-Discipline, Hard Work and Effort always make for a rewarding experience and bring positive results. In our Lyndhurst, NJ BJJ Academy, we specialize in empowering children who have never joined any physical activity. We have turned kids who have been victims of constant bullying at school into confident, respectful and skilled martial artists. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not meant to teach children how to fight but our kids are taught to work through confrontation on an intellectual basis first. But if the prospect of bullying needs to be addressed, our children are the ability to defend if needed. Consistency is paramount. Inconsistent training will many times lead to discouragement and failure to develop passion for training. Our award winning program has produced many champions in martial arts and has helped many students deal with the fear of being bullied. If you would like to try a free class, email us at [email protected] or call 201 933-5134 to set one up.

Clifton High School Student earns jiu-jitsu promotion

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Clifton High School Student earns jiu-jitsu promotion

Sean Yadimarco, a Clifton High School student earned a jiu-jitsu promotion this weekend. Congrats to Yadimarco on receiving the 1st stripe on his bluebelt from Professor Chris Savarese, a 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) blackbelt and owner of Savarese BJJ Academy in Lyndhurst. Savarese said on Facebook “Sean is only 16 yrs old and is an absolute beast in the room and as tough a teenager as I have ever seen in BJJ. He is fearless, smart and his future is as bright as he wants it to be. I am so excited to see what his future holds. He is one of the best of a bunch of killer teenagers we have here at Savarese BJJ. Keep up the great work Sean!”. Yadimarco is a standout on the Clifton High School Wrestling Team and is expected to surpass 20 wins this year. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has won a NAGA title belt and won medals in tournaments such as the Grapplers Quest, the Good Fight, Big Apple Open, NJBJJF and the UGA. He hopes to compete in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship next year.

About Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that teaches a smaller person how to defend himself against a larger adversary by using leverage and proper technique. The Gracie family, the founders of BJJ, modified judo and traditional Japanese jujutsu to create the art. It contains stand-up maneuvers, but it is most famous for its devastating ground-fighting techniques. Gaining superior positioning—so one can apply the style’s numerous chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations on an opponent—is the key in BJJ.

BJJ’s roots began in the early 1900s. Esai Maeda—the chief of a Japanese immigration colony who was assigned to Brazil—befriended Gastao Gracie. Maeda, a former jujutsu champion in Japan, taught the art to Gracie’s son, Carlos. In 1925, Carlos and his four brothers opened the first jiu-jitsu school in Brazil. Carlos’ younger brother, Helio, adjusted the techniques to suit his small frame, thereby creating Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In the early ’80s, Helio’s son, Rorion, planted the seeds of BJJ in the United States, where the art has become immensely popular.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s roots began in the early 1900s. Esai Maeda, the chief of a Japanese immigration colony who was assigned to Brazil, befriended Gastao Gracie. Maeda, a former jujutsu champion in Japan, taught the art to Gracie’s son, Carlos. In 1925, Carlos and his four brothers opened the first Jiu-Jitsu school in Brazil. Carlos’ younger brother, Helio, adjusted the techniques to suit his small frame, thereby creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In the early ’80s, Helio’s son, Rorion, planted the seeds of BJJ in the United States, where the art has become immensely popular.

Clifton High School Student earns jiu-jitsu promotion

Clifton High School Student earns jiu-jitsu promotion