Learning is difficult in beginning of BJJ

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Learning is difficult in beginning of BJJ

Learning is difficult in beginning of BJJ. If it wasn’t, you’d already know everything you needed to know. When it comes to new things, Jiu-Jitsu asks you to walk the line between tension and fear. Any time you try to learn something new, whether it’s a total paradigm shift or just adding important details to something that’s already there, it’s easy to get stuck.
What sticks you to the spot isn’t fear of something new or fear of change, even though both of these are charges often levied at the burden of learning. It’s the tension of uncertainty, the competing concerns between “will this work†and “this might not workâ€. It’s the stress of wondering whether if I learn this, will it benefit me…or distract me? In my experience, this tension is the hallmark of a great educational experience. A truly new idea or experience places you on a threshold…where you used to be vs. where you are going. You may sometimes expose yourself to a little tension willingly, but often we hesitate when we have the opportunity to learn something new. It doesn’t have to be this way. You can choose to actively seek out this pressure, the experience of being on the threshold and seeing the next few steps without seeing the whole staircase. When you do, you let what’s new push over you over the edge and out onto the other side. I often tell my students at Savarese BJJ (www.njbjj.com) that if you get by the 1st 6 months of training, you will train forever because you already did the worst part.

Time always catches up in BJJ

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Time always catches up in BJJ

Time always catches up in BJJ! Brazilian jiu-jitsu happens in real time, so there are always new decisions to be made. We prefer to make proactive choices wherever we can, but with resistance in the mix, you also have to become comfortable with reactive choices (where you don’t initiate the action but must still work to advance your plan anyway). Proactive or reactive, ‘bad” decisions happen when you’re in a rush and can’t process information fast enough. You miss an important part of the signal and head off in the wrong direction. This happens in guard-passing, when the passer can change directions faster and with greater ease than the guard player and clears the legs as a result. Panic also inhibits good decisions, leading to a freak out and a cascade of emergency choices that are less than optimal. Bad decisions also happen when the effects of your choices aren’t evident right away – you’re swayed by short-term comfort and ignore long-term repercussions. Exploding out of the mount works until it doesn’t. Many bad decisions work out OK in the short run because you can be short-term successful…but time often changes changes this. To work on making better long-term decisions requires elevating the value of the long run. It can be worthwhile to sacrifice immediate gratification, to look closely at the gap you’re covering up and the mistakes you make. With attention, you can start this process where you are and learn do it regardless of how much noise there might be around instant results.

Changes in BJJ harder than they first appear

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Changes in BJJ harder than they first appear

Changes in BJJ harder than they first appear. The definitely can be harder than you thought. Changes, in the form of new technical additions to your arsenal, or more farther-reaching adjustments to perspective or strategy, are often more difficult than they first appear. This usually equates to a struggle. We work to refine and adjust one thing at a time until we end up with something we can use. The problem is that our fantasies about how change happens are just that – fantasies. We’re surprised that hand fighting to a collar grip is so tough. We think we’ll be ready to roll out a new D’arce defense after a few times practicing it. We are not masters of the guillotine in 3 days. And so on. It can be discouraging. But if you struggle without quitting, you will make it into the next phase of development. That space is where you can refine and polish these new changes and turn them into something really meaningful for your practice long term. Here at Savarese BJJ (www.njbjj.com) Academy, we try to teach our students to ALWAYS think long term. What happens on a tuesday night in March when you are a bluebelt, no matter how bad you think it is at the time, will not be remembered as a brown and blackbelt.  Just keep showing up.

Why wearing the kimono is important in jiu-jitsu

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Why wearing the kimono is important in jiu-jitsu

Why wearing the kimono is important in jiu-jitsu 🥋
When you step onto the mat for jiu-jitsu practice, you’ll notice that everyone is wearing a kimono, also known as a gi. But why is this traditional garment so important? Here are just a few reasons:
1ï¸âƒ£ Tradition: Wearing a kimono is a part of the tradition of jiu-jitsu. It is a symbol of respect for the art and for the practitioners who came before you. By wearing a kimono, you are honoring the history and culture of the sport.
2ï¸âƒ£ Technique: The kimono provides a unique set of grips and controls that are not available in other types of clothing. This allows for a wider range of techniques to be practiced and executed. When you wear a kimono, you’re able to work on a variety of techniques that are specific to jiu-jitsu.
3ï¸âƒ£ Safety: The kimono provides a layer of protection for the practitioner. It can help prevent injuries such as mat burns, scrapes, and bruises. By wearing a kimono, you’re able to train safely and reduce the risk of injury.
4ï¸âƒ£ Teamwork: When everyone on the team is wearing a kimono, it creates a sense of unity and teamwork. It shows that you’re all part of the same group and working towards the same goal. By wearing a kimono, you’re showing your commitment to the team and the sport.
Also, in the beginning of your BJJ journey, the gi serves as a “cheat” for you to learn the basics principles. Someone grabs you sleeves? You shrink your arm. Someone gets a hand in your collar? You learn to get posture. etc etc. So the next time you step onto the mat for jiu-jitsu practice, remember the importance of wearing a kimono. It’s a symbol of tradition, provides a unique set of techniques, offers safety benefits, and shows your commitment to the team. 🥋ðŸ¤
#jiujitsu #bjj #kimono #gi #teamwork #safety #technique #tradition #team #unity

Students and teachers in BJJ

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Students and teachers in BJJ

Students and teachers in BJJ is always a great subject to discuss. There is good, but can be bad between students and teachers if loyalty isn’t produced by either side. Some of my happiest coaching memories come from watching my students teach. I have always been insistent on the idea that my students have a deep understanding of the underlying principles and concepts that underlay our approach to the game and that they be capable of explaining them well to others. As a result, my students can in almost every case, do a fine job of teaching our methods and philosophy to students of all levels and backgrounds. Here at Savarese BJJ Academy (www.njbjj.com). I try to get my students to start teaching at purplebelt. It gives them a better understanding of our concepts and by having to answer questions of the newer students, it makes them think about the techniques and concepts in a more in-depth fashion. In particular, most of my purple and brownbelt students have a complete and deep knowledge of my approach to art art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self defense. I would also go further and say that all of them have developed an independence and originality of thought that has taken them beyond my teachings and into their own distinctive style. I have watched my students teach and am constantly amazed by the maturity and depths of their views and their skill at conveying it to others. They all take immense pride in their knowledge and constantly work to refine and improve it. It is no exaggeration to say they are light years ahead of where I was after a similar time spent in training. This bodes well for the future of our Academy as they have so much more time to develop their skills and knowledge. All have started as beginners teachers, just like as students, and I can attest to how much learning material they offer when they teach. I love to watch them teach so that you can learn more about their method and philosophy. Watching and correcting and suggesting new things to them will help them going forward but only teaching creates the framework for the health and growth of the sport into the future.

Varations in BJJ

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Varations in BJJ

I like to talk about Varations in BJJ. Variation: A common strand of thinking that I observe in coaches and athletes is the idea that there is a correct way of performing a given move and any deviation from that is a step in the wrong direction. This kind of sentiment works well in a beginners class where you are trying to give students a firm foundation upon which to take their first steps, but as you progress higher in the sport, there comes a realization that there is almost always more than one correct way of performing that move. Much more important than the move itself is the set of mechanical principles that underlay eachmove. beginner students try to stay true to the move as it was originally taught to them, but more advanced students try to stay true to the underlying principles behind the move and go from there. This allows them considerable leeway in their actual performance of any given move so that fascinating variations and improvisations can occur, but which still work in accordance with the essential mechanical foundations upon which the move is based. This sometimes has amusing consequences – you will see a beginner claiming a world champion is performing a move incorrectly because he is using a variation different from the one he was shown, but in truth, that champion is operating in accordance with the same over arching principles.

Intentions vs. Goals in Jiu-Jitsu

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Intentions vs. Goals in Jiu-Jitsu

Intentions vs. Goals in Jiu-Jitsu: Intentions vs. goals is something we speak about a lot at Savarese BJJ academy (www.bergencountybjj.com). Because the submission is usually so heavily weighted, in jiu-jitsu we can have a tendency to develop a very strong goal-orientation. Goals can be critical tools when you have a specific outcome you want. But they can work against you if the rigidity of fixed goals grow into sources of anxiety and procrastination. Instead of worrying about needing to make things follow a specific path or go a certain way, put less attention on the GOAL and instead focus on your INTENTION for each training session. Why are you on the mat today? You may find that loosening a hyper-focused grip on your goals frees you from needing things to turn out exactly as you planned, and leaves you open to a different kind of training and learning. Focus on this and let me know if your training improves!

About Savarese BJJ

Originally developed by the Gracie family for smaller guys in the country of Brazil, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu has evolved into an effective self defense system, a thriving sport, and an essential component of Mixed Martial Arts fighting (MMA).

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu does not incorporate many of the fancy movements and complicated theories that other martial arts employ. In the real world, most fights end up on the ground and you have to be prepared for that scenario. The Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy teaches practical self defense techniques with a no attitude, no ego mentality.

Students learn sport aspects and practical methods that don’t require strength or athletic ability. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was made for everyone.

History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Professors Chris Savarese and Sean Bermudez

A typical class begins with a light warm up and stretch. Once everyone is loose, instructor Chris Savarese teaches students practical techniques and delivers personal care to ensure the class is learning and applying. Once the technique has been covered, live sparring for students who wish to participate is permitted. With Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, live sparring is an integral part of the art and what separates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from most other martial arts. In Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, sparring is encouraged and fun!

The benefits of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense programs are endless! A greater sense of self leads to positive results in a world full of challenges. Our staff’s lineage goes directly back to the Gracie Family who created the art. Teach your children that perseverance wins over any obstacle in life, and let our program prove it to them! Develop functional muscles, not bulky, do-nothing muscles! Anyone who has trained at our academy for over a year will tell you that their life has been drastically improved!

If you want to join the fastest growing BJJ Academy on the East Coast, Savarese BJJ is waiting for you!

Highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt teaches in Lyndhurst

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Highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt teaches in Lyndhurst

Last night, the Highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt teaches in Lyndhurst. David Adiv (www.gracienewjersey.com), shared his knowledge w/ the students of Savarese Jiu-Jitsu on Park Ave. Adiv is the long time instructor of school owner Chris Savarese (www.njbjj.com), who is also one of the first Jiu-Jitsu blackbelts in NJ. Savarese had this to say on his IG:
Thank you to my dear friend David Adiv for teaching an awesome seminar at my academy tonight, teaching over 3 hours and staying until every last question was answered. Dave is a martial arts scientist, and has the ability to break down Jiu-Jitsu like a genius. he is the highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt. Having the highest ranking NJ BJJ blackbelt teaches in Lyndhurst is truly an honor. I truly believe he is one of the best instructors in the world. I am doing BJJ since 1995 and i learned about 6 things tonight that I can add to combinations off of other things I do. It was an awesome experience for all my students. Thanks to my friend Angelica Oliveira for always helping out, freely sharing her knowledge w all my students, especially my women who look up to her, and being such a great example for my women to follow. for those who don’t know about Dave’s vast experience in the Martial Arts industry, David received the honor of being part of Royler Gracie’s training team and has accompanied Royler and Rickson to Japan for Royler’s first Vale Tudo match and for many other fights as an integral part of Royler’s training team. His knowledge and technique have allowed him to also become part of Royler Gracie’s creative team and he is featured along with Master Royler Gracie in two of his bestselling books: “BJJ Submission Grappling†and ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Submission Essentials†(with Grand Master Helio Gracie).
On his own David is an accomplished BJJ competitor. He has competed in many tournaments distinguishing himself with his technical and methodic style. At the “First Annual Rickson Gracie International Tournament†David not only brought home the Gold Medal but also won the award for most technical fighter. All Professor Adiv’s experiences have helped him to develop into and to be recognized by many as one of the most technical Black Belts in the world. He is able to teach all aspects of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Self-defense, Sport Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling and Vale Tudo (NHB). David is also highly sought after Instructor for Law Enforcement and the Military, teaching Gracie Jiu Jitsu Defensive Tactics seminars for Law Enforcement Departments at Federal, State and local levels.
David has also spearheaded the development of the Royler Gracie-David Adiv Jiu-Jitsu Association in the US. Through seminars, affiliated instructors and the annual Royler Gracie Championships, the organization has seen a tremendous growth in the past years. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and as Royler’s top representative in the United States, David carries on the tradition of the Gracie family. What a great night.

Ariana Zeppetelli becomes Savarese Jiu-Jitsu’s only female blackbelt!

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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

Kearny resident becomes Jiu-Jitsu schools youngest blackbelt ever

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Kearny resident becomes Jiu-Jitsu schools youngest blackbelt ever

Kearny resident becomes Jiu-Jitsu schools youngest blackbelt ever! What an awesome night last night at Savarese Jiu-Jitsu in Lyndhurst as last night, Kearny resident Leo Alves earned his Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt. It was special for many reasons, along with teammate Ariana Zeppetelli, they became the first 2 blackbelts that started in our kids program. They also became the two youngest black belts ever in our Academy. This one got emotional for me because I watched Leo grow up in the Academy and Leo had to overcome many pitfalls and obstacles to be where he is today. To say this belt was earned is an understatement. Life gave Leo thousands of reasons to quit and never once did he even think about it! For that alone, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a person. Leo, I am so proud of the amazing young man you’ve become, and more importantly the road you’ve climbed with class and the obstacles that you’ve obliterated along the way. Looking forward to see where your journey goes from here but know I have your back no matter what. Welcome to blackbelt, journey now begins.
Alves had this to say on his IG page “Professor @savaresebjj and I throughout the years. Professor Sav is one of the most respectable men I have met, he is someone who truly practices what he preaches, I have been training under his watchful eye for the last 10 years, I’ve watched him deal with major problems in his life on and off the mats and come out the other end with nothing but growth and a better version of himself, truly leading by example, he showed me what it takes to be someone others can look up to and rely on. I’m super proud to be his student and now his BLACKBELT. Thank you Professor Sav!”