Professor Chris Savarese promotes student Sean Bermudez to black belt. Photo: Personal archive

At GMA Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst, NJ, a special promotion happened on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Professor Chris Savarese promoted his long-time student and kids coach Sean Bermudez to black belt.

The planned event hosted 200 students, friends and family at the new location of the academy at 40 Park Ave. There were other promotions that night as well– plenty of blues, purples and browns alike. Professor Brian Longs earned his first degree from Professor Savarese and Sean earned his black belt after eight and a half years of training under Chris.

In fact, Sean was his second student ever.

Of the promotion Sean writes: “For me, earning my black belt from Sav means I get to represent his philosophies and thoughts on BJJ forever. All of the hard work, sweat and blood added up to the proudest moment of my life. Even more than the day I earned the title of United States Marine. It shows that you do not have to be a world class athlete to reach your goals, as long as you never quit. I have had hard times through the years but I always knew that I could do it.”

The respect goes both ways as Sav himself notes the importance of this promotion. He writes: “It was my honor to put the belt around Sean’s waist last night. Sean came to me as kind of a lost kid 9 years ago and I have watched him grow tremendously on and off the mat. He literally became a man in our academy. He is an example for all my students to follow, proving that you can do anything you put your mind to through hard work. I couldn’t be happier and more proud of a student.”

Learn more about Savarese BJJ at www.njbjj.com

When a surgery for his elbow highlighted blockages in his arteries, Professor Chris Savarese of GMA Savarese BJJ underwent heart surgery. On the mend, he speaks with a series called “Driving it Home,” to discuss his recovery and beyond.

He talks about his journey to the black belt, and the old school generation that garnered a mental toughness that isn’t seen as much now. The older generation is where the knowledge is, Savarese believes, and that if you’re a new practitioner and you’re not looking into this information, you’re missing out.

Check out the full interview below:

Learn more about Chris Savarese and GMA Savarese BJJ at www.njbjj.com

On Wednesday July 10, Rafael Lovato Jr. traveled to New Jersey to GMA Savarese BJJ. He taught the kids class a seminar which included a throw, a technique to get to mount and a submission if the person defends the mount.

On the following night, Lovato held a seminar for the adults in which he taught his most effective techniques to over fifty students.

While in town, Lovato promoted Professor Savarese to second degree black belt.

To learn more about Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst, NJ visit www.njbjj.com

What makes this drill effective is that both drilling partners can practice back and forth. Check out the video:

Learn more about Savarese BJJ Academy at www.njbjj.com

JT Torres, while in town to compete in the IBJJF Pan No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship, stopped by his friend Chris Savarese’s academy, Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst, NJ to give a kids-only seminar on Friday night, Sept. 27. He returned to his NJ/NY roots from the Atos academy in San Diego, CA where he now resides under GMA member Andre Galvao.

Professor Savarese has been trying to offer kids-only seminars as of late and has seen a good reaction in the kids learning more about BJJ and its roots as well as following the tournament scene more closely. In July, friend and fellow GMA member Rafael Lovato Jr. taught his own kids-only class as well.

The focus on the kids is explained by Professor Savarese: “We constantly have friends of mine in for seminars for the adults and the kids were getting short-changed. I used to play baseball and it was always easier for kids to relate to their “baseball heroes. After watching Professor Rafael Lovato Jr. do a kids-only seminar at our academy, we noticed more children showing up to watch him compete at our Metamoris party and cheering him on. They are constantly asking when he competes next. Now a bunch of our kids are going to watch JT compete tomorrow as well as our competition team at the No-Gi Pan. It has been a positive experience for them.”

JT taught some takedowns, a guard pass and some of his trademark finishes from the back. He even played some games that the kids loved! After the techniques he watched them train together and gave them pointers.

For more information about Savarese BJJ and their kids program, go to www.njbjj.com

JT shows a bow-and-arrow choke. Photo: Chris Savarese

The two squared off and despite the size difference, Ava accomplished a takedown. Rafael defends well while on the ground but runs into some trouble. The match ends with a mysterious cliffhanger. Did he tap? What do you think?

The American Black belt runs the Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Dave Adiv, Sav and Royler in Rio

Savarese is a Royler Gracie representative in the USA. He has competed and won numerous grappling events in the region.

The academy website reads about his vision about teaching BJJ: “Sav brings a no nonsense approach to teaching and a family atmosphere to the gym. Students are treated with respect, honor and loyalty. As a student you receive personal attention, you learn great techniques, and most importantly, you have fun doing it.”

Welcome Sav. 

Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
500 Stuyvesant Ave
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
201 933-5134
www.njbjj.com