Sensei Fabiana Cellini began training in martial arts in 2002 when she was invited to watch a class in Fuji Ryu Jujitsu. She observed that although the students were all different belt levels and had specific moves, the whole class was working together as a team. It was clear that the moves were effective and practical regardless of rank. It was an easy decision to join. After participating in the class for a few months, it was clear that Fuji Ryu Jujitsu was beneficial not only for self-defense but also concentration, self-confidence, and self-discipline. During the next 16 years, Fabiana trained up in belts until she earned the rank of 3rd degree black belt in FujiRyu Jujutsu in May 2019. She also earned the rank of Mokuroku in Sosuishitsu-Ryu (classical Jujitsu) in June 2017.

Within the same time frame of her training, Fabiana established a great career in education as a NYC teacher and science educator. The structure and discipline of martial arts allowed her to improve her pedagogical skills in curriculum planning and classroom management. By applying the same focus and concentration to her classroom, she was better able to support her students’ academic success. She is currently building a program of self-defense for elementary and middle school students during which they will become more confident, be more aware of their surroundings, stay safe, and develop a structured discipline that will positively affect their academic experiences and life skills.