UPW Partners

 Student of the Month, January 2004

Jason Sanfilippo

by Les Honig

You may have seen this exciting new talent behind the ring mike at our recent Mat Wars light shows..and it’s no wonder…for relative newcomer Jason Sanfilippo is a student in the same outstanding mold of many who have preceded him in the last two years here at UU.. 
Hungry, aggressive but very respectful about the business he seeks to learn about, Sanfilippo has already made a splash in his four months as a Ultimate U student; bringing a unique blend of talents to his newest chosen learning experience.

Spending his earliest childhood years in Houston, the now 23 year-old Jason, first remembers watching wrestling as a little kid; somewhat to the dislike of his family, who did not respect what they considered fake theatrics. Still he persisted as a fan, and soon was setting out as real athlete in a whole variety of areas, that now serve him well in the training ring.
Describing himself as a very physical person, the youngster was training in martial arts at 5 years old and then was introduced to gymnastics just a few years later. Doing a variety of demonstrations and shows in both areas, he began to gain the ease of entertaining a crowd, and it was at the age of 16 when a new area of sports entertainment began to come his way.
Auditioning for the Lion King Parade at Disneyland, he was soon a pole climber and shortly thereafter was doing stunt shows at Magic Mountain and Knotts Berry Farm as well. This stunt work, where Jason performed with a troupe who would demonstrate how various feats were accomplished brought him a good bit of success and he continues doing such exhibitions today.
“All my background started to mix together; the martial arts and gymnastics and my love of performing all blended together when I started doing stunt shows.” 

Still, there was to be a rekindling of earlier life squared-circle interest, and as a smaller guy, when he saw the recent adulation for astonishing cruiserweight Rey Meysterio Jr., he was beginning to believe there might be a place for him in the business after all.

Turned on by a buddy to UPW, he began his first sessions at our company back in November and was immediately blown away by his co-students’ friendless and eagerness to impart their knowledge.

“I remember my first session,” says Sanfilippo, “The Ballards were there along with a few other regular trainees, and they really dug the fact that I could demonstrate some acrobatic flips to them; and of course they began showing me the ropes immediately themselves.”
Citing the Ballards as “incredibly great teachers” because of their superior knowledge and extreme patience, he also points to trainees who have already gone the extra mile to teach him the basics. 

“For example, Tony Stradlin did a match with me a few weeks ago during class and he really got me over even though I lost. After we finished Shannon Ballard said it looked like I had been wrestling for years. That’s how fantastic he made me look. He is just terrific to work with.”
Another new friend who has “taken me under his wing” is Kevin Zacaula, (a.k.a. Antonio Mestre), who immediately began to help out this new recruit with notes about matches, and Lil' Nate, who he feels “knows his stuff left and right, especially for his age.”

Helpful too for Sanfilippo is ref Marty Rubalcaba, who often, when working out with the boys, helps Jason learn what goes on behind the scenes; as well as how to structure a match and tell a story.

Now studying classic tapes along with his super serious classmates, Jason has a real thirst for becoming a competent matman, and he looks forward to the day when he might become skilled enough that he could get the chance to become part of leading national federations.

“For now I just want to master the craft I am studying and what will come later will come later.” Such extraordinary dedication and commitment makes Jason Sanfilippo a hot prospect for future successes and a worthy recipient of this months kudos as January Student of the Month!
 

Previous Ultimate University Students of the Month:

December 2003 - Dmitry Masarky

November 2003 - Brandon Hill

October 2003 - Kevin Zacaula

September 2003 - Tony Stradlin

August 2003 - Tommy Wilson

July 2003 - Mike Mizanin

June 2003 - Kjel Hansen

May 2003 - Shane Roberts

April 2003 - Lamar Tinnin

March 2003 - Nikki Tsugranes

February 2003 - Nate Nickerson

January 2003 - Chris Mordetsky

December 2002 - Van Ayasit

November 2002 - Erica Porter

October 2002 - Sam Culver

September 2002 - James Lukash