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The Doberman

The Black Belt

PASSION + PURPOSE:

Nick and Xia, 2021

Nick Pollaro is a huge dog lover, as are many of his students. Xia, his beloved Doberman Pinscher, inspired the school logo and much more. After achieving the rank of Black Belt in BJJ, Nick set out to fulfill yet another dream: He had always wanted a Doberman. Xia was just eight weeks old when Nick brought her home in 2016. Constantly at Nick’s side, he began to take her with him to the school when she was just three months old. Xia had a playful disposition, a natural affinity for protection and tracking work, and she loved people. She quickly became the school mascot. Xia brought an immeasurable amount of joy to Nick and everyone at the school. When Nick decided to put the Doberman at the center of the school logo, it was perfect. Xia definitely earned her place in the logo and in the hearts of many. Sadly, Nick lost Xia to a rare liver disease in 2021. The logo has become more than just an identity for Pollaro’s Martial Arts. It is a tribute to Xia, the Doberman that will be forever at the heart of this Black Belt.

PASSION + PURPOSE

The PASSION for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu led to a PURPOSE for pets.

Pollaro’s Martial Arts specializes in the defensive discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and we are also committed to the defense of vulnerable pets. Pollaro’s Martial Arts is proud to support the life-saving work of area animal shelters and rescues.

Since Xia’s passing, Nick has adopted two Dobermans from Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus.

Pollaro’s Martial Arts accepts on-site pet food and pet supply donations for the

Hendricks County Animal Shelter and hosts two Open Roll Fundraisers for the shelter each year.

Burt (age 12) was Nick’s first dog from Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus. Although he was with Nick for only 7 months before he passed, Burt’s loving personality and larger-than-life presence left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

Gator was Nick's second dog from Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus. This photo is from his 9th birthday celebration with Nick and wife, Mei. Gator enjoyed a big life in his four years with Nick; full of family, lots of attention, and most of all love.

A Passing of the Guard

Gator was Nick’s beloved Doberman and faithful companion of the past four years. At age 5, Gator was the second Doberman Nick adopted through Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus. Gator's back story wasn’t clear, but he had a sweet, quiet, and gentle disposition, in spite of anything he had been through. Gator was constantly at Nick's side when they were out together, and he was friendly with everyone he met. After a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, Gator passed away just weeks later on July 2, 2025 at the age of 9. In their short time together, Gator and Nick appreciated every moment. Gator was immensely loved and will be deeply missed. As the third in a line of distinguished Dobermans to serve as mascot for Pollaro’s Martial Arts, the memory of Gator’s quiet strength and peaceful nature will live on.