Finding Jiu-Jitsu
By his mid-teens, Tabak sought a martial art with greater self-defense applicability. In 2009, he walked into a local Melbourne mixed martial arts gym with the intention of pursuing MMA — but his first exposure to grappling ignited something unexpected. An immediate and deep affection for jiu-jitsu took hold, drawn not only to its technical craft but to the culture and camaraderie woven into its fabric. That connection became the catalyst for a decisive shift toward the kimono.
Development Under Australian Black Belts
Under the guidance of coaches Daniel Keane and Daniel Shaw, Tabak developed rapidly, his game maturing alongside a growing obsession with the art. Key black belt figures — including Levi Jones-Leary, Daniel Sainty, and Gui Neves — also played influential roles in shaping his approach during this formative period. His commitment extended beyond Australia's borders, as he made multiple trips to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo — the heartlands of the sport — to seek higher-level training and immerse himself in BJJ's source culture.
Joining PSLPB Cicero Costha
In 2018, one of those South American trips proved to be a turning point. Tabak visited the Cicero Costha Academy in São Paulo alongside his partner and fellow BJJ competitor Hope Douglass. The quality of instruction and the strong sense of community at PSLPB Cicero Costha left a lasting impression. With family already residing in São Paulo, the decision to formally affiliate with the Costha squad came naturally. From that point forward, Tabak carried the PSLPB banner on the competition circuit, returning to São Paulo as frequently as possible to train under Cicero Costha.
His development and competitive performances under the PSLPB umbrella caught the attention of his coach, and on June 4, 2019, Cicero Costha promoted Ariel Tabak to the rank of black belt — a recognition of the rapid technical growth and competitive results he had delivered in a relatively short time under the team's guidance.