Professor Julio Rivera
Julio Rivera is a NYC writer and self-defense coach who specializes in simplifying self-defense strategies through his three decades of martial arts training and a lifetime of real-world experience. He transforms complex concepts of self-protection and empowerment into the most basic, effective language possible.
After winning a national bodybuilding title as a teen and working as an actor, Julio shifted his focus to martial arts training. His expertise includes black belts in Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and Japanese jiu jitsu, along with extensive experience as an instructor in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Krav Maga, all of which shape his unique self-defense style.
Equally important is Julio’s knowledge of wellness coaching, particularly in healing trauma, mindset, and emotional regulation. Having witnessed and experienced violence both in his childhood and while working in the nightclub industry, Julio’s teaching is grounded in reality.
After earning his degree from NYU's journalism program, he became a freelance writer for several publications, including Muscle and Fitness and Oxygen. His books, Internal Jiu Jitsu (https://a.co/d/0bCjM47C) and Brokedown Sensei (https://a.co/d/0kXv3lc), are available on Amazon, alongside Your Mental Wellness Workbook, a helpful tool for journaling, found at https://a.co/d/3Kjtdjl. You can explore Julio’s blog on fear, trauma recovery, fitness, and the human condition on Substack (https://julioangelrivera.substack.com/), and read his newest essays on Medium.com (https://julioangelrivera1.medium.com/).
In 2018, Julio sold his successful MMA academy to dedicate more time to writing, private and group wellness coaching, and workshops. His mission is to equip people with the physical and mental tools needed to overcome fear and fully enjoy life.
Julio Rivera, Internal Jiu Jitsu