Professor Julio Rivera
Julio Rivera draws on three decades of training, and a lifetime of real world experience, to simplify 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 turned his focus to martial arts. His black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and many years as a Mixed Martial Arts, kickboxing, and Krav Maga instructor, have shaped his self-defense style.
Just as important has been Julio’s experience with healing trauma, mindset, and emotional regulation. Because he witnessed and experienced violence first hand, both in his childhood and while working in the nightclub industry, Julio’s teaching is always based in reality.
Julio was a freelance writer for several publications, including Muscle and Fitness and Oxygen, after graduating from NYU's journalism program. His book, Brokedown Sensei, is available on Amazon (https://a.co/d/0kXv3lc). Your Mental Wellness Workbook, a tool to start you on the road to journaling, is available at Julio’s blog on fear, trauma recovery, fitness and the human condition can be found at the Internal Jiu Jitsu website. His newest essays can be read on Medium.com (https://julioangelrivera1.medium.com/).
In 2018, Julio sold his successful MMA academy to focus on writing, private and group wellness coaching and workshops. His goal is to give people the physical and mental tools to free themselves from fear - and enjoy life to the fullest.
Julio Rivera, Internal Jiu Jitsu