In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), there are those who walk the path of dedication and passion, and Professor Julio Rodriguez is a prime exemplar of this commitment. With decades of experience in the art, he has earned his stripes, both metaphorically and literally. We had the honor of sitting down with Professor Julio Rodriguez to delve into his remarkable journey through the realms of BJJ.
Q1: When did you first hear about BJJ?
Professor Julio Rodriguez: Ufc 1
Interviewer: Ah, the inaugural UFC event back in 1993, UFC 1. Witnessing the Gracie family’s remarkable displays of technique and mastery piqued my curiosity, and it was the beginning of a lifelong journey. I think this is the way that a lot of people also started out in BJJ.
Q3: Who is your favorite grappler or grapplers?
Professor Julio Rodriguez: Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, and my instructors, the Machado Bros, and Marcos Santos!
Interviewer: Those are certainly legends in the BJJ world, and it’s clear they’ve had a significant influence on your journey.
Q4: How has BJJ helped you in your life?
Professor Julio Rodriguez: BJJ has made me deal with life differently. It has allowed me to meet so many people who became friends, travel the world, and help many students and Law Enforcement officers.
Interviewer: It’s incredible how BJJ can have such a profound impact beyond the mats, connecting people and shaping perspectives.
Q5: If you could talk to your white belt self, what advice would you give him?
Professor Julio Rodriguez: I would tell him to train Five-Six Days a week instead of two-three days a week and take more private classes!
Interviewer: That’s valuable advice, Professor. Consistency and focused training can indeed make a significant difference on this journey.
In closing, we would like to extend our gratitude to Professor Julio Rodriguez for sharing his incredible journey and insights with us. You can find Professor Julio Rodriguez on his Instagram account @anacondabjjnjny and explore more about his journey on his website at https://anacondabjjnjny.com/. And, if you’re ever in North Bergen, NJ, you might just find him on the mats, imparting his wisdom and passion for BJJ to his students.
We look forward to bringing you more interviews like this, celebrating the remarkable members of our BJJ community. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and experiences from the world of martial arts.