Sensei Julio Rivera has been involved in health and fitness for twenty years as a competitor, trainer and journalist.  He won a national bodybuilding title at the age of nineteen and shortly afterwards, began training in Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu  under Rokudan and Masters National Champion Jack Krystek.  At this time, Mr. Rivera also began boxing under the guidance of NYPD boxing team coach and professional trainer David Siev (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WttXTRmLgac.) 

Sensei Julio began competing in Judo early in his training,  placing well at several local competitions, including the Northeastern, Starrett Cup and Liberty Bell.  While still a green belt, he began teaching classes at the dojo, sparking a passion for sharing knowledge and helping him develop his style of instruction.

After six  years of training, Mr. Rivera earned his blackbelt in Jiu Jitsu Modern Style, a form of the Japanese art developed by Sensei Jack and his brother Albert, which includes throws, joint locks and chokes as well as some limited striking techniques.  Two months later he was awarded his Judo black belt.

During this time, Sensei Jack, one of a handful of black belts in HAGANAH, began teaching his students this no nonsense Israeli Self Defense style.  Because the curriculum is completed in just four months, before being repeated, Sensei Julio became quite proficient in three years, and began fusing the technniques with his Judo and Jiu Jitsu training for self defense purposes.

Sensei Julio then became head instructor and manager of Premier Martial Arts in Midtown Manhattan, and began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Renzo Gracie Academy, earning his blue belt under Gregor Gracie.  He trained briefly under Eduardo Santos before becoming manager as well as Judo, kickboxing and self defense instructor for World BJJ and MMA champion Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro at his New York City academy.  Professor Ribeiro awarded Sensei Julio his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt and has entrusted him to teach Vitor Shaolin BJJ.  Sensei Julio has also trained MMA with former WEC champion and UFC fighter Hermes Franca and Muay Thai with Aziz Nabih at the renowned Sitan Academy.

A graduate of New York University's print journalism program, Sensei Julio has contributed articles on health, fitness and martial arts to publications such as Grappling, Oxygen, Physical, Muscle and Fitness, Advantig Health and Sport and the Association of Professional Martial Artists, among others.  He has appeared as an expert on fitness or martial arts on PBS, MTV, The Channel 11 news, National Geographic, MSNBC and ExpertVillage.com.  He is certified as a coach by USA Judo and as a personal trainer by the International Fitness Association.

Sensei Julio credits his wife, Maria, for helping him create Omni Martial Arts.  He would also like to thank his family, Fernando Franco, Mario Guerrero, Professor Shaolin and especially Sensei Jack Krystek for their support and guidance. 

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