RATED AMONG THE BEST SELF-DEFENSE SCHOOLS IN TRI-STATE!

JULIO RIVERA: Head Instructor       

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 World Champion Jack Krystek.  At this time, Mr. Rivera also began boxing under the guidance of NYPD boxing team coach and professional trainer David Siev.

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 trained students who are agents and officers from the NYPD, Customs and Border Patrol, Secret Service and private security agencies.  He has also helped train and corner MMA fighters.

In January of 2012, Sensei Julio received his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Judo from Sensei Jack Krystek.  

Sensei Julio continues to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA with Shaolin and WEC and Bellator veteran Marcos "Loro" Galvao.  Sensei Julio has also trained MMA with UFC World Champion Anderson Silva as well as 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, GeoBeats and ExpertVillage.com.   As the former co-host of the national PBS teen magazine show  "In The Mix", Julio reported on issues important to young adults, including a story on gun violence which won a local Emmy for community service.  He is certified as a coach by USA Judo and as a personal trainer by the International Fitness Association.

BRIANNA GALLOWE: Program Director

Ms. Gallowe is the eyes and ears of our academy.  A third degree black belt in the art of Tang Soo Do, she is a champion competitor in forms, sparring and weapons.  She is usually the first person you talk to before you begin training with us, and is the one who gets you situated once you become part of our family.  As a newly addicted Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Ms. Bri is rounding out her martial arts skills very nicely and hopes to compete in BJJ soon.  She is currently a student at Pace University studying International Management.

JEFFREY GALLARDO: Assistant Instructor

Jeff has been a personal trainer for over 16 years.  He is certified by the National Association of Sports Medicine and American Council on Exercise.  A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt under Renzo Gracie, he also has extensive training in Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling.  He has trained Judo and Street Self Defense with Sensei Julio for two years, during which time he has also assisted with teaching Omni kids classes.  Jeff has a 3-0 amateur Mixed Martial Arts record in the Asylum Fight League.  He also won a silver medal at the 2007 Battle at the Beach, Bronze at NAGA New England in 2007, and a silver medal at the 2010 no gi IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship.

ALEX ECKLIN: Assistant Instructor

Alex Ecklin has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since September of 2006. He currently holds rank of Purple Belt and continues training daily with Vitor Shaolin and Marcos Loro. Alex actually started his training in Judo at 12 years old, and unfortunately had to stop after a year. In 2008, he went back to Judo attaining the rank of Green Belt under Sensei Shiina. Alex enjoys martial arts for many reasons, he believes it is a great way to stay in shape, build confidence and character, as well as develop friendships on and off the mat. Alex is still actively competing, and some past accomplishments include : Champion of: Tech Judo Invitational and Massachusetts BJJ Federation Tournament (purple belt). Bronze Medalist of :2008 East Coast Judo Championships, 16th Annual Starret City Cup and 5th Annual North American Sambo Freestyle Championships and a Bronze Medalist at the New York International Open Jiu Jitsu Championsip.

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

.

OMNI MARTIAL ARTS

35-08 DITMARS BLVD.

ASTORIA, NY  11105

718-726-0101