CATCHING UP WITH 2ND DEGREE BJJ BLACK BELT JULIO 'SANDY' RODRIGUEZ

Julio 'Sandy' Salazar Rodriguez is a 2nd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and is the head of the One Love Jiu-Jitsu Association.  While also being an active competitor he is also a long time referee for NAGA and a judge for ADCC.  We recently were able to catch up with him and snag a short interview:

JK: Can you give everyone a little information on yourself, your BJJ training, and your background in the sport?

​Sandy: I’m Julio “Sandy” Salazar, a native of Venezuela. I proudly serve as a Referee at NAGA and hold the role of Judge for ADCC. My unwavering passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been a defining part of my life for many years, reshaping my journey in profound ways.

My BJJ odyssey began in 2003, and since then, I’ve committed myself to perfecting my skills and deepening my understanding of this remarkable martial art. Along this path, I’ve had the privilege of learning from outstanding mentors, including “Kiki” Melo, Marcos “Loro” Galvão, Dileno Lopes, Francisco Cortez Neto, Luis “Doctor” Vasquez, George Clay from Nova União, Ysidro Moreno from Gracie Barra, Ajuricaba Mascarenhas from Mascarenhas in Manaus, Brazil, and many others at Zenith BJJ. It was with Zenith that I achieved the rank of Black Belt in 2015.

My instructors haven’t just shared the technical intricacies of BJJ; they’ve also instilled in me the core values of discipline, perseverance and respect that are the bedrock of this sport. My journey in BJJ has shaped not only my physical prowess but also my mindset, and I’m committed to ongoing self-improvement and to sharing the profound benefits of this art with others.

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JK: You haven't been in the United States for a super long time. What has been the biggest difference you have seen with the Jiu-Jitsu here in the states compared to back in Venezuela?

Sandy: The big difference I’ve noticed is the number of championships taking place every weekend. In Venezuela, there used to be 3 or 4 per year, but now they are hosting more high-quality tournaments. There’s nothing to envy from major organizations.

JK: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in Jiu-Jitsu?

Sandy: In my case, my greatest achievement in Jiu-Jitsu is earning the trust of my students, but in terms of competitions, I have won many competitions in Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, and the USA.

JK: You are the head of the One Love Jiu-Jitsu affiliation. What are your goals with the association and what sets it apart from other Jiu-Jitsu affiliations?

Sandy: As the head of One Love Jiu-Jitsu, my vision is to continually expand our network of affiliates, reaching as many individuals as possible and providing support to those in need through various organizations.

In our affiliation, we don’t just teach Jiu-Jitsu; we build a tight-knit family. My students aren’t merely participants; they are an integral part of our extended family. We take pride in our unique blend of a relaxed and dedicated approach, making us one of the most easygoing yet highly focused affiliations in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. As Mestre Renzo Gracie said “We don’t sell just a martial art, we sell confidence.”

​JK: We know you are going to be recovering from an injury going into the end of this year, from a personal standpoint, what are some goals you have set for yourself in Jiu-Jitsu in 2024?

Sandy: As I embark on the journey of recovering from my surgery towards the end of this year, my goals in Jiu-Jitsu for 2024 are twofold. First and foremost, I’m committed to making a full recovery, ensuring that I’m physically and mentally at my best. Secondly, I aspire to continue my growth in Jiu-Jitsu, not only as a practitioner but also as an instructor. I plan to share my knowledge and experience with my students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and excellence within our Jiu-Jitsu community. Additionally, I’ll be preparing rigorously for major events such as the IBJJF Masters World Championship and some ADCC Opens. These objectives drive my passion and dedication for the sport.

​JK: Thank you for the time! Is there any last words for anyone out there reading this?

Sandy: Thanks to you for this opportunity. Yes sure.

If you’re reading this and never tried it before, take a moment to explore and learn Jiu-Jitsu. It’s not just a martial art, but a way to feed your mind and refresh your soul. If you’re already in the path, Do Not Quit! For Nothing and Nobody. Just Keep Moving Forward.

One Love.