Denver Jiu Jitsu team group photo in gis at the academy

STREET EFFECTIVE

JIU JITSU

Relson Gracie Lineage. Denver Since 2009.

Since 2009

Serving Denver

Relson Gracie

Direct Lineage

Law Enforcement

Trainer Since 2008

JIU JITSU FOR REAL LIFE

Programs designed for street effectiveness, not just sport. Every technique we teach is built for real-world survival.

Self Defense Course

Self Defense Course

Street effective techniques for real life survival situations. Learn proven self-defense methods rooted in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that work when conventional rules do not apply.

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Jiu Jitsu Basics

Jiu Jitsu Basics

Build a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals. Perfect for beginners looking to develop core techniques, positions, and submissions under expert guidance.

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Jiu Jitsu Advanced

Jiu Jitsu Advanced

Take your game to the next level with advanced techniques, competition preparation, and sophisticated strategies taught by Black Belt Rodrigo Salazar.

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Street Fight Class

Street Fight Class

Practical street fighting techniques developed from decades of real-world application. Train with a partner for just $199/2 people.

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Grappling

Grappling

Dedicated grappling sessions focused on takedowns, ground control, and submission techniques. Available for just $99/2 people.

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Law Enforcement Training

Law Enforcement Training

Specialized defensive tactics training for law enforcement agencies. Rodrigo has trained officers across the USA and South America since 2008.

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Muay Thai & Kickboxing

Muay Thai & Kickboxing

Complement your ground game with stand-up striking. Muay Thai and kickboxing training available at the academy for a complete martial arts education.

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Rodrigo Salazar with his instructor Fabio Santos - proving the direct lineage of Denver Jiu Jitsu

FROM PORTO ALEGRE
TO DENVER

Hailing from Porto Alegre, Brazil, Rodrigo Salazar embarked on his journey to the United States in 2000. With over two decades of unparalleled experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rodrigo stands as an exceptional and unmatched instructor. His training under the world-renowned former world champion, Red and Black Belt instructor Fabio Santos, culminated in the prestigious black belt he holds today.

Having lived in Europe, Hawaii, and California before settling in Denver in 2009, Rodrigo established the first Relson Gracie School in the area. The Denver Jiu-Jitsu schools he founded have a singular focus: to impart "street effective techniques" for real-world survival situations. As an instructor, Rodrigo is known for his patient teaching style and attention to detail, ensuring every student grasps the intricacies of the art.

20+

Years Experience

Black Belt

Under Fabio Santos

2

Denver Academies

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

"Best place in Denver to train! If you want to learn BJJ you might as well lean from the best Rodrigo Salazar!"

— MMA Meltdown

"Denver Jiu Jitsu IS THE BEST PLACE EVER! It's a comfortable facility run by professionals who make you feel like family. I've been working out there for 6 months now and I can honestly say the trainers invest their time in each person, and provide friendly guidance."

— Fran Dantas

"I have been training Brazilian jiu jitsu for almost two years now with Denver Jiu Jitsu and Rodrigo Salazar. Rodrigo knows the Real Brazilian jiu jitsu self defense that can be used for competition, MMA and real life situations on the streets."

— Rodrigo Dias

"Denver Jiu-Jitsu is first class. Teaching and keeping it simple. They make you go hard and have advanced elevated focus. They help you believe in you and don't pamper you."

— Jered Scurlock

"At Denver Jiu-Jitsu you not only will find excellent instruction provided by Rodrigo Salazar but a community of people who embodies the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Amazing instruction, great community, flexible hours, clean mats are a winning combination."

— Rafael Huerta

"Professor Rodrigo Salazar brings knowledge, the ability to effectively share it, and the desire to make his students better. The academy is always a fun and productive environment in which to learn, excel and succeed."

— Justin Cowles

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt on blue mats

READY TO STEP ON
THE MATS?

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, Denver Jiu Jitsu has a program built for you. Take the first step toward street-effective self defense.

GET ON THE MATS

Ready to train? Reach out and we will get you started. Your first step to street-effective Jiu Jitsu begins here.

Send Us a Message

Our Locations

Denver Central Academy

6750 E Chenango Ave #35, Denver, CO 80237

(720) 295-0255

Mon 7:30pm, Wed 7:30pm, Thu 7:00pm

Aurora / DTC Academy

Denver Tech Center Area, Aurora, CO

(720) 295-0255

Contact for schedule

Iowa Lakes Jiu Jitsu

Lake Park, Iowa, Iowa

Contact for info

Head Coach: Matthew Mentink