ABOUT US
The story of Denver Jiu Jitsu and Black Belt Rodrigo Salazar.
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
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
Since 2008, Rodrigo Salazar has been dedicatedly training law enforcement agencies across the USA and South America. His expertise has been shared through numerous seminars, including sessions with renowned figures like Relson Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Helio Gracie's second oldest son.
His law enforcement seminars cover practical defensive tactics, suspect control, and ground survival techniques essential for officers in the field. Rodrigo's real-world approach makes his training invaluable for professionals who depend on these skills daily.
IOWA LAKES JIU JITSU
Head Coach: Matthew Mentink
A native of central Nebraska, Matthew Mentink was a Nebraska state runner-up football player and 3rd place finisher at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. He was a National Wrestling Qualifier at Dana College and has served over 23 years as Physical Education and Strength Training instructor at Woodbine Community Schools.
With 315 dual wins as Head Wrestling Coach (top 40 in all classes in Iowa), Matthew has been involved with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2008. He opened the Iowa Lakes Jiu Jitsu Academy in Lake Park, Iowa in 2020, bringing Denver Jiu Jitsu's proven methodology to the Midwest.
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
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.