Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Galarza.
Hi Juan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Juan Galarza, I am a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec. I am 34 years old. My journey starts when I was 16 in Ecuador, I saw a friend in an MMA fight, and I was like, “This is it. This is what I want to do.” My parents weren’t on board at the beginning, but I saved up, paid about $40 to join an academy, and I just got started. At 18, I made the big decision to come to the U.S. alone. I wrestled in college in Georgia and then moved to New Jersey, where I joined Silver Fox BJJ Academy, best team in the world. I went all in, competing in jiu-jitsu and fighting MMA professionally. Eventually, I moved to Florida to start my own academy. Now, Silver Fox BJJ in Coral Springs is thriving. It’s a family business, my wife trains, she’s now a blue belt, and our two dogs are there when we go to fairs. Plus, we give back through our nonprofit, Guardian South Florida, which is part of the Guardian Gym network. We sponsor kids and teens who couldn’t otherwise afford training. It’s how we help change lives, and it means the world to us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Being here alone in a different country, where you don’t know much about culture, how life works, I just knew I had to work super hard. At one point, my life was all about training. I had three jobs that helped me keep training. I was going to school full time, I was fighting, competing almost every weekend, and I faced some injuries, just as we fighters do. At one point, I was even sleeping on a couch. But quitting never crossed my mind or derailed what I wanted to do.
We’ve been impressed with Silver Fox Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Coral Springs , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a mixed martial arts academy specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, complemented by a few MMA/striking classes each week. We welcome both kids and adults, starting from age 5 and up. What sets us apart is our world class instruction and family environment, whether you’re a beginner or advanced, we have classes to meet your goals. I’m especially proud of the welcoming, supportive atmosphere our team has created, while always striving to improve. We offer classes at all levels: in both gi (kimono) and no-gi (shorts and shirt), throughout the day to fit your schedule. Best of all, your first class is completely free, so don’t wait; you’ll thank yourself later!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising is that whenever I’ve made big moves, like moving to a different country or state, I only had maybe 10 to 15 percent figured out. I just made the jump.
I always encourage people who are overthinking to start and figure things out along the way. You make your adjustments as you go, just do it.
Also, most people don’t know that I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I fought MMA professionally, I’m a Pan Ams medalist in jiu-jitsu, and I’ve been teaching kids and adults for about 14 years.
Pricing:
- first class is FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://silverfoxbjjcs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverfoxbjjcs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilverFoxBJJCS/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMIh2adSP5kZaV0LWEFnGsQ
