Ases Jiu Jitsu: The Story Behind One of Valencia’s Most Welcoming Academies

Key Takeaways

• Ezekiel founded Ases Jiu Jitsu in Valencia after years of training and competing abroad, creating a welcoming space for all levels.
• The academy's success is rooted in a strong sense of community, safety, and clear teaching philosophy, not marketing.
• With MAAT, Ezekiel streamlined operations and class management, allowing him to focus on teaching and building culture.

From Student to Academy Founder

From humble beginnings to becoming a respected academy in Valencia, Ezekiel's story with Ases Jiu Jitsu is one of passion, resilience, and dedication to the martial arts lifestyle.

Ezekiel began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2001 in Valencia, Spain but it was a three-year move to Japan as a blue belt that shaped his vision. There, he trained intensively, even stepping into MMA competition.

"I realized you can make a living from Jiu Jitsu if you do the right things"

he recalls.

That realization would fuel his long-term dream: to open his own academy.

In 2006, that dream became reality. Ases Jiu Jitsu opened in Valencia, initially just a place for friends to train.

"Jiu Jitsu wasn't popular here at the time"

says Ezekiel.

"I didn't think about the future much, I just wanted a space to train."

But interest grew steadily, and so did Ezekiel's ambition. By 2012, the academy had expanded enough that he could leave his job as a nightclub security guard and dedicate himself fully to teaching Jiu Jitsu.

👉 Check out Ases Jiu Jitsu’s Instagram!

Philosophy and Culture at Ases

For Ezekiel, the key to a successful academy is the atmosphere.

"It's not just about hard training or competition"

he explains.

"We want people to feel comfortable. Whether you're here to compete or just enjoy training, the academy should feel like a second home."

That philosophy also guides how he manages the mat: safety and mutual respect are non-negotiable.

"If someone is too aggressive or only using strength, I intervene"

he says.

"Jiu Jitsu is about technique, not force. If they don't change, I ask them to leave."

Even without heavy marketing, the academy continues to grow.

"We don't do promotions. It's word of mouth"

he explains.

"People bring their friends because of the atmosphere."

This is something that happens in many Jiu Jitsu gyms, where student retention is far more important than acquisition, which often happens naturally.

👉 If you want to learn more about this topic, check the article How MAAT’s Leaderboard Keeps BJJ Students Coming Back

Training Methods and Student Development

Ases Jiu Jitsu has evolved in how it structures classes.

Beginners and advanced students often train separately, and competition classes focus on real fight scenarios rather than just intense rolling.

"I try to recreate high-pressure moments, like when you have one minute left and need to score.
It's specific and realistic"

he says.

When it comes to teaching, Ezekiel emphasizes structured progression and the ability to connect with every student, especially those with poor coordination or confidence issues.

"If you can teach the non-athletes, you can teach anyone"

he says.

Ezekiel sees Jiu Jitsu not just as a sport or a form of self-defense, but as a way of life.

"For me, it's lifestyle. It helps police officers do their job, helps MMA fighters improve their ground game,
and gives shy people confidence."

Simplifying Operations with MAAT

Like many gym owners, Ezekiel faced operational challenges as the academy grew. Managing payments manually became increasingly difficult.

"It was a headache"

he admits.

That's he discovered MAAT.

"It was simple and easy. I tested it before it even launched publicly, and it just worked."

Today, MAAT helps him manage class attendance, payments, and even class caps.

"I can control everything. It's very comfortable"

he says.

Looking Ahead

But ultimately, the heart of Ases Jiu Jitsu isn't software or systems, it's the culture Ezekiel has built over decades: one rooted in respect, learning, and community.

‍"People stay because it feels like family. That's what matters most."

Want to learn from other academy leaders like Ezekiel?

👉 Discover more stories on MAAT's blog

or

👉 Book a call to see how MAAT can support your growth.

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