How ROM Jiu Jitsu Built a Thriving BJJ Community in Alzira with Passion and MAAT

Opening a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy is often more than a business decision, it's a personal mission.

For Rodolfo Martin, founder of ROM Jiu Jitsu, it was a natural extension of his lifelong passion for the sport.

Located in Alzira, a town near Valencia, ROM Jiu Jitsu is now a thriving academy with over 200 members, but it began humbly: with a few friends, a lot of mats, and a dream.

From a Commuter’s Frustration to a Local Legacy

“I used to travel all the way to Valencia to train, there was nothing nearby”

Rodolfo recalls.

What started as a logistical frustration turned into inspiration.

As a dedicated athlete focused on training and competition, he began gathering a few local friends to teach and share techniques.

That informal training group slowly grew in size and commitment.

Eventually, he took the leap: renting a small location with a 60-square-meter tatami and welcoming a modest group of 10 to 15 students.

“That first academy already felt like a dream”

he says.

Now, with a 150-square-meter facility and plans to expand to an even larger 200-square-meter space, his academy has grown far beyond initial expectations.

👉 Check ROM Jiu Jitsu website here!

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

From the beginning, ROM Jiu Jitsu prioritized creating a welcoming space.

“People should leave feeling better than when they arrived”

Rodolfo explains.

Newcomers are welcomed like family, and advanced students are encouraged to support beginners.

His teaching philosophy reflects this inclusive approach, he adjusts techniques based on the skill level of each student and pairs advanced practitioners with beginners during sparring to prevent injuries and foster learning.

The result is a unique sense of community where everyone feels seen and supported.

White belt students at ROM Jiu Jitsu often speak highly of the camaraderie and guidance they receive.

One student shared

“I think that I like Jiu Jitsu because it's a sport group. I practice it every day with my friends, and now it's my new family.”

Another student reflected on the early challenges

“ I’ve learned that listening to my teacher, Rodolfo Martin, is the most important part of this sport.”

BJJ as a Way of Life

While the focus is on sport Jiu Jitsu and competition, Rodolfo understands the deeper impact of training.

“BJJ gives you confidence. You get used to dealing with pressure,
with people stronger than you. It naturally prepares you for self-defense”

he shares.

The academy doesn't just teach techniques, it builds character and resilience.

Even in the face of unexpected challenges, like the time a student who had escaped a psychiatric hospital attempted to sleep overnight on the academy couch, Rodolfo handled the situation with care and professionalism.

Building Future Instructors

Part of ROM Jiu Jitsu's vision includes developing future leaders.

Rodolfo encourages his students to become autodidacts, to explore and test techniques independently. Instructor development is based on solid fundamentals and the ability to guide others.

“You need to be able to adapt the work to what each student needs”

he emphasizes.

A Little Help from MAAT

MAAT has become a valuable tool in the background.

“I never used to track payments”

Rodolfo admits.

“People would just come and tell me fhey forgot to pay last month.'”

Switching to MAAT helped him gain visibility into attendance and billing.

“I didn’t even realize how many students I had.
With MAAT, I know exactly who’s coming, who’s paying, and who’s missing.”

He particularly values the attendance tracking feature, since many classes are now taught by his instructors, MAAT allows him to monitor student engagement remotely and ensure continuity. Payments processed through the app are automatically recorded, simplifying administration.

Do you feel like your academy is in a similar situation?

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The Road Ahead

Today, ROM Jiu Jitsu continues to grow, not just in size but in spirit with a clear vision rooted in community, discipline, and continuous learning, it serves as a model for what a martial arts academy can become.

Rodolfo’s advice to others thinking about opening a gym?

“Be sociable. Be someone people want to be around.
Start with a small group and make sure they see you as a reference, both technically and personally.”

Discover Why Other Gyms Switched to MAAT

If you're looking for tools that support your community and simplify your academy's operations, MAAT is helping gyms like ROM Jiu Jitsu do just that.

👉 Book a Call to learn more about how MAAT fits into your growth journey.

👉 Read Other Client Stories on Our Blog to see how BJJ academies across Europe are transforming their operations with MAAT.