NYC and Beyond · Individual & Corporate Training

The mind resists before the body does.

Julio Rivera teaches practical self-defense built on control, awareness, and the internal work of overcoming fear — for individuals and organizations across NYC and beyond.

Get the Essays on Fear — FreeBook Your Evaluation Call
Author — Internal Jiu Jitsu
Self-Empowerment Coach
Founder — Gotham Self-Defense, LLC

Inside Gotham Self-Defense

A Different Conversation

Anatomy of Violence

Understanding violence means understanding what happens before the physical encounter — perception, escalation, fear, and the choices that shape what happens next.

The Anatomy of Violence

Start Here
Essays on Fear by Julio Angel Rivera

Essays on Fear

Free — Web & Downloadable PDF

A short series on what fear actually is, why the body reacts before the mind can reason, and how to meet it without freezing. No cost, no obligation — just the first ideas behind Internal Jiu Jitsu.

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The Book
Internal Jiu Jitsu book cover by Julio Rivera

Internal Jiu Jitsu

$17.99 — Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way

The philosophy behind everything taught at Gotham Self-Defense: how to give way instead of fighting force with force, and what that means for how you move, communicate, and stay calm under pressure.

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Free Call

15-Minute Evaluation Call

Free — No Obligation

Every path through Gotham Self-Defense starts here. Tell me a little about yourself or your organization, and I’ll follow up to arrange a short evaluation call.

Your information is used only to respond to your inquiry.

Programs

Two Paths, One Method

Whether you're training on your own or bringing this to your team, everything is built on the same foundation of control, awareness, and de-escalation.

Individual

Private 5-Session Course

$1,250

Five one-on-one sessions built entirely around you — your body, your risks, your pace. Situational awareness, distance control, and de-escalation, alongside practical physical technique.

Bonus — Free Semi-Private Session Video

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Corporate

Team & Group Training

90-Minute Workshop

On-site $2,500  ·  Virtual $1,750

A high-impact introduction to personal safety and de-escalation for your team. The virtual format focuses on solo-practicable technique; on-site adds live scenario work.

Bonus — Free Art of Empowerment Video

3-Hour Intensive

On-site Only — $5,000

Gotham Self-Defense's flagship corporate program. Live partner-based drills that only work in person, taught by Julio Rivera. Every participant receives a free copy of Internal Jiu Jitsu.

Book for Your Team
Julio Rivera in a blue jiu jitsu gi
About

Taught by Julio Rivera

Julio Rivera is the founder and head instructor of Gotham Self-Defense, LLC, serving NYC and beyond. His approach treats self-defense as much a mental discipline as a physical one — rooted in the internal work of overcoming fear and resistance, and translated into methods anyone can actually use.

Before founding Gotham Self-Defense, Julio owned and operated a New York City mixed martial arts academy for nine years. He learned about violence firsthand growing up on rough streets and later working in the nightclub industry, experiences that shaped his understanding of conflict, awareness, and personal protection. He holds a journalism degree from NYU and has appeared across national media discussing self-defense and mindset under pressure.

  • Author, Internal Jiu Jitsu: Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way
  • IBJJF Masters Worlds Gold Medalist
  • Black Belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Experienced MMA, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga Instructor
  • Nine Years Owning and Operating a NYC Mixed Martial Arts Academy
  • NYU Journalism Background, National Media Appearances