About Us
At Liberty Station’s premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, we empower children, youth, and adults through martial arts, chess, and innovative physical education. Our classes foster physical fitness, motor skills, and holistic well-being, inspiring confidence and discipline. Driven by our core values, we’re dedicated to building a healthier, stronger future for our community.
Our Staff
Gabe Rodriguez
Gabe Rodriguez
Gabe Rodriguez
Professor Gabriel Rodriguez is an accomplished black belt with over 19 years of experience. Professor Gabe earned his black belt under Andre Dumdumaya. Starting as a wrestler, Professor Gabe discovered Jiu-Jitsu through a teammate and has since trained globally, cross-training in MMA and boxing. With 21 years of coaching expertise, he’s h
Professor Gabriel Rodriguez is an accomplished black belt with over 19 years of experience. Professor Gabe earned his black belt under Andre Dumdumaya. Starting as a wrestler, Professor Gabe discovered Jiu-Jitsu through a teammate and has since trained globally, cross-training in MMA and boxing. With 21 years of coaching expertise, he’s here to empower our students with confidence, technical skills, and resilience in a fun, welcoming environment.
Professor Gabe believes in fostering growth at every student’s pace while encouraging a competitive spirit.
Dan Maier
Gabe Rodriguez
Gabe Rodriguez
Dan began his martial arts journey in 2014 with Muay Thai as a way to get in shape. In 2016, he decided to explore Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—and immediately fell in love with the art. The unexpected challenges of Jiu-Jitsu are what drew Dan in. Its complexity and depth kept him coming back to class.
Over the years, Dan has competed in more than
Dan began his martial arts journey in 2014 with Muay Thai as a way to get in shape. In 2016, he decided to explore Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—and immediately fell in love with the art. The unexpected challenges of Jiu-Jitsu are what drew Dan in. Its complexity and depth kept him coming back to class.
Over the years, Dan has competed in more than a dozen tournaments, continually pushing himself to grow on and off the mats. In 2019, he began assisting with the kids’ classes at North Park Jiu-Jitsu, where he still teaches every Saturday. As of 2025, Coach Dan is a brown belt under Professor Michael Cusi.
As an instructor, Coach Dan follows a student-centered approach to teaching Jiu-Jitsu. He believes in giving students room to be creative, explore, and have fun, while also developing strong fundamentals. Understanding that everyone learns differently, he strives to create an inclusive environment suited to all learning styles. His classes incorporate a mix of drilling, resistance-based games, situational sparring, and open discussion—encouraging students to actively engage with the material and grow at their own pace.
Navid Bajoghli
Gabe Rodriguez
Navid Bajoghli
Navid Bajoghli is an accomplished Chess player and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is the instructor for our Chess program.
Alex Smith
Gabe Rodriguez
Navid Bajoghli
Alex Smith is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with training under Professor Michael Cusi. Alex coaches toddler, youth, and adult classes.
Micah Duarte
Micah Duarte is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He teaches youth classes.
Jazel Batac
Office Manager
Amanda Velasco
Robert "Bob" Smith
CFO
Robert "Bob" Smith
Robert "Bob" Smith
Bob Smith is the owner of Liberty Station Jiu-Jitsu and a dedicated advocate for youth development through sport and community. He holds degrees in Physical Education (BSE), Special Education (MS), and Business Administration (MBA), and brings decades of experience as an educator, coach, and school leader.
Bob has served in public, non-pub
Bob Smith is the owner of Liberty Station Jiu-Jitsu and a dedicated advocate for youth development through sport and community. He holds degrees in Physical Education (BSE), Special Education (MS), and Business Administration (MBA), and brings decades of experience as an educator, coach, and school leader.
Bob has served in public, non-public, and charter school settings as a teacher and administrator, and has coached high school soccer and ice hockey. As a parent of young athletes, he understands the importance of structure, discipline, and confidence-building that comes through martial arts. His leadership at Liberty Station JJ reflects a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and high-quality training environment for both kids and adults.