Guardian Mt. Hood Jiu Jitsu

ABOUT US

(Scroll to the bottom for schedule updates due to holidays and weather)

At Mt. Hood Guardians Martial Arts Academy, we are proud to be the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy on the mountain and the premier destination for both martial arts training and community development in Sandy, Oregon. Our academy is led by Professor Jose Rodriguez, the most experienced black belt professor in the area, with unmatched expertise in competition, coaching, and human development.

Our academy stands out not only for its success on the mats but for the community-driven approach we foster. Health, wellness, and mental strength are at the core of everything we do, both inside the academy and in our wider community.

17151 University Ave Sandy Or 97055

Meet Our Leadership

Professor Jose Rodriguez

With over a decade of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and coaching, Professor Rodriguez brings a unique combination of academic knowledge and hands-on expertise. Holding degrees in kinesiology and behavioral psychology, as well as extensive experience in coaching at the highest levels of competition, Professor Rodriguez is uniquely equipped to guide students through both the physical and mental challenges of martial arts.

• Black Belt in BJJ: With a record of competitive success that includes seven IBJJF gold medals, Professor Rodriguez has trained champions and developed athletes who excel in both local and regional tournaments.

• Coaching and Education: His academic background allows him to bring a comprehensive understanding of human development to his coaching, ensuring that every student receives tailored instruction that fosters personal growth.

Angelica Gonzalez

Co-owner Angelica Gonzalez complements the academy’s leadership team with her background as a registered nurse and her passion for BJJ competition. Hailing from the other side of the mountain, Angelica has spent the last half-decade as an avid competitor, earning numerous accolades at local and regional tournaments. Her focus on health and wellness, including mental health, is woven into the academy’s culture, making it a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Our Commitment to Health and Wellness

At Mt. Hood Guardians, we put health and wellness—including mental health—at the forefront of our training. We believe that martial arts is not just about physical fitness but also about developing resilience, discipline, and mental toughness. Our holistic approach incorporates mindfulness and personal growth into every class, ensuring that students are not just becoming better martial artists but also better versions of themselves.

Competitive Success and Community Impact

In the last five years, our academy has consistently produced outstanding results:

• More medals than participants: Our students have consistently brought home more medals than participants at local and regional tournaments, a testament to the quality of our training and the dedication of our students.

But our success isn’t limited to the mats. We believe in giving back to the Sandy community and instilling the values of discipline, respect, and hard work in both our children and adults. We encourage all our students to display “black belt effort” not just in the dojo, but at home, in school, and most importantly, in the community.

Community Involvement

Over the years, Mt. Hood Guardians has led numerous community service initiatives, including:

• Cleanup projects in the Sandy area, including local parks and streets.

• Supporting families in need through holiday gift baskets, car washes, and fundraisers for children and families dealing with major health issues, such as heart transplants.

• Cemetery cleanups and removing trash from abandoned homeless camps, helping to maintain the cleanliness and safety of our local environment.

We firmly believe that true martial arts extends beyond the mat—it’s about becoming leaders and positive examples in our community. By teaching our students to lead with integrity and empathy, we help shape the next generation of community leaders.

Why Train at Mt. Hood Guardians?

At Mt. Hood Guardians, we offer more than just martial arts training. We offer a space for personal growth, community involvement, and lifelong learning. Our holistic approach to BJJ and wellness ensures that every student, young or old, is given the tools to thrive both in training and in life.

Interested in joining our BJJ academy and becoming part of a community that values health, wellness, and giving back? Contact us at guardianmthood@gmail.com or call 208-704-2215 to learn more about our programs and how to get started on your journey with Mt. Hood Guardians.