mario gonzalez

As a Big Ten Champion Wrestler & a World Champion Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve trained with some of the best athletes & Instructors in the world. But very few have left an impression on me like Raul has. We met through business & connected right away through Wrestling, I recognized not just his technical knowledge, but his heart, the way he truly cares about the people he’s teaching & the Art itself.

Raul is more than a Black Belt, he’s a teacher in the truest sense. His passion for helping others succeed is unmatched. Whether he’s Coaching a brand new White Belt or sharpening the skills of an experienced competitor, he brings the same level of energy, detail, dedication. He breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand, but never watered down. He teaches with precision, & more importantly, with purpose.

That’s what makes Black Belt Builder so Powerful. It’s not just an a regular program it’s a reflection of who Raul is. He’s created a platform where people can learn real, effective Jiu-Jitsu, taught by someone who lives & breathes this Art. His ability to communicate complex movements & concepts clearly, while also inspiring discipline and confidence, sets him apart.

If you’re looking for a Coach who’s the Real Deal, someone who genuinely wants to see you grow & succeed on & off the mat, I can’t recommend Raul & Black Belt Builder enough. He’s one of the rare ones, & I’m proud to call him a friend, a fellow Black Belt, & a Brother in this Journey.

-Mario Gonzalez (Retail Territory Manager & Big 10 Champ, USA Grappling World Champ, Black Belt)

sergio quiroz

“I had no grappling experience whatsoever before ever starting Jiu Jitsu. I had Jiu Jitsu in the back of my mind for sometime but one main reason I took it on was a lot of my guys were already training and had been for years. Raul has been a huge key to my development in the martial arts journey. Like anything when starting brand new you jump in and go with the flow, try to learn and just jump right into training. Raul from day one has guided me through the learning curve so I wouldn’t have to spend years trying to master specific techniques.

Raul has been a main training partner of mine since day one and since my very first competitions he has guided me through it all. It’s absolutely mind blowing the amount of attention to detail Professor Raul picks up on from a simple roll. I can’t ever forget when I was going into my 3rd competition & Raul was helping me during my training camp. I remember thinking he was about to give me a golden nugget submission I can use or pull out during tough rolls. He shared a simple adjustment to my game. He explained how by simply adjusting my head positioning when I’m in side control & moving towards mount is crucial to control your opponents upper body. I remember thinking how that one key helped me win my last competition.

A lot of my confidence in training & competition has stemmed from how I know there’s not many opponents I can face that can provide the rounds Raul has during our private training.

There’s a confidence in training with someone who has broken records like receiving his Black Belt in half the time most do. Also having gone through all his competitions without losing a single match nor having any points scored on him. 

If you are looking for a Coach to walk you through this journey I believe hands down there’s no better person to walk you through it than Raul.

When I came in as a White Belt Raul was still a Purple Belt. I have seen first hand the commitment & love he has for the sport. Further more the love he has for people training & wanting to Master it as his own children do.”

-Sergio Quiroz (Roofing Professional & Blue Belt)

mike snee

It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve had over 300 rolls with Raul(including one time I caught him in a total BS heel hook which I won’t let him forget). He has always been my go-to roll, & one thing I’ve always appreciated is his deep understanding of both Wrestling(College-Level) & Jiu-Jitsu (Black Belt).

As a Police Officer, I’ve often turned to Raul with questions about common positions I find myself in during real-world encounters. His insight has been incredibly valuable. It’s not just for me, but for the Officers I train in defensive tactics. He’s helped me better understand how to control individuals without causing unnecessary harm with an emphasis on body mechanics & technique over force.

What he has taught me has kept me safe & made me more effective during high stress situations.

—Mike Snee (Police Officer & Purple Belt)

roan kelleher

Training with Raul in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my journey on the mats. As a fellow former Wrestler, Raul immediately understood where I was coming from — the instincts, the habits, & even the challenges that come from trying to shift a mindset that was built in a completely different Grappling world.

What made training with Raul so impactful wasn’t just his skill — though he’s extremely technical — it was his patience & ability to guide me through the transition from Wrestling to BJJ. He never rushed the process. Instead, he took the time to explain the why behind techniques, not just the how. That level of understanding made it easier to let go of certain Wrestling instincts that don’t serve you well in Jiu-Jitsu — like always wanting to stay on top or instinctively turning away from pressure. With Raul, we broke down those habits piece by piece & replaced them with smarter, more efficient Jiu-Jitsu movement.

Even when the transition felt frustrating — like when my Wrestling base made me vulnerable to submissions or when I had to fight the urge to muscle through positions — Raul never let me get discouraged. He made training something I looked forward to every single time. His energy, calmness, & belief in constant growth made it easy to stay motivated & hungry to keep learning. It wasn’t just about improving technique — it was about reshaping my entire approach to Grappling.

Raul helped bridge the gap between two very different styles in a way that respected my background while pushing me to evolve. I’ve grown tremendously thanks to our sessions, & I’m truly grateful to have had him as a Training Partner & Mentor in this sport.

Roan Kelleher (Internal Tax & Mobility Accountant & Fargo All American, Collegiate Wrestler, White Belt)

omar manci

I’ve worked technique with Raul for years. The best way to describe what differentiates his style of instruction from others is PROGRESS. Because he is passionate about Jiu Jitsu & loves to see people improve, his teaching method focuses on simple/foundational concepts that can be deployed in varying scenarios. You don’t just learn a “Jiu Jitsu move” that then cannot be applied except for in a few situations. Rather, you unlock key concepts that are applicable EVERYWHERE you find yourself on the mat. Hence, the speed of actual personal progress is phenomenal! You save yourself countless weeks/months of having to just figure it out. Couldn’t recommend Raul enough!

-Omar Manci (Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs & Purple Belt)

William Wood

Raul came into my life during my high school wrestling years & to be 100% authentic, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had the size, build, & experience to be dangerous but lacked a few elements that could elevate my style. First was mindset. If you've ever been around Raul, you begin to understand why success follows him where he goes. He has a relentless approach to life & doesn't care what obstacles are in his way - they will be dismantled. He's always on attack. 

This was an area that I needed most in my life. Outside of my father, Raul was my role model. From the way he spoke with confidence, his unwavering belief, his work ethic, his positivity, & his ability to elevate everyone around him by demanding greatness. I needed someone in my life like him & he showed up every day without pay. I remember him asking me why I wasn't always looking to score & dominate for the full 6 minutes. He would say, it's cool to win but winning isn't good enough because you should be winning these matches. You need to dominate, & you need to be in the shape to dominate all 6 of those minutes! You need to break their spirit! You need to be dangerous in every position. Always Working. You need to Pay The Price everyday.

I had never had someone who believed in me like Raul did. He pushed me to be my very best & held me accountable along the way. Anytime that I would come up with an excuse, Raul would hit me with his classic response engrained in my brain, "Cool Story Bro". It would annoy me in the moment, but honestly, they were just stories that I told myself to accept something that was less than what I was capable of. "He's ranked, he's undefeated", Raul would respond, until now or this is a huge opportunity for you!

To summarize, if you want someone in your corner that truly wants the best for you spiritually, athletically, or personally - that's Raul Velazquez Jr. He will push you to achieve your potential not just with words but with actions. He is a true servant leader & would never ask of you something that he doesn't already do. I went on to be a 3x State Qualifier and beat #1 ranked opponents during that time. Things that I may not have achieved had I not been blessed with his time, mindset, & mentorship. 

Still to this day, I look up to Raul as a man I want to be most like. 

-William Wood (Associate, Business Development & High School 3X State Qualifier & Collegiate Wrestler)

Frank staszel

I started training alongside Professor Raul when I was just a White/Blue Belt, & it's been one of the most impactful parts of my BJJ journey. From the very beginning, he had a way of breaking down techniques into small, simple details that made a huge difference in my game. His ability to explain things clearly/effectively helped me understand not just what to do, but why to do it.

What really stands out about training with Professor Raul is how much he emphasizes being mindful during rolls. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve learned to be more aware to make better decisions. Professor Raul has taught me also to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions. Every single time I’ve rolled with him, I’ve walked away having learned something new, something that leveled up my game.

Now as a Brown Belt, I still find myself learning from him. He’s a humble leader who genuinely takes the time to help, regardless of your rank. My progression in Jiu-Jitsu & building a solid foundation links to the constant support I’ve received from his guidance.

-Frank Staszel (Police Officer & Brown belt) 


David Sparks

I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 3 years alongside Raul. When I began my journey, I was brand new to the Grappling Arts with no prior background. From the very beginning, Raul took me under his wing & naturally became a Coach & Mentor to me. Raul has a unique approach to the art of BJJ, leveraging proven strategies combined with his extensive Wrestling background. Many practitioners talk a good game, but Raul actually brings true experience & skill to his game. Under Raul’s guidance, I have learned to focus less on physicality & more on technicality. Raul is constantly reinforcing the importance repetition & precision as a vital component to the development of my game. Raul is always selfless & generous with his time, truly committed to bringing up his teammates every chance he gets. Raul is true to his character on & off the mats as a father, husband, & business man. If you are simply looking for a Jiu Jitsu Coach, those are easy to find. However, if you are looking for someone to help elevate your game in a balanced & well rounded fashion then look no further!

David A. Sparks Jr. (Managing Partner D.A.S. Capital Properties & Blue Belt)

John Rivera

I met Raul through a business. After talking to Raul for 2 minutes you realize this man isn’t an ordinary human being. His energy, the way he carries himself, & how he speaks really fires you up. Just having Raul somehow in your life even at a distance can change it! For example I moved to Kansas City, KS from Chicago but still followed Raul on social media. One thing you’ll notice about him after a while is that he is truly RELENTLESS in everything he does. Nothing he does is by accident. I was at a pretty low point in my life at the time. My business wasn’t doing so well which lowered my confidence which trickled into my marriage & then I gained weight. I started to notice his competition videos he shared where he was dominating. Always placing 1st. So then I decided to “try” BJJ. 7 months in I learned some pretty good moves & my stamina got better. So I decided to sign up for my 1st competition.
If it wasn’t for Raul prepping me mentally I would have without a doubt lost but I brought home Gold, taking 1st Place in my FIRST competition! I thought what would the actual Blackbelt Builder program be like? So I drove 7 1/2 hours from Kansas City, KS to Chicago to take the program. More than 500 miles!
It’s difficult to explain & comprehend how you receive beyond what you pay for & more. It’s nothing how you imagine or expect. The program is a reflection of Raul. Just like when I met him I knew he was different, a few minutes into the Blackbelt Builder I instantly knew this was no ordinary training program. It’s not a “BJJ 101” training program. It’s not a “do an arm bar in 3 easy steps.” It’s not even a “purple belt in 6 months” program. With all due respect to the gym I train at, I learned way more in a couple hours with Raul than I did in 7 months at my gym. Not only that, it was precise detailed information. It’s almost like he is a super computer in the sense that he records raw data taking in everything you give him & returns it in a session specifically customized for you. That’s where the Blackbelt Builder separates itself from the masses of any other gym or Coaches offering “privates.”
If you are a brand new White Belt like myself with no experience whatsoever, I highly recommend the Blackbelt Builder. If you are in a low point in your life I highly recommend the Blackbelt Builder. It will put your life back on track & get you hooked on BJJ. If you have a heartbeat I highly recommend the Blackbelt Builder!
White Belt today: 5/11/25
Bluebelt: Coming soon.

John Rivera (Massage Therapist)

Shamar bailey

Raul & I met each other for the first time as opponents in Collegiate Wrestling. Battles with him were memorable ones (mentally & physically). At the conclusion of my time in Collegiate Wrestling, I had the privilege of training with some of the best wrestlers in the country, to include being a member the US World Team Training Camp in 2005. 

Additionally, I transitioned from Wrestling to the sport of Professional Mixed Martial Arts where I fought overseas & was world ranked in advance of & while competing in the UFC. Doing so allowed to me to train with some of the best Combat Athletes & Coaches in the world. 

Fast forward almost 20 years & relocating my family to Chicago for work. After previously stepping away from Combat Sports for about 5 years to focus on my employment & new family, I joined Uflacker Academy due my prior knowledge of Professor Uflacker’s knowledge & success in both MMA & BJJ. Little did I know that Raul had been at the same gym, honing his skills for years. 

My first day at the Academy I ran into Raul & of course, we trained together. I remember thinking to myself during training that this dude was not the same guy I Wrestled in college. Since then I’ve been blessed to train with Raul, see him get promoted to Black Belt & more importantly, learn multiple helpful intricacies specific to his/our style of Grappling. 

Raul & I are both in the same phase of life: busy providing for our families, raising our children,(the list goes on) & yet he still finds time not only to train for himself but also to pour into others. To be great you have to excel at the daily grind & with attention to detail. 

I’ve watched Raul both train & Coach with that mindset & approach, with genuine care while doing so. Anyone who is fortunate enough to receive training at Black Belt Builder with Raul will be happy they did.