We were lucky to catch up with Robert Arias recently and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my father. My father came to the U.S. just a few months before I was born. His motto is “we don’t stop when we’re tired. We stop when the job is done”. I’m embodied this mindset. I’m always willing to learn something new which helps me find new ways to accomplish my goals. In jiu jitsu when someone wants to learn a move, it takes time, confidence, and consistency to not just learn it but to make it dangerous. I try to focus on this daily.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m proud to be one half of Arias Bros Jiu Jitsu, a martial arts academy founded in 2023 by my twin brother, Erik, and me in Illinois. Together, we built this academy not just as a business, but as a way to give back to the art that shaped who we are.
My journey began in high school when I first stepped onto the mat—and I haven’t looked back since. Jiu jitsu became more than a sport; it became a way of life. It’s my anchor, my outlet, my mental reset. Through every challenge and triumph, it has taught me discipline, self-awareness, and how to stay grounded under pressure.
Now, we’re thrilled to announce that Arias Bros Jiu Jitsu is expanding to a new location—a space designed to uplift and empower. Whether you’re a teen looking for direction, a woman seeking confidence, a veteran or first responder needing connection, or simply someone curious about the gentle art, you’ll find a home with us.
Our academy is built on respect, humility, and inclusivity. We leave egos at the door and focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and supporting each other on and off the mats.
At Arias Bros Jiu Jitsu, we’re more than a team—we’re a family. And no matter your background, you’re welcome here.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I am a carpentry which has molded my physical and mental resilience. It gives me an edge in my perseverance. As a father of all girls I have learned to recognize when to have a soft side and how to be a protector. As a martial arts instructor, I’ve learned to be flexible and to always evolve, because jiu jitsu is always evolving. My advice to someone starting their jiu jitsu journey is to take the ego out of it. Ego will keep you from progression, not just in jiu jitsu but in life.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to teach jiu jitsu seminars around the world. A few individuals I’d love to partner with are Andy Frisella, JT Torres, and Xande Ribeiro.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @arias.brosbjj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Arias-bros-jiujitsu/61552656263499/
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