SHARE

Saddle Brook Fighter Faces Challenges In And Out Of Cage

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — There's no question that training has been tough for Saddle Brook fighter Juan Galarza — especially given the herniated disc in his neck.

Juan Galarza of Bogota makes quick work of his opponent.

Juan Galarza of Bogota makes quick work of his opponent.

Photo Credit: Juan Galarza
The Ecuadorian says he trains to be the best.

The Ecuadorian says he trains to be the best.

Photo Credit: Juan Galarza
Galarza, left, with his coach, center, and his brother.

Galarza, left, with his coach, center, and his brother.

Photo Credit: Juan Galarza
"What I love the most is just not about fighting itself, but what you get from teaching it. The way it could change a person's whole personality giving them confidence in every aspect of their lives."

"What I love the most is just not about fighting itself, but what you get from teaching it. The way it could change a person's whole personality giving them confidence in every aspect of their lives."

Photo Credit: Juan Galarza
Galarza is training for a pro fight at the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018.

Galarza is training for a pro fight at the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018.

Photo Credit: Juan Galarza

The real challenge, though, is instilling confidence in his students at Silver Fox BJJ.

"What I love the most is just not about fighting itself, but what you get from teaching it," said Galarza of Garfield.

"The way it could change a person's whole personality giving them confidence in every aspect of their lives. 

"And from fighting, I think is the ultimate challenge and I love challenges."

Galarza moved to the U.S. in 2010 from Ecuador. He spent two years wrestling in Georgia before moving to Bergen County to pursue his bachelor's degree along with his fighting career.

The fighter, formerly of Bogota won his last amateur fight in April by unanimous decision. He is training for his next bout at the professional level. 

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW GALARZA ON INSTAGRAM:

DV: When did you start fighting? Why? What do you love most about it?

JG: I had to save money when I was 16 to start training at an academy back in Ecuador. My parents were not big fan of combat sports. I have always liked fighting for some reason. At the time it just happened that a friend was training and I found out about the academy through him. 

DV: What has been your greatest challenge? How did you/do you overcome it?

I like to think that all my fights have been a big challenge at the time. I like to always test myself. But the biggest challenge outside the cage has been a tough injury (herniated disc in neck) I've been dealing with the past year. Now I am better and training tougher little by little.

DV: What or who keeps you motivated?

The vision I have of myself. To be the very best.

DV: What is your ultimate goal? What does it take to get there?

To be the best. To be a UFC champion which is the biggest MMA organization at the moment. That's my long term goal. It takes a lot of sacrifice and consistency.

DV: What do you love about teaching? Have you had a breakthrough moment with any students?

It's awesome to have the ability not just to pass on knowledge but to give confidence to someone. To see a true transformation in a person.

to follow Daily Voice Saddle Brook-Elmwood Park and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE