The Techie Tito Behind Our Fun, High-IQ Grappling Classes

If you’ve ever trained Judo, Nogi, or Noon Fundamentals at NorthSouth, chances are you’ve already heard the laughter, the playful banter, and the “Uy Tito Step!” echoing across the mats. But behind the jokes and the laid-back vibe is one of the most technically gifted martial artists in the local scene — Coach Step Salazar, known affectionately as Tito Step.

And if you’re someone who’s thinking about trying BJJ or Judo for the first time but feels intimidated, Coach Step is exactly the kind of coach you want to meet.

From College Athlete to Black Belt in Two Disciplines

Step has lived an athlete’s life since his college days — volleyball, Muay Thai, Judo, BJJ. He’s the type of person who genuinely loves movement, challenge, and figuring out how the body can do more. That curiosity evolved into mastery, earning him black belts in both BJJ and Judo after years of dedicated training locally and internationally. He’s also known as a submission expert — the guy who will show you a move you’ve never seen before… and then you’ll blink and realize he submitted you with it.

A Coaching Style That’s Fun, Detailed & Surprisingly Light

If you’ve been scared of “serious” combat sports environments, Step will rewrite that image in your mind immediately. He teaches beginners at their level — light, fun, and with explanations that actually make sense.

His coaching pillars?

• Community over ego

• Consistent improvement

• Being curious about the art

After class, he wants students walking away happy, not overwhelmed. And somehow, even when he teaches unorthodox techniques, he still makes it digestible for complete beginners.

What Keeps Him Motivated? He studies, refines, experiments, and keeps leveling up. But most importantly, he’s motivated by mentoring the next generation of Judokas and BJJ athletes.

The Man Outside the Mats

Off the mats, Step is a full-blown Techie Tito — gadgets, tech setups, tinkering, everything. He’s also a loving family man, with two kids and a wife who cheer for him in every competition and class. Fun fact: Step is a night owl and has a soft spot for Mountain Dew.

(Yes. Really.)

What Students Say

People often walk out of his classes saying two things:

“Ang saya!”

“Bakit ako na-submit ni Tito Step nang ilang beses??”

Don’t worry — it’s normal.

Our Message to New Students

“You’ll never know unless you try. Come to class. If you like it, keep going.”

And with our free trial for beginners, you really can’t lose.

Come train with Coach Step at NorthSouth Fight Sports.

Your grappling journey might just begin with a laugh.

Follow him on IG: @snaken

The Mind Behind NorthSouth’s BJJ Competition Culture

If you’ve been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time or you’ve been searching for a place where beginners, hobbyists, and competitors all feel welcomed, you’ll want to meet one of the driving forces of NorthSouth Fight Sports: Coach Romeo Arellano.

A lifelong athlete since high school, a UAAP Judo champion long before he discovered BJJ, he stumbled onto the sport in 2016 — and something clicked so deeply that he never stopped. What started as a challenging new hobby evolved into a passion so strong he took a full-year corporate sabbatical just to chase his athletic dream. Today, he balances being a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo with his corporate career in a leadership position of a well known Life Insurance Company. If anyone embodies discipline and self-belief, it’s Rome.

But what truly sets him apart is how he shares that passion with his students. 

A Coach Who Believes You Don’t Need to Be “Ready” — You Just Need to Start 

Rome teaches with a simple philosophy. He never dumbs things down but instead makes complex techniques feel familiar by connecting them to movements you already know. Beginners may often enter his class thinking they’ll be out of place, yet they walk out curious, engaged, and thinking, “I want to learn more.”

For him, technical skill, strategy and understanding positions matters. Developing your own way of thinking on the mats is important. And he loves watching that spark ignite in someone who’s stepping onto the mats for the first time. He always says that everyone can learn BJJ. You don’t need to be strong, flexible, or fit to start. You just need to be willing.

Building Competitors and a Community

While Rome is a JJIF World medalist and an IBJJF Asian Masters Champion, what motivates him most today is not just competing — it’s mentoring other competitors. He loves guiding athletes through the mindset, strategy, and discipline needed for competition and real growth. His advanced classes reflect that blend of structure and purpose. Strict but efficient. Technical but practical. Serious but incredibly rewarding.

Yet despite his accolades, the moment you talk to him, you’ll quickly feel how approachable he is. Ask any student what his classes are like and they’ll tell you they’re challenging in the best way, full of small details that make you better, and the kind of sessions that make you think about BJJ even outside the mats.  And outside martial arts? Rome is a regular guy who loves Formula 1, Dragon Ball, and joking about “building empires”. He’s someone you enjoy talking to before and after class — which speaks a lot about the kind of community NorthSouth prides itself on.

Why Coach Rome represents what NorthSouth stands for

NorthSouth Fight Sports was built on a simple belief. Martial arts should help you grow. Physically, mentally and personally. Rome reflects that perfectly. He pushes you, guides you, and believes in your progress even when you don’t see it yet.

If you’re on the fence about trying BJJ, Coach Rome understands where you’re starting, welcomes your questions, and cares about helping you develop at your own pace.

Ready to meet Coach Rome in person?

You can join his BJJ Gi Advanced and Special Competition Classes at NorthSouth Fight Sports Academy. And if you’re a beginner, the best news is you can try BJJ for free for 7 days — no experience required. Every big journey in martial arts starts with a single class. Coach Rome will be there to guide you every step of the way.

See you on the mats. 

Follow him on IG: @romeoarellano