Elias Gallegos is a pastor, public speaker, community leader, and 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt whose life embodies transformation, resilience, and service. With over 30 years of martial arts experience and more than 15 years leading Gallegos Jiu-Jitsu HQ / Alliance Eastlake Foundation, Elias has built a unique space where faith, discipline, and healing intersect.

Early Life & Professional Experience

Elias began his professional journey in the demanding world of private security and executive protection, where he worked as a bodyguard. These experiences shaped his resilience, sense of duty, and understanding of high-pressure environments. Over time, however, Elias recognized his deeper calling — to shift from protecting lives in the moment to transforming lives for the long term. This transition led him into pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership, and the founding of programs centered on personal growth and community transformation.

Martial Arts & Ministry

As a 5th-degree black belt and three-time IBJJF No-Gi World medalist, Elias is respected as both a competitor and coach. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the fundamentals of positional control, discipline, and mental toughness. Yet his role as an instructor extends far beyond the mats.

Through his work as a pastor and public speaker, Elias draws from Scripture, martial arts, and life experience to mentor others in faith, leadership, and resilience. His audiences range from youth groups to business leaders, but his deepest passion lies in mentoring men navigating trauma and mental health challenges — including combat veterans struggling with PTSD, and men battling addiction, depression, and identity crises. He provides these men with brotherhood, tools for healing, and the hope of transformation through both faith and disciplined living.

Community Impact

Through the Alliance Eastlake Foundation, Elias has developed a nonprofit model that brings hope, health, and healing to the Chula Vista community and beyond. His programs include:

• Free training for law enforcement officers through 2025.
• Men’s Life Groups that create safe, honest spaces for men to address trauma, purpose, and growth.
• Women’s identity groups and teen mentorship programs designed to build future leaders.
• Practical mental and physical wellness support through martial arts, cold-plunge recovery, and small group sessions.

Recognition & Awards

Elias’ influence has been honored with multiple public awards and media features, including:

• KUSI San Diego “Community Leader” Award (2025) — recognizing his city-wide impact through mentorship, nonprofit programs, and martial arts.
• Chula Vista Champion Award — celebrating his dedication to local transformation and leadership.
• Features in publications and media outlets for his unique integration of martial arts, faith, and personal development.

Vision & Legacy

Elias’ life is a testament to redemption, discipline, and faith. From working in high-risk security to becoming a recognized leader, his journey demonstrates that no matter one’s past, transformation is possible. Today, his vision is to continue raising leaders — men, women, and youth — who can carry forward the values of courage, service, and hope.

Whether on the mats, in small groups, or from the pulpit, Elias Gallegos is equipping a generation to overcome trauma, live with purpose, and lead with strength.