SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DETAILS: OUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS CLOSED.
Due to the high level of interest in the We Defy Foundation scholarship program and limited funding, the application window often fills very quickly, sometimes within just a few hours of opening. We strongly encourage applicants to submit their application as close to the opening time as possible to ensure it is received.
CRITERIA:
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE INTENDED FOR THOSE NEW TO JIU JITSU. THIS IS DEFINED AS HAVING NOT TRAINED IN JIU JITSU, OR BEING A WHITE BELT IN JIU JITSU WITH LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF FORMAL JIU JITSU OR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING. PRE-SERVICE WRESTLING AND MILITARY COMBATIVES TRAINING DO NOT AFFECT ELIGIBILITY. WE DEFY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE EXPERIENCE LEVEL ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
Must be a veteran who served in an area of combat operations.
Must be separated/retired from active duty status. Current and former members of the National Guard or Reserves may also apply if they meet all other listed criteria.
Must be a disabled combat veteran (mental or physical) with a 80% or higher disability rating.
Must provide proof of honorable discharge from military service DD214.
Must provide VA entitlement/rating letter.
Must be willing to commit to training at least a minimum of two times per week at a We Defy Foundation Approved Training Facility for the duration of one year.
A Special Criteria Waiver exists on a case by case basis for unique circumstances (e.g. training accident, sexual assault, other circumstances related to military service).
PROGRAM DETAILS:
If approved, We Defy Foundation will provide the following:
1) A twelve (12) month scholarship to train Jiu Jitsu at an Approved Training Facility.
2) Two (2) GIs including We Defy Patches.
3) Private coaching (Must be board approved on a case by case basis).
4) Special training equipment (Must be board approved on a case by case basis).
SELECTION PROCESS:
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE INTENDED FOR THOSE NEW TO JIU JITSU. THIS IS DEFINED AS HAVING NOT TRAINED IN JIU JITSU, OR BEING A WHITE BELT IN JIU JITSU WITH LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF FORMAL JIU JITSU OR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING. PRE-SERVICE WRESTLING AND MILITARY COMBATIVES TRAINING DO NOT AFFECT ELIGIBILITY. WE DEFY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE EXPERIENCE LEVEL ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE YOUR DD214 SHOWING AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE, YOUR VA ELIGIBILITY LETTER, AND A 60 SECOND VIDEO TELLING US WHAT YOU FEEL YOU COULD GAIN FROM A WE DEFY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP.
To apply, please scroll down and click on the scholarship application link, then email your required documents and video to Keely@wedefyfoundation.org, or contact us with questions.
OUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS CLOSED. NEXT OPENING IS JUNE 7, 2026 11AM EST.
