COMMUNITY
Jiu Jitsu fosters a sense of community that is generally missing in many veterans' lives. This program will provide the opportunity for you to connect with like minded warriors and rebuild a sense of brotherhood or sisterhood that has been missing.
HEALTH
The simple act of participating the sport of Jiu Jitsu fosters healthy living. Studies have shown that not only do you get in better shape, but alcoholism, PTSD, anxiety and depression are also curtailed through Jiu Jitsu.
SERVICE
We believe that in order to serve others, you must be able to serve yourself first. Through community and health, you begin to emerge a better person. And as a result, you are ready to serve others. We encourage our athletes to continue as Ambassadors and further the reach of the We Defy program.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
“BJJ can be viewed as a problem solving opportunity for the practitioner
that may instill a resilience that translates to life outside the gym. It has
been suggested that a self-defense curriculum may provide an
enhanced exposure therapy-like experience. Allowing veterans to
repeatedly practice problem solving and successfully resolve difficult,
uncomfortable struggles may promote re-learning how to be effective
in adverse circumstances. Perception of being capable of contribution
to the resolution of a traumatic event may lead to fewer symptoms of
PTSD.”
SOURCE: Military Medicine, Vol 184 November/
December 2019
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
All veterans applying for scholarship must meet the following criteria:
1. Must be a veteran who served in an area of combat operations.
2. 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.
3. Must be a disabled combat veteran (mental or physical) with a 80% or higher disability rating.
4. Must provide proof of honorable discharge from military service DD214.
5. Must provide VA entitlement/rating letter.
6. 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.
7. 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).
“Jiu-jitsu has LITERALLY saved my life. When I started training I was 183 lbs., out of shape, and spending all day in a wheelchair on my way to an early grave. I am now 150 lbs., I train 5-6 days a week, and I’m in the best shape of my life since my military service.”
Joey
“I'm getting out making friends and love Jiu Jitsu. I recently took third at a tournament over in Tacoma, Wa. I still take my meds but without We Defy and Professor Brown I would still be hiding in my house. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you and tell you things have gotten much better with everyone's help.”
Keith
“When I was medically discharged from the Army things started falling apart. I no longer had the support network I could rely on... Within the first year of training I had lost 80lbs. I started making friends and I started opening up to others. I also started noticing that my stress and anxiety were lowering. I was a lot less on edge. I was able to think before saying things. In general I had found the missing piece that brought everything together for me.”
Jaramie
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