HERO Grappling

05/16/2026

Thoughts from the coach.

Size and strength are great markers of health and athleticism, however, a trained fighter can overcome those gifts, through the use of techniques.

Leveraging, twisting, and manipulating the human anatomy to fit the desired outcome is essentially an exercise in survival.

Why train and learn how to rip limbs out of their sockets on a daily or weekly basis if your not actively participating in the act?

The answer is simple; better to know how to neutralize another person's athleticism in a survival situation than become a victim because of your lack of athleticism.

Most martial artists, fighters and combat experienced individuals tend to be stoic, devoid of instant reactions to individuals that pose little to no threat. However, when faced with potentially violent outcomes, a martial artist can have a higher survival probability, which is always a desired statistic.

There are levels to this....a quote often used in combatives. The best fighter today or this week, may be dethroned by another because we are all inevitably tied to outcomes based on continuously evolving variables. Injuries, weight cuts, poor dietary factors etc. can all have major impacts at each summit.

A trained person will almost always beat an untrained person, but when two equally skilled people meet, the best prepared will survive.

Therefore, most martial artists will not seek to reach the peak of a summit (most of us have tried at some point in our lives through competition or professional fighting) but rather pursue a journey of continuous growth and understanding in order to maintain a state of preparedness.

I often tell my students that if possible I would seek escaping a violent situation if I were to be alone. However, if I had to protect a loved one or a coworker, the ability to inverse the situation from hunted to hunter is a superpower that’s invaluable.

Hopefully this video will inspire more individuals to seek a path of learning and long-term growth.

Atlas Del Mar
Retired professional mixed martial arts fighter.
K1 style kickboxer.
BJJ black belt.
Life long student of combatives.

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05/15/2026

The hardest part of BJJ is showing up & staying engaged. Not everyone wants to go beyond the comfort zone, but there exists a version of themselves beyond that edge that's built different.

Keep showing up, your future self will thank you.

04/15/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXG8Kysj6xa/?igsh=OGdnZGdoNWllc3Nr

Do you guys recognize some of these techniques from class?

04/14/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXE_oO0DUGS/?igsh=bGhwa2dyM3loZXZk

04/14/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXFJMeuiVih/?igsh=MTdiZ3FqZmYybG5zZg==

Good demonstration of Judo in the GI & NOGI.

04/06/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWyvRkjjm1X/?igsh=bjU4NXZ1dW82OTZl

AWESOME demonstration of JUDO in and out ofnthe GI.

02/19/2026

NOGI class with Coach Atlas Del Mar

Wrestling
Judo
Submission grappling
BJJ



Stand-up workshop focused on reacting to a takedown or how to dominate the scramble and take an opponent down with just one arm.

Training focused on building functional situation awarness developmental.

02/16/2026

Hello everyone,

Its Atlas Del Mar. I am back from cold weather trials, but I have a ton of things to do before I leave on an expedition to Antarctica in a few days. That being said, tomorrow (17th) is my birthday, and I couldn't think of a better group of people to spend a few hours with than you HEROES. I expect to teach a technique or two, but I hope to roll with everyone at least a round each.

Looking forward to seeing you for NOGI tomorrow after work.

Best.

02/08/2026

I received information on the 27th concerning a former grappling student and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member. Due to my involvement in an operational deployment at the time, I was unable to immediately review the material in full. I have now carefully read and considered the information provided and believe it is necessary to make a public statement.

A former grappling student has been found guilty of committing a serious and deeply disturbing crime that occurred in 2024, before his involvement as a grappling student. The legal process has been followed and upheld, and it is not my role to act as judge or jury.
We live in an era where individuals often meet online with limited personal connection, minimal personal development, and engage in casual relationships. While this context does not excuse the actions taken, it underscores the complexity of modern social interactions and the importance of personal responsibility and sound judgment. I will not engage in vilification; however, it is clear that a profound and life-altering error in judgment was made.

I extend my most sincere condolences to the victim and to her loved ones, who form her support network. As a husband and the father of a daughter, I am personally and emotionally affected by the details of this case. As a coach and mentor, I am deeply distressed that an individual who trained under my supervision committed such an act.

For absolute clarity, the incident in question occurred before the individual joined any CAF-only grappling clubs. Nonetheless, the situation has severely fractured the instructor–student relationship and has had a significant impact on the community.

As a coach, I do not insert myself deeply into the personal lives of my students. However, I have always maintained an open-door policy for those who may wish to share concerns or seek emotional support. This individual presented himself positively among teammates, demonstrated professionalism, and showed a high level of attention to detail—reinforcing the reality that individuals are often far more complex than they appear at face value.

I remain fully committed to ensuring that our grappling clubs continue to be safe, respectful, and inclusive training environments. While I cannot police the personal lives of my students, it is my hope that the core values we teach—discipline, accountability, and respect—encourage them to live principled and positive lives beyond the mat.

I cannot condone the actions that were committed. However, I stand firmly as an ally to victims, and I remain dedicated to supporting those who seek to learn self-defense and personal safety should they ever find themselves in harm’s way.
Sincerely

Atlas Del Mar, Black Belt coach at HERO Grappling& 12 Wing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

01/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FWd2MzLCT/