Open Mat Foundation

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San Diego, CA
Open Mat Foundation

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Using jiu jitsu to help Veterans and First Responders with PTSD one roll at a time

07/03/2026

I started Open Mat a little over 2 years ago and we officially became a 501c3 nonprofit 1 year ago, July 4, 2025. Since that time we’ve sponsored several Hero athletes at various gyms. Today I’m proud to announce that on our own anniversary and the 250th celebration of our Independence, we’ll be sponsoring another Hero athlete for a year of training, this time at Victory MMA.
Martin is a former Marine with 3rd Recon Battalion, an amputee and a jiu jitsu athlete. And in true Marine fashion, Martin isn’t letting his injury stand in his way and has shown some serious grit and determination in getting on the mats.
Couldn’t think of a better way to honor one of America’s warriors than to have his sponsorship coincide with the birth of our Nation. Welcome Martin!

06/14/2026

Sunday morning snuggle struggles at open mat

05/29/2026

Wasn’t expecting this today and it’s still setting in. This belt doesn’t just represent progress, hard work and dedication in my jiu jitsu journey; it also represents progress, hard work and dedication to myself on my path to healing from PTSD.

I fully committed myself to this sport and art because of the peace it has brought me and that is what led me to start Open Mat Foundation in order to help fellow veterans and first responders find that peace as well.

Forever grateful for to be a part of this community and for my coaches and training partners

Congrats to everyone who put in that hard work and leveled up today. And big thank you to all the Victory coaches!

Thank you to my friend and coach Shannon Gugerty. Learning from the best

Open Mat Foundation and We Defy Foundation looking good in purple

Brotherhood

05/29/2026

No better way to start the weekend than getting rounds in. Stay strong. Stay in the fight.

05/21/2026

Back on the mats.
Clearing the mind and putting in the work.

05/14/2026

Coach Ivan Alba putting in work with Jay during a fundamentals session at

Solid basics, great energy, and a strong first step on the mats—this is what building community looks like in jiu jitsu.

05/07/2026

Memorial Day Ruck to Remember is canceled. Thanks to those who RSVP’d but the event is cancelled due to lack of overall interest.

05/06/2026

Time on the mats. Good people. Just showing up and putting in the work.

If you’re looking to be part of the community, come out next Saturday 05/16 to Liberty Station for our Ruck to Remember.

Open to everyone. Come support the mission.

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San Diego, CA

Website

https://www.openmatfoundation.org/

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