Open Mat Foundation

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Open Mat Foundation

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

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.

05/01/2026

Good morning, Happy Friday and Happy May

May is National Military Appreciation Month in the US, designated by Congress in 1999 to honor, recognize and thank all service members, veterans, and their families for their service and sacrifice. It covers several significant military-related dates, including Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.

Show your appreciation for all of our servicemen and women, past and present, by proudly flying the flag, thanking an active duty service member or veteran, writing a letter and/or sending a care package to our troops overseas, participating in Memorial Day events and supporting veterans organizations like Open Mat Foundation, the USO and others. Let our brave men and women know that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

As a reminder, we will be recognizing the sacrifices of our Nation’s fallen warriors with a Memorial Day Ruck to Remember on Saturday May 16 (Armed Forces Day) at historic Liberty Station, home of former Naval Training Center San Diego. For more info on that event, check out the pinned link at the top of our profile or drop us a DM

Key Observances in May 2026
May 1: Loyalty Day(proudly fly the American flag)
May 8 : Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day)
May 16 : Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May)
May 25 : Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
May 23: Children of Fallen Patriots Day

Address

San Diego, CA

Website

https://www.openmatfoundation.org/

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