10/02/2026
My wife and I opened Good Vibez Jiu-Jitsu here in Coldwater in 2022. I grew up not far away in Jackson and have family in the surrounding area. We fell in love with the cozy, small-town atmosphere, and after almost five years in business we have met so many amazing people and built an incredible community and a beautiful life.
What I could not have known before I got to Coldwater, though, was how divided our town actually is, and how much worse that has gotten over the last several years. Branch County has a large immigrant community, and I have witnessed firsthand the downright hatred aimed at these families. Whether it's on social media or in the offhand, in-person comments about "those" people, the hostility is real and palpable. This post is not aimed at any one individual, and I really do believe that the hate and division comes primarily from a small but vocal minority.
I am a firm believer that we don't have to agree on everything to be good neighbors, and when we turn against our neighbors, or stay quiet while others do, we let that vocal minority win. Our Arab, Hispanic and Haitian brothers and sisters are a part of Coldwater, and they will always be welcome on our mats. If that bothers you, we may not be the right fit. Hate has no place at Good Vibez Jiu-Jitsu. 🙏
-Coach David