10/22/2026
To announce our Veteran's Day event, we would like to share this wonderful message from our very own Full Metal Athlete and We Defy Ambassador, Juan C.
"As a combat veteran, I've learned that not everything you bring home from deployments is visible. Like many veterans, I've had my own mental struggles along the way, and finding healthy ways to work through those challenges and maintain my mental wellness has been an ongoing journey. Two good friends of mine, Pablo and Joe, who are also coaches, kept encouraging me to give jiu-jitsu a chance. They felt that the physical challenge, discipline, and camaraderie could be good for me mentally. Eventually, I listened—and I'm extremely grateful that I did.
From the moment I started training at Full Metal BJJ, I found much more than a place to learn jiu-jitsu. I found a community. There's something about stepping onto the mats and, for that hour or two, everything else gets left at the door. You're completely focused on the person in front of you, learning, improving, getting humbled occasionally—or pretty regularly 😂—and getting back up to do it again. For a veteran, that camaraderie, accountability, challenge, and sense of belonging can mean more than people realize.
I especially want to thank Professor Chance and Coach Zoey for creating an environment at Full Metal where I've always felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged. And to Pablo and Joe, thank you not only for being coaches and training partners, but for being friends who cared enough to keep pushing me to get on the mats in the first place. I'm also extremely grateful to the We Defy Foundation. Their mission of helping combat veterans through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't something I only support from a distance—I've personally experienced what this sport and this community can do for a veteran's mental wellness. Most importantly, I couldn't do any of this without my family. Training takes time, and this journey has required their patience, encouragement, and support. Having them behind me while I've found something that has been so positive for me means more than I can put into words. The military chapter of your life may eventually end, but the need for purpose, challenge, camaraderie, and people in your corner doesn't. Jiu-jitsu has given me another place to find those things. To my family, Professor Chance, Coach Zoey, Pablo, Joe, everyone at Full Metal BJJ, and We Defy—thank you for being part of my journey.
And to any veteran who might be struggling or simply missing that sense of camaraderie and purpose: give the mats a chance.
You may walk in looking for a workout and find something much more valuable.
🇺🇸 See you on the mats. 🥋"
