10/12/2026
One of the greatest things about Jiu-Jitsu is the community it creates. We spend countless hours on the mats together, pushing and supporting each other and building friendships that go far beyond training. Now we have a chance to put that spirit into action. A member of our Jiu-Jitsu community, Damien Meza, is battling liver cancer. Damien is a black belt who has been part of the BJJ community since the mid-2000s, training at Werneck BJJ, Waza BJJ, and Nine16. More importantly, he's a genuinely wonderful human being—a kind, soft-spoken, gentle soul who is liked and respected by everyone who knows him.
Waza BJJ is hosting an open mat fundraiser to support Damien during this incredibly difficult time. We're inviting everyone in the Sacramento Jiu-Jitsu community, no matter your academy or affiliation, to come together for a great cause. Come get some rolls in, reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and most importantly, help someone who could really use our support. Good rolls, good people, great cause. Let's show what the Jiu-Jitsu community is all about.
If you can’t make the fundraiser, you can still contribute. Go to his GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/care-and-hope-for-damiens-treatment
