Elevated Studios

Memorial Day Schedule Changes 🇺🇸

It’s not always easy to watch your child struggle.

You want to help.
You want to step in.
You want to make it easier for them.

But this is where the growth is happening.

When they don’t get it right away.
When they feel frustrated.
When they have to try again.

That’s where confidence is built.

Not from things being easy…
But from learning how to work through something hard.

So we let them struggle.

We guide them.
We support them.

But we don’t take the process away from them.

Because that process…

is exactly what’s shaping them.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to meet some truly incredible people through our Level Up Scholarship. Narrowing it down to one recipient was not easy.

But from the very beginning, one person stood out.

Congratulations to Jesus — the recipient of our 2026 Level Up Scholarship. 💙

Jesus is a father, a hard worker, and someone who simply wants to become the best version of himself for his kids. In his application, he wrote:

“I want to be the best version of myself for my kids. I’ll be 38 this summer, and I want to keep being active while learning a skill that I know will push me and challenge me. Without this scholarship, this is something I couldn’t accomplish.”

Since stepping onto the mats, he’s brought nothing but gratitude, humility, positivity, and a willingness to learn. He’s already proving to be an incredible fit for the culture of Elevated Studios, and we’re honored to have him as part of the tribe.

This is exactly why we created the scholarship in the first place:
To give someone the opportunity to grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally — not just for themselves, but for the people they love most.

Welcome to the tribe, Jesus. We’re excited for the journey ahead. 👊💙

Promoting someone to black belt is always meaningful, but getting to award one to a longtime student, training partner, and friend makes it even more special.

Recently, I had the joy of promoting Phil Abbott to black belt. Over the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to watch Phil grow into not only an exceptional grappler, but an exceptional leader. From the beginning, Phil took ownership of his own progress. He’s always been self-motivated, constantly studying off the mats, exploring new concepts, and bringing fresh ideas back into training.

Phil was an integral part of our Valley Forge affiliate from the start, and now he leads the program as its head coach—a role he has truly earned. As a coach and training partner, Phil brings an open-mindedness and curiosity that makes everyone around him better. He’s the kind of person who welcomes questions, encourages growth, and creates an environment where people feel challenged, supported, and inspired all at once.

Black belt is never just about technique. It’s about consistency, character, leadership, and the impact you have on the people around you. Phil embodies all of those things. I’m incredibly proud of him and grateful that I’ve had the chance to be part of his journey.

Congratulations, Phil. Well deserved.