Apply to Be A Sponsored Athlete
Who We’re Looking For
At Gis for Growth, we aim to sponsor individuals who are passionate about learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but face financial barriers that prevent them from fully participating. Our focus is on providing gis and training opportunities to children and teens from underserved communities who could benefit from the discipline, confidence, and personal growth that BJJ offers. By removing the financial obstacle of gear, we empower these individuals to step onto the mats, develop life-changing skills, and become part of a supportive and inclusive community. Through this program, we strive to make BJJ accessible to everyone, fostering resilience, discipline, and a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement.
Youth Eligibility Criteria (Primary Focus)
1. Financial Need
This program is designed for youth who would not otherwise be able to afford Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. Financial hardship may include, but is not limited to:
Low household income
Parent or guardian unemployment
Parent or guardian disability
2. Age & Education
Applicants must:
Be between 6–17 years old
Be enrolled in public, private, or homeschool
Have legal U.S. residency status
3. Commitment, Attitude & Conduct
Applicants must demonstrate:
A willingness to learn and grow in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Consistent attendance (minimum of 2 classes per week)
A positive attitude, respect for coaches and teammates, and good behavior
A crime- and drug-free lifestyle
4. Family Support
Each youth applicant must have a committed support system that can:
Transport the child to and from training 2–3 times per week
Encourage accountability and consistency
Please note: Gis for Growth does not provide transportation at this time.
Adult Eligibility Criteria (Limited Availability)
While Gis for Growth primarily serves youth, we also consider adult applicants who face financial barriers and would benefit from the structure, accountability, and community that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provides.
Adult applicants must:
Demonstrate financial need
Show a commitment to consistent training (minimum of 2 classes per week)
Maintain a positive attitude and respectful conduct toward coaches and teammates
Be willing to actively participate in the academy community
Adult sponsorship opportunities are limited and awarded based on available funding and community impact.
Our Application Process
There are 3 phases to the application process:
1) Written Application: Applicant will fill out an application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2) Group Class Participation: Applicant will participate in a group intro class in order to assess how well they will do with group/team participation and responding to the coaches.
3) Individual Interview: Applicant and family will be interviewed by our coaches.
All information during application process will remain private and confidential. Thank you for your interest!
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