Empowering Through Movement
Unleashing Potential with US ParaJitsu
Join us in transforming lives through the power of Para JiuJitsu, where adaptive athletes find strength, resilience, and community.
Our Mission and Vision
In recent years, the growth of adaptive sports has played a significant role in empowering athletes with impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, vision impairment, and intellectual impairment providing them with opportunities to compete and fostering inclusivity within the sporting community. Jiu-jitsu is one of the few sports that includes and has classifications for all the aforementioned categories. Our non-profit organization is dedicated to uniting Para Jiu-Jitsu athletes from around the world. By bringing together competitors with diverse impairments—including impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, vision impairment, and more—we aim to foster a strong, supportive community within the sport.
Implementation plan
Team Formation
Recruit and train a diverse group of adaptive athletes from various backgrounds and skill levels, supported by experienced coaches and trainers.
Partnership Development
Establish partnerships with local and international jiu-jitsu academies, adaptive sports organizations, and sponsors to secure resources and support for the team.
Event Organization
Plan and execute national and international competitions, workshops, and exhibitions to raise awareness and generate interest in para jiu-jitsu.
Advocacy Campaign
Launch a targeted advocacy campaign to engage with key stakeholders, gather support, and build a compelling case for the inclusion of para jiu-jitsu in the Paralympic Games.
Support Our Mission
Keep up to date with the team!
Meet Our Board
Our board members are the backbone of US ParaJitsu, driving our mission to empower adaptive athletes through JiuJitsu. Each member brings unique expertise and passion to our cause.
Rustin Hughes
Rustin is a veteran, Para Jiu Jitsu champion, and coach. He lost his leg in 2014 and has been utilizing the lessons he learned from the experience to convey a sense of hope and determination to individuals battling through their own adversity...
Ryan Wallace
Ryan Wallace’s journey in wrestling has been a testament to resilience and personal growth. With over 18 years of coaching experience, following 12 years as a competitor, he has faced multiple life-changing challenges, including a rare bone tumor diagnosis that led to the amputation of his leg...
Jay Choquette
Jay Choquette was an IBJJF Masters World Champion at Purple Belt in 2021. He received his brown belt for this accomplishment and was later involved in a traumatic motorcycle accident in June of 2023...
Rita Hicks
Rita Hicks is a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in Functional training, corrective exercises, Pain-Free Performance, Classical Pilates, and Adaptive training...
Matthew Tate
Matthew Tate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington...
Our Ambitious Goals
Striving for Excellence
World Leader
At US ParaJitsu, our primary goal is to become the leading Para Jiu Jitsu team worldwide. We aim to achieve this by fostering an inclusive environment where athletes with disabilities can excel and showcase their talents on an international stage.
Top training
We are committed to providing top-tier training and resources to our athletes, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed both in competitions and in life. Our programs are designed to enhance physical strength, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Community
Beyond competitions, our vision extends to creating a supportive community that champions the abilities of every individual. We strive to inspire and uplift, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.