Through his ambassadorship with We Defy Foundation, Athan participates in seminars around the country, raising funds to provide combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through the art of jiu jitsu.  

Athan is also co-founder of The Happy Pill Project, a social media outlet that promotes the healthy and positive aspects of the jiu jitsu lifestyle with the goal of growing a larger and stronger community. In addition to being the engine behind its YouTube and social media posts, Athan is perhaps best known for his role in front of the camera as Mike’s main uke (the person who helps with the technique demonstration). 

Although he is a world champion, Athan is the first to say that he does not always enjoy competing, he continues to challenge himself by entering competitions ranging from local events to major tournaments. He believes the process of competition exposes him to different elements of jiu jitsu making him a more effective practitioner and instructor.