we defy foundation

The mission of the We Defy Foundation (WDF) is to provide combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long-term means to overcome their challenges through BJJ and fitness training.

WDF has over 600 veterans currently enrolled in their programs, having provided over 1,200 athlete scholarships in over 800 affiliate gyms. As a 501(c)3 organization, WDF is powered by volunteers, allowing it to dedicate $.82 of every dollar raised to program expenses.

Mike Jaramillo and Athan Siamas have played key roles in strengthening WDF’s presence in New York City via events at Renzo Gracie Academy: The annual WDF Raids RGA event has broken fundraising records, motivating other academies to increase their own efforts that generate even more support for WDF athletes. Additionally Mike and Athan travel for seminars at other academies, sharing signature Happy Pill Project techniques and raising both funds and awareness for this amazing organization.

Renzo Gracie East Side is proud to be a WDF affiliate gym and to welcome WDF ambassadors & athletes as an integral part of the RGES community.