Blessings to you all ~

Humility, honor, and respect are woven into the Gi we wear on the mats. The lessons we learn through blood and sweat stay with us, shaping how we live, love, and grow. Jiu-Jitsu helps us confront stress, anxiety, depression — and transform into better human beings.

Professor Jose Augusto “Gato”, a 6th-degree Black Belt, is the embodiment of these principles. He grew up in Manaus, Brazil, and began his Jiu-Jitsu journey as a child. Today, he is ranked #1 in the world in the IBJJF Masters 5 division, and he’s still out there competing, teaching, and leading by example every day.

He’s come to the United States with one goal: to share the Gentle Art with as many people as possible.

His heart, however, remains with his wife and young daughter back home in Brazil. They support his dream from afar — they FaceTime daily, and his face lights up each time. His family is his world.

Now, we humbly ask for your support.

Professor Gato is facing a critical deadline in the legal process to secure his visa and remain in the U.S. He must pay his attorney immediately in order to move forward. If we fall short, he will be forced to leave the country.

Anything you can give — any amount — will make a difference.

Help us keep Gato here, where he is changing lives every day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. May God bless you and your families