Hey there, my name is Rob Fox, founder and CEO of the Open Mat Foundation. I’m a father, an Army veteran, a veteran of the San Diego Fire Department, and a blue belt in jiu jitsu.

My entire adult life has been spent in the service of others, and I started Open Mat Foundation as a way to continue that service as well as to give back to a sport/martial art that has given me so much.

I’ve dabbled in various martial arts throughout my life, including Karate, San Soo Kung Fu, MMA, and BJJ. After being off the mats for almost 10 years, I came back to jiu jitsu when I enrolled my kids in the local academy. Sitting on the sides wasn’t for me, and I jumped right back in as a student. Not long after, I was diagnosed with severe chronic PTSD and participated in an outpatient program that used jiu jitsu to help veterans and first responders heal from their mental and emotional traumas.

Between the positive growth aspects that I watched the gentle art impart upon my children as well as myself, I knew that jiu jitsu would be a big part of my life, as well as my children’s lives, from here on out.

I want to bring the opportunity to train and experience those important and beneficial aspects to those that otherwise may not have the means to train or are not aware of what jiu jitsu can offer to them.

For kids, I don’t want cost or disability to be something that stops them from participating in an activity that builds strength and discipline and, most importantly, is fun and healthy.

For my fellow veterans and first responders, I don’t want cost to be an issue either, and I want them to experience those same positive, affirming aspects of jiu jitsu that ultimately led me to a better place in mind, body, and spirit.

I’m hoping to raise $5000 in initial business costs to establish this organization as a 501(c)(3), which entails setting up an LLC with the State of California; creating a website as well as business cards, brochures, and other materials needed for in-person fundraising efforts.

I understand times are tough all around, but this is a great cause, and I would appreciate any amount that you could donate to help turn my dream of Open Mat Foundation into a reality.

Thank you,

Rob Fox

Founder

Open Mat Foundation