Veterans Day Ruck & Roll 2026

Artisan Submission Grappling and the We Defy Foundation are hosting a Veterans Day training day on Saturday, November 21.

We step off at 0900 with a memorial ruck at Twin Creek MetroPark. Carry a ruck or weighted vest if you want, move at your own pace, and put some weight on your shoulders. Veterans, active duty, martial artists, families, and anyone who can walk are welcome. No experience required. Finish the ruck, drive back, and roll.

From 1200 to 1400 the mats are open at Artisan Submission Grappling (4343 S Dixie Hwy). Open mat—Gi or No-Gi. All gyms, affiliates, and outside grapplers are invited. Train, meet people, and support the mission.

Funds raised go to We Defy Foundation scholarships that put combat veterans with service-connected disabilities on the mats for a full year of BJJ and training. It costs roughly $2,500 to fund one veteran for a year.

Schedule

•  0845 showtime and 0900 Ruck step-off at Twin Creek MetroPark

•  Finish ruck and travel to gym

•  1200–1400 Open roll at Artisan Submission Grappling

What to bring

•  Ruck or weighted vest (optional)

•  Water

•  Athletic clothes for the ruck

•  Gi or No-Gi gear for the roll

•  Waiver signed on site if you’re not already a member

Location details

•  Ruck: Twin Creek MetroPark (Green Trail / main trailheads near Germantown/Franklin)

•  Roll: Artisan Submission Grappling, 4343 S Dixie Hwy, Middletown, OH 45005

Show up, carry the weight, then roll.

Come join us this Veterans Day for our Ruck & Roll event in support of the mission of the We Defy Foundation! We Defy provides combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It costs $2500 on average to fund a single veteran scholarship. This includes gym fees as well as uniform costs. Jiu Jitsu has been shown to be an effective altrenative therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. Through the process of training Jiu Jitsu, veterans have a mechanism to reconnect to society, join a welcoming and familiar community, and ultimately better cope with their military-connected disabilities. 

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
• Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you so much for your support! We couldn’t do this without you!