This past weekend was a special moment in the history of Sampa Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts as we celebrated two major milestones: the 15th Anniversary of Sampa Glendora and the 3rd Anniversary of Sampa Fontana.
To mark the occasion, students, families, and instructors gathered in beautiful Big Bear, California, for a day dedicated to learning, growth, friendship, and the values that martial arts teach us every day.
A Day of Training and Community
The event took place in a spacious facility with six full competition mat areas, allowing us to organize activities for students of all ages and experience levels.
We started the day with a two-hour youth training session. Rather than having all children train together, students were divided into groups by age, size, and skill level. This allowed every child to receive instruction that was appropriate for their stage of development while maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.
The mats were filled with energy as students worked on techniques, drills, movement exercises, and sparring activities under the guidance of our coaching staff. For many of our younger students, this was their first opportunity to train alongside such a large group of teammates from both locations.
Celebrating Achievement Through Promotion
One of the highlights of the day was our graduation ceremony.
Approximately 50 students were promoted, recognizing the countless hours they have invested in training, learning, and improving themselves both on and off the mats.
In martial arts, belts represent much more than technical ability. They symbolize perseverance, discipline, consistency, humility, and the willingness to continue learning. Every promotion reflects a personal journey filled with challenges overcome and goals achieved.
Among the many promotions, two stood out as particularly meaningful.
After years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to the art, Robert and Masood were promoted to the rank of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.
Receiving a black belt is not the end of a journey—it is the beginning of a new one. It represents thousands of hours of training, victories, setbacks, lessons learned, and the responsibility to help guide future generations of students.
We are incredibly proud of both Robert and Masood and grateful for the example they set for our entire community.
A World-Class Seminar with João Miyao
To conclude the celebration, we hosted a special seminar for our adult students featuring world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and instructor, João Miyao.
Known for his technical precision, innovative guard work, and incredible competitive achievements, João shared details of his game that students immediately found valuable and applicable to their own training.
The seminar was filled with learning opportunities, questions, technical exchanges, and plenty of inspiration. Students from different ranks had the chance to experience instruction from one of the sport’s most respected athletes, making the anniversary celebration even more memorable.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear that everyone left the mats with new ideas, renewed motivation, and a deeper appreciation for the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
More Than a Celebration
While anniversaries allow us to look back, they also remind us to look forward.
Fifteen years ago, Sampa Glendora began with a simple mission: to provide high-quality martial arts instruction while helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident versions of themselves.
Three years ago, Sampa Fontana was established with that same mission.
Today, seeing hundreds of students, supportive families, dedicated instructors, and lifelong friendships formed through training reminds us that our greatest achievement is not the medals, trophies, or championships. It is the community we have built together.
To every student, parent, coach, and supporter who has been part of this journey—thank you.
We look forward to many more years of learning, growth, friendship, and success on and off the mats.
Happy 15th Anniversary, Sampa Glendora.
Happy 3rd Anniversary, Sampa Fontana.
The best is yet to come.