PENSACOLA, FL, UNITED STATES, September 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Witness Martial Arts will launch the Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team on January 1, 2027, creating a funded competition program designed to give serious athletes the training, resources, and financial support needed to pursue high level Jiu Jitsu competition.

Witness Martial Arts is taking competitive Jiu Jitsu in Pensacola to a new level with the announcement of the Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team, launching January 1, 2027. The new program will establish Pensacola’s first fully funded professional Jiu Jitsu team, providing selected athletes with financial support, professional coaching, competition resources, and opportunities to compete at a high level.

The founding roster will feature eight funded starting positions representing the official ADCC weight classes, with five positions for men and three for women. Unlike a traditional invitation based competition team, every starting position must be earned on the mat through official Witness Martial Arts Roster Trials.

The goal is to create a performance driven system in which athletes earn their positions based on ability, preparation, discipline, and results rather than popularity, reputation, or personal connections.

Eight Funded Positions Earned Through Competition

Roster Trials will be held every six months and will be open exclusively to eligible Witness Martial Arts members. Athletes who earn one of the eight starting positions will hold that position until the next trial period, when qualified challengers will once again have an opportunity to compete for a place on the professional roster.

The recurring trial system means athletes who do not make the inaugural team will have another opportunity six months later. It also creates continued accountability for funded competitors, who must be prepared to defend their position at future trials.

Earn the position. Defend the position. Represent the team.

The program will also provide opportunities for reserve athletes and developmental competitors who want to train within the professional team environment while preparing to compete for a future starting position.

Removing Barriers to Professional Jiu Jitsu Competition

One of the defining features of the Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team will be the financial and logistical support provided to starting athletes.

Funded competitors will receive paid tournament registration for designated competitions, transportation, hotel accommodations, competition weekend food per diem, professional team gear, coaching and cornering, ADCC focused competition training, and paid personal training programming.

Support will extend beyond tournament expenses. Athletes will also have access to designated seminars, clinics, and guest coaches, along with professional photography, video, competition footage, highlight reels, athlete profiles, promotional content, personal brand development, social media support, team sponsors, and additional opportunities as the program grows.

The objective is to remove as many financial and logistical barriers as possible between talented athletes and high level competition. Rather than worrying about whether they can afford registration fees, travel, lodging, or other competition expenses, funded athletes can direct their attention toward training, preparation, performance, and winning.

Building Professional Jiu Jitsu in Pensacola

The professional team represents a significant expansion of the competitive program at Witness Martial Arts and an investment in the future of Jiu Jitsu in Pensacola.

Witness Martial Arts believes the region already has talented competitors capable of succeeding at higher levels of the sport. The new program is designed to provide the structure and resources necessary to develop that talent locally rather than requiring serious athletes to look elsewhere for professional level opportunities.

The team will be built around performance, discipline, accountability, professionalism, and character, with an emphasis not only on assembling accomplished competitors but developing athletes over time.

For Pensacola athletes interested in pursuing competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, joining Witness Martial Arts early will provide additional time to train and prepare before the inaugural Roster Trials. The official trial date will be announced in the coming months.

A Long Term Investment in Competitive Athletes

The January 2027 launch is only the beginning of the Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team. Ahead of the inaugural Roster Trials, Witness Martial Arts will release additional information regarding official weight divisions, athlete eligibility, the trial format, competition schedules, athlete responsibilities, sponsorship opportunities, and the complete benefits package.

The six month Roster Trial structure is intended to create an ongoing pathway from developing competitor to funded professional athlete. New athletes will have opportunities to work toward the roster, while established team members will be challenged to continue progressing to retain their positions.

For Witness Martial Arts, the ultimate objective extends beyond creating one successful competition roster. The academy is building a sustainable professional program capable of identifying, developing, supporting, and promoting talented Jiu Jitsu athletes from Pensacola and the surrounding Gulf Coast.

Eight funded positions. One professional team. Roster Trials every six months.

The Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team officially launches January 1, 2027.

About Witness Martial Arts

Witness Martial Arts is a professional martial arts academy offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, Striking, MMA, kids martial arts, and competitive training. With locations in Pensacola, Florida, and Gulfport, Mississippi, Witness Martial Arts combines experienced coaching with a welcoming training environment for beginners, families, recreational students, and serious competitors.

The launch of the Witness Professional Jiu Jitsu Team expands that mission by creating a funded pathway for athletes who want to pursue high level competition while training and developing within the Witness Martial Arts organization.

For information about Jiu Jitsu in Pensacola, Witness Martial Arts membership, professional team eligibility, or upcoming Roster Trials, visit www.witnessma.com.

Odie Delaney
Witness Martial Arts
+1 850-261-3320
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook