Empower Veterans

Grit Foundation Montana

Grit Foundation Montana was established in 2021 by Sam Rauch who had a vision to give  opportunities to veterans and give back to the community. As a military veteran, Sam wanted to provide Jiu jitsu training in a community environment that promotes healthy lifestyle, confidence, and for some the power to work through the impacts of combat experiences.

Grit Foundation is dedicated to Montana Veterans and current military service members. Grit Foundation Montana is a nonprofit organization (501(c)3, that offers free jiu jitsu training for veterans and discounts and scholarships to their families.

Training jiu jitsu can cost a Montana vet $1,800 or more per year. Grit Foundation offers the chance for veterans to be a part of something that enhances their quality of living.

Grit Foundation provides Veterans and active service military with free membership cost to Grit Training Center and discounts to their families. In addition to free training at Grit, the foundation will offer two weekend training camps per year. These camps will be held in the early fall and late spring. Veterans from across Montana will be invited to a two-day event where they will be introduced to jiu jitsu, instructional courses, and various other physical and mental growth opportunities (including healthy eating and yoga practices). 

Our mission is to empower the veterans and their families through mixed martial arts and fitness, personal development, movement education, mentorship, and healthy lifestyle choices. At Grit, members get access to daily instructional classes, open gym times, and a common area. 

The grant will allow us to improve Veterans lives by creating a supportive community that cultivates confidence, self-discipline and healthy lifestyles through martial arts and fitness. 

Sam Rauch, Owner and Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, is an Army Veteran. Sam served two deployments to Iraq and to Afghanistan during his enlistment in the 82nd Airborne Division from 2002 to 2006. As a war time vet, Sam understands the many struggles that come from serving almost two years of your life in combat. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 11 to 20% who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. About 12% of Gulf War veterans have PTSD each year. Estimates show about 30% of Vietnam veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.

BJJ isn't just exercise. It builds confidence, provides a network of friends, and can even help some veterans work through combat experiences. The benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu for mental health are almost just as important as getting help from a doctor.