Veterans Jiu Jitsu Seminar
For this special Memorial Day seminar, learn the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu from instructors: Joey Zente, Marine Corps Veteran and founder of Veterans Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas and John Cofer, a Navy Veteran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. After watching demonstrations, guests will be invited to learn Jiu Jitsu techniques first-hand on the mats. Participate in honoring those who died in service to our country this Memorial Day weekend with this special class.
We believe in having a welcoming and safe learning environment for all levels of experience; beginners to advanced individuals are welcome.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Joey Zente is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, founder of Veterans Jiu-Jitsu, and Leader of the Austin area Veterans Jiu Jitsu clubs. Joey started training Jiu Jitsu in 2009 after completing his four-year enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his blue and purple belts from Ronny Lis, brown belt from Robert “Dutra” Moreira, and in 2016 earned the rank of black belt from Chris Haueter.
Joey currently runs an organization called Veterans Jiu-Jitsu, which provides free training opportunities for active duty military, Veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. Veterans Jiu-Jitsu is an organization dedicated to building communities of Veterans around the world through the physical and mental training of Jiu Jitsu. Zente has also been instrumental in building the Warriors Heart Jiu Jitsu Training Program in Bandera, Texas to help military, Veterans and first responders heal with fellow warriors who are struggling with addiction, PTSD, mild TBI, depression, trauma and co-occurring issues.
Joey currently lives in Leander, Texas with his wife and two daughters.
John Cofer is a U.S. Navy Veteran. He began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 1997 under professor Claudio Franca in Santa Cruz, California whom he earned his blue and purple belts from. After moving to Washington state, he continued his training under professor Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), where he earned his brown and black belts. John is currently an instructor at Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lakewood, Washington.
John works extensively with local law enforcement developing a curriculum of Jiu Jitsu based techniques for defensive tactics and arresting. John has been hosting free Jiu Jitsu seminars in Washington state for law enforcement since 2017 to help spread the benefits of training on and off the job and help bring them all home safe.
