JC Project​s

Roll4Life started out from our belief that we want to do good by doing good for others.  At its core, it is our philanthropic arm for JC Projects.  We have worked hard with a very talented overseas artist.  I can confidently say that the designs on this product and potentially future products are second to none.  We believe in being more than just the typical BJJ brand or lifestyle company. Roll4Life symbolizes several things to us.  

 

As students of the grappling arts (Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [aka BJJ]/No-Gi BJJ, Wrestling, Sambo, and to a lesser degree MMA) we are fully committed to participating in the sport until our body tells us we can no longer do so. Thankfully, grappling is a martial arts that is not only for the young, big, and athletic but also for the older, slower and smaller competitor.  For example, the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Helio Gracie practiced BJJ until shortly before his passing at the age of 95 years young.  When BJJ players compete we often use the term "Roll" or "Randori."    "Randori is a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe free-style practice. The term literally means 'chaos taking' or 'grasping freedom,' implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata (source Wikipedia)."  

 

Secondly, we want to emphasize Roll4Life as grappling practitioners making a difference in people's lives. When we say lives, we mean making a fundamental change in people's lives through improved physical health and increasing mental toughness by 1) learning the moves 2) putting your body in harm’s way potentially each time you train and 3) being comfortable in stressful situations and being confident that you can overcome the physical and mental obstacles that life throws at us.

 

This leads us to what do we hope to accomplish with Roll4Life.  In a utopian scenario, we would be able to create a beautiful piece of art that is both practical and affordable.  Fundamentally, there is nothing special about the clothing that we are selling.  However, we feel that we have created a product that is both artistic and practical for grappling competitors or any competitive sports athlete.  

 

What do we plan to do with the proceeds generated from the sales?  We cannot say if we will be successful, but it is our hopes that we can sell enough of these works of art to make a difference in people's lives.  Living in Jersey City which is just outside of New York City we have seen many underprivileged children.  We are firmly committed to building our Jersey City community and part of that is getting involved with children who may not be able to financially afford to train in the martial arts.   JC Projects will be sponsoring scholarships to these children based on household income, an essay application by parents/children describing why they deserve a scholarship to train and most importantly a commitment to train a minimum amount of times per week.  We want to invest in young people who are bright, motivated, and loyal people who could not otherwise afford to pay for specialized martial arts training.   While the gym fees will be waived, these individuals will need uniforms, tournament entry fees, etc. which is where the philanthropy comes into play.  Any additional funding raised, would be donated to various children's charities like Autism Speaks.  

 

Roll4Life's motto is "Improving Lives One Roll At A Time."

 

Thank you for reading this very long explanation, but we feel it is important that our cause is greater than selling clothing.  We want to be a brand ambassador for Grapplers and the Mixed Martial Arts community in general.  We feel that not enough has been done to give back to the community that we live, work, and play in.  

 

Furthermore, we want to promote a positive image for Grappling and MMA athletes around the world.  We think too often people outside the Martial Arts community think that MMA/Grapplers are a bunch of jocks or meat heads.  We hope to change this misunderstanding of the sport.  

 

If this idea resonates and speaks to you, please help support our cause by buying one or a few of our limited production items.  Proceeds will go to a good cause on behalf martial arts practitioners around the world.