What We Defy Foundation does

We Defy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in McKinney, Texas, founded in 2015 to provide combat veterans with military-connected disabilities a long-term means to overcome PTSD, anxiety, depression, and social isolation through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. The organization's core product is a 12-month Jiu Jitsu scholarship — averaging $2,500 per veteran per year — that pairs eligible disabled combat veterans (80%+ VA disability rating, new to BJJ) with a vetted Approved Training Facility, two gis, and access to private coaching and specialized equipment. Distribution is executed through a network of over 1,200 vetted partner gyms spanning all 50 US states, 2 US territories, and 3 continents (Japan, Canada, Belgium).

The underlying technology stack is conventional commercial nonprofit tooling rather than proprietary IP: Shopify-powered e-commerce and donation processing, Tipalti for month-to-month training facility reimbursements, Monday.com forms for scholarship and partner intake, and Qgiv for event registration. The organization does not maintain a software product, mobile app, or API surface; technology serves operational throughput rather than product differentiation.

The business model is donations-first, supplemented by institutional grants (US Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Sports Grant Program, IICF), corporate sponsorships across tiers, signature fundraising events (Annual Gala, Memorial Day National Campaign, Warships Seminar Series), and merchandise sold through a co-branded Fuji Sports storefront. Revenue reached over $1.3M raised in 2025, with $0.82 of every dollar directed to veteran program expenses. The organization operates with 1–10 staff supported by a volunteer ambassador program, a board of directors, and partner-gym contributions (many of which train scholarship athletes for free), keeping the cost-to-serve structurally low relative to a centralized-clinic model.

Name

We Defy Foundation

Legal name

We Defy Foundation

Website

https://wedefyfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

We Defy Foundation is a McKinney, Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2015, that provides one-year Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scholarships to disabled combat veterans (80%+ VA rating) through a vetted network of over 1,200 partner gyms across all 50 US states and three continents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Support Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community Health & Prevention Program Funding (HLAJALAF)

Keywords

• Veteran rehabilitation programs
• Adaptive jiu jitsu training
• Disability support services
• Combat veteran wellness
• Nonprofit scholarship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Mckinney

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary revenue stream is individual and corporate donations. We Defy is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 47-4543790). Donations are tax-deductible. The organization raised over $1.3 million in 2025. $0.82 of every dollar goes to veteran program expenses. Average cost per veteran scholarship athlete is $2,500 per year.
2. Grants: We Defy Foundation receives grants from institutional funders including the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the IICF (International Institute for Concerned Christians or similar grant-making organization), providing non-repayable funding to support scholarship operations.
3. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates a Fuji Sports-branded store selling We Defy merchandise (gis, hoodies, camo items), generating supplementary revenue for the mission. Sales are handled through the website with fulfillment via FUJI Sports customer service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

We Defy Foundation provides one-year Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scholarships to disabled combat veterans (80%+ VA disability rating) at vetted approved training facilities. Each scholarship includes 12 months of training, two gis with We Defy patches, and board-approved private coaching and special equipment, with an average cost of $2,500 per veteran per year. The foundation funds this program through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and merchandise sales, allocating $0.82 of every dollar to veteran program expenses.

Product overview

We Defy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates primarily as a scholarship program providing combat veterans with military-connected disabilities a long-term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The core offering is the Jiu Jitsu Scholarship Program, which provides a 12-month scholarship to train at an Approved Training Facilities Network spanning all 50 states and 3 continents. Supporting programs include the Ambassador Program for volunteer outreach, the Stars and Bolts Recognition Program for gym fundraising recognition, and event programs including the Annual We Defy Gala, Memorial Day National Campaign, and Warships Seminar Series. The organization also operates a merchandise store through FUJI Sports. On average, $2,500 covers one year of scholarship per veteran athlete, with $0.82 of every dollar going to program expenses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Jiu Jitsu Scholarship Program A 12-month scholarship providing disabled combat veterans (80%+ VA disability rating) with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at approved training facilities. Each scholarship includes two gis with We Defy patches, board-approved private coaching, and special training equipment. Average cost is $2,500 per veteran per year, with the next application window opening September 13, 2026.
• We Defy Branded Merchandise Online merchandise store selling We Defy-branded apparel including gis, camo hoodies, and commemorative items, operated in partnership with FUJI Sports. Powered by Shopify e-commerce; ships within US and territories with international orders by special request.
• Annual We Defy Gala Annual signature fundraising gala with corporate sponsorship packages (Platinum, Gold, Silver, S&C tiers), individual ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and a keynote speaker. The 7th annual event is scheduled for September 26, 2026 in Dallas, TX.
• Memorial Day National Campaign Month-long national fundraising campaign held each May featuring community-hosted Ruck & Roll events, commemorative merchandise (t-shirt, GoRuck co-branded patch), and a fundraising competition with prizes for top events.
• Warships Seminar Series Signature event series held aboard historic naval vessels (e.g., USS New Jersey, June 2026) featuring We Defy-exclusive seminars and a Fight 2 Win-style fight card. Includes free Flo Grappling livestream on YouTube to amplify mission visibility.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1.3M raised in 2025; $0.82 of every dollar goes to veteran program expenses; average cost $2,500 per veteran scholarship per year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Legends (wowslegends.com)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic brand partner providing meaningful financial and/or in-kind support to advance We Defy Foundation's mission while receiving brand visibility, goodwill, and authentic association with the veteran and Jiu Jitsu communities.
• WOW (wowslegends.com partner)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic brand partner providing meaningful financial and/or in-kind support to advance We Defy Foundation's mission while receiving brand visibility and goodwill.
• KICK (kicksite.com)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic brand partner providing meaningful financial and/or in-kind support to advance We Defy Foundation's mission while receiving brand visibility and authentic association with the veteran and Jiu Jitsu communities.
• GORUCKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic brand partner providing meaningful financial and in-kind support (custom co-branded patches for Memorial Day campaign). Provides brand visibility, goodwill, and authentic association with the veteran and rucking/Jiu Jitsu communities.
• EcheloncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic brand partner providing financial and/or in-kind support to advance We Defy Foundation's mission while receiving brand visibility and goodwill within veteran and fitness communities.
• ADCC (Submission Wrestling World Championship)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing We Defy Foundation with preferential or discounted access to highly relevant audiences, platforms, or events — amplifying awareness of the mission within aligned Jiu Jitsu competition communities.
• F2W (Fight 2 Win)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing preferential or discounted access to audiences, platforms, or events — amplifying awareness of We Defy's mission within the Jiu Jitsu community. Partner for the Warships Seminar Series fight cards.
• UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing preferential or discounted access to audiences, platforms, or events — amplifying awareness of the We Defy mission within the broader combat sports community.
• Fuji SportscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion and e-commerce partner operating the We Defy merchandise store at fujisports.com/pages/wedefy. Provides preferential access to audiences and platforms while amplifying mission awareness.
• FujiMatssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing preferential or discounted access to audiences and platforms — amplifying awareness of the mission within Jiu Jitsu communities.
• JCI BeltsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing preferential or discounted access to audiences and platforms — amplifying awareness of the mission within Jiu Jitsu communities.
• FujiBJJsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Champion providing preferential or discounted access to audiences and platforms — amplifying awareness of the mission within Jiu Jitsu communities.
• Catch a Lift FundsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner working with like-minded organizations to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• WH (Wounded Heroes)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• OMK (Our Mission Knows No Boundaries)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• USAFA (United States Air Force Academy)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• OneTribesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• Adaptive Training FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families through adaptive fitness training.
• Carry The LoadsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit partner collaborating to create a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans and their families.
• Foundation GroupsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService provider handling the proper, accurate, and timely filing of We Defy Foundation's Form 990 tax documents.
• TipaltisupportingTechnology or IntegrationPayment processing platform used by We Defy Foundation to pay approved Training Facilities on a month-to-month basis. Training Facilities create Supplier HUB accounts to receive timely reimbursements via Tipalti.
• Finishers Sub OnlysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the Warships Seminar Series event held on the USS New Jersey. Provides fight card platform and event production support for the We Defy Warships Series.
• Flo GrapplingsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides free live streaming of the Warships Seminar Series fight card on YouTube, amplifying We Defy's mission visibility to a global Jiu Jitsu audience.
• 3 Embers Grappling AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-owner Mike Anderson's Jiu Jitsu academy in Dallas, TX, serving as the official headquarters of We Defy Foundation. Home base for We Defy leadership and operations. Location where National Events Coordinator Amy Coxen trains as a purple belt.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hope For The Warriors: Provides comprehensive support programs for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families including fitness, mental health, and transition programs. Comparable veteran-services nonprofit with overlapping therapeutic and community objectives.
• Adaptive Training Foundation: Delivers adaptive fitness training and community to wounded, injured, or ill veterans and first responders. Same therapeutic-fitness-for-veterans thesis as We Defy and an active We Defy non-profit partner.
• Carry The Load: Active non-profit partner of We Defy that raises funds for veteran-focused nonprofit programs through memorial events and community walks. Comparable community-driven veteran fundraising model.
• Team Red White & Blue: Enriches veterans' lives through physical, social, and service activities, with chapters nationwide. Closely comparable veteran-physical-fitness community mission at larger scale.
• Catch a Lift Fund: Provides fitness, nutrition, and motivation programs to wounded, injured, or ill post-9/11 veterans. Highly comparable fitness-scholarship model for disabled veterans, and listed as an active non-profit partner of We Defy.
• Wounded Heroes Foundation: Listed non-profit partner of We Defy serving disabled combat veterans and their families with holistic support services. Directly comparable beneficiary population and nonprofit service model.
• OneTribe Foundation: Listed non-profit partner of We Defy creating a holistic approach to serving disabled combat veterans. Comparable veteran-support nonprofit with overlapping beneficiary population and partnership-driven model.

Emerging players

• K9s For Warriors: Provides trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other service-related conditions. Different modality but directly comparable PTSD-alternative-therapy mission targeting the same disabled-veteran beneficiary population.

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: One of the largest and best-known US veteran-serving nonprofits, providing physical and mental health programs, career transition, and long-term support. Operates broadly across the same beneficiary population but is orders of magnitude larger and not niche-specialized in Jiu Jitsu.
• The Mission Continues: Empowers veterans to continue service through leadership development, community impact grants, and fellowship programs. Comparable veteran-services nonprofit operating broadly with physical/community engagement elements overlapping We Defy's "service" pillar.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wedefyfnd
• Facebookfacebook.com/WeDefyFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wedefyfoundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about We Defy Foundation