The Arena Combat Academy

Happy Friday! Why not start today and roll into the weekend with us. See you on the mats.

Wednesday schedule!
515-6 Kids Judo
6-7 Kids Wrestling
6-7 Adult Judo
7-8 Adult beginner NoGi

MEMORIAL DAY OPEN MAT | THE ARENA COMBAT ACADEMY

Today the mats were packed.

Over 50 kids and adults came together for a Memorial Day Open Mat. But today wasn’t about medals, wins, or getting extra rounds in.

It was about remembering.

We began by standing together as The Star-Spangled Banner played. We were then honored to hear from Marine Corps veteran, LPD Tactical Team member, and Arena Purple Belt David Haley, who reminded us why this day matters.

The purpose today was simple:

To willingly do something hard…

Not because our struggle compares to theirs, it never could, but because we wanted to pause and remember the men and women who gave everything so we could continue living free.

We also wanted our kids to understand something important:

Memorial Day is not just a long weekend. It is not the “first pool day” of summer.

It is a day set aside to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who died protecting this country and the freedoms we often take for granted.

Then we stepped on the mats.

Kids filled the Conquer Kickboxing side. Adults filled The Arena side.

11 rounds.
5 minutes and 30 seconds each.
No breaks.

The mats became soaked.

Keeping balance became difficult.

Holding positions became difficult.

Finishing submissions became difficult.

Everyone was tired.

Everyone was uncomfortable.

And everyone kept pushing.

Today we suffered a little…

Out of remembrance for those who gave everything.

A huge thank you to David Haley for sharing your words and perspective.

Thank you to every athlete, parent, coach, kid, and adult who showed up and embraced the purpose behind today.

Most importantly

Thank you to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation.

And to the families who continue carrying that loss, we remember with you, honor with you, and will never forget.

🇺🇸 Freedom has never been free

MEMORIAL DAY OPEN MAT 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day we’ll be doing things a little differently at The Arena Combat Academy.

Before the rounds begin, we will come together to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country.

We will begin with the National Anthem, hear words from one of our veterans, observe Taps, and then step onto the mats for one hour straight of rotating rounds.

No breaks.

New partner every bell.

Not because suffering makes us tough.

But because sacrifice deserves remembrance.

The temporary discomfort we choose on these mats is only possible because others gave everything.

This day is not about a long weekend.

It is not about barbecues.

It is about remembering those who never came home.

For one hour we will push together.

For one hour we will suffer together.

For one hour we will remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Because freedom is not free.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Open Mat Noon - Until everyone is done.
🥋 All affiliations welcome
🔔 One hour continuous rounds
🤝 New partner every bell

Mondays time on the mats will be done in honor of the fallen.

It’s about refusing to quit on yourself.

It’s the kid nervous before class but stepping on the mat anyway.
The adult dragging in after a long day but still choosing to train.
The moments nobody posts. Nobody celebrates. Nobody notices.

That’s where the change happens.

Not in shortcuts.
Not in excuses.
In consistency. In effort. In heart.

Every practice is a chance to sharpen something:
confidence, discipline, toughness, patience, belief.

Some come here to compete.
Some come here to grow.
Some just need a place to fight for themselves again.

And that’s what makes this special.

Different ages. Different stories. Same mindset:
keep moving forward.

Little by little, the shy kids become leaders.
The tired adults become stronger.
The people who once doubted themselves start carrying themselves differently.

Not because it got easy.
Because they kept showing up anyway.

That’s the win.
That’s the transformation.
And it’s earned every single day.

Kaelee Leona

🥇Kaelee Langley - is the 2026 Oklahoma City Spring Championship Women's Absolute Champion! Representing The Arena Combat Academy / Sandro Sampaio-Carlson Gracie Oklahoma -

Drop some respect for a great performance this weekend.👇

Yessssir!'n

It was an awesome day of jiu jitsu at the 2026 Oklahoma City Spring Championship. A huge thanks to all of the warriors who came out to compete!

Here are the official team results:

YOUTH TEAM CHAMPIONS:
1. The Arena Combat Academy -
2. Culture BJJ -
3. The Forge BJJ -

ADULT TEAM CHAMPIONS:
1. The Arena Combat Academy -
2. Highland -
3. Grizzly Training Academy -

OVERALL TEAM CHAMPIONS:
1. The Arena Combat Academy -