Riverbend Jiu-Jitsu Celebrates 10 Years of Grappling, Growth, and Giving Back

After a decade of training, teaching, and transforming lives, Riverbend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary—not just with cake and congratulations, but with a call to action. Led by founder and coach Robert Hupman, the academy is launching several community-driven efforts, from free training for local graduates to an upcoming benefit event spotlighting youth mental health and suicide prevention.

“Ten years ago, we started in a little building on Main Street,” Hupman said. “Now, we’re upstairs at the Battlegrounds, offering programs for everyone—kids, teens, adults—and we’re more committed than ever to giving back.”

The anniversary campaign includes free summer classes for all 2025 Warren County high school graduates, whether from public, private, or homeschooling. Hupman is also offering a heavily discounted 10-class punch card—just $10 for 10 sessions—that’s open to all ages and skill levels.

“This is our way of saying thank you and making sure that no one is left out of what we offer,” Hupman said. “There’s a place here for everyone.”

Grappling with Life—And Winning

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes grappling, ground control, and leverage over striking. While some might think martial arts are only about fighting, Hupman sees it differently.

“It’s the best self-defense system, hands down,” he said. “But more than that, it teaches control, respect, and confidence. It builds community.”

That sense of community came through in the interview, where Hupman was joined by his daughter Shenandoah Hupman, age 8; assistant coach Matthew Armentrout, who leads the youth MMA program; and special guest Gene Fought, the founder of Grapple for Life, a nonprofit dedicated to using martial arts to combat youth suicide.

“I’ve got kids as young as four in class,” said Armentrout. “We focus on everything from grappling to stand-up MMA techniques, but most importantly, we teach discipline and self-confidence. The best defense is walking away—but walking away knowing you could’ve stood your ground if needed.”

Shenandoah, who holds a gray and black youth belt, smiled as she shared what Jiu-Jitsu means to her. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “It makes me feel strong.”

Grapple for Life: Fighting Suicide with Support and Skill

Gene Fought knows the stakes of youth mental health firsthand. In 2019, he lost his daughter to suicide. Out of that personal tragedy, he launched Grapple for Life, a nonprofit that pays for at-risk youth to train in vetted Jiu-Jitsu schools like Riverbend.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34,” Fought explained. “This program saves lives by giving young people something to belong to—and someone to believe in them.”

The group offers three- to twelve-month sponsorships, depending on individual needs, and also sends support materials to schools and parents. So far, Grapple for Life has helped kids in multiple states, including Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The results speak for themselves.

“We’ve worked with kids who were bullied, who had been in inpatient care, who had tried to hurt themselves,” Fought said. “And with this training and team, they’ve turned their lives around.”

Fought also serves as the Public Policy Chair for the West Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and regularly advocates for youth mental health policies in Washington, D.C.

June 28: Grapple for Life Benefit at Warren County Middle School

Riverbend is hosting a high-profile martial arts event on Friday, June 28, at Warren County Middle School to raise awareness and funds for Grapple for Life. The evening will include live Jiu-Jitsu matches, walkout music, lighting effects, and commentary—turning the tournament into a full-blown show.

“It’s going to be electric,” Fought said. “World-class athletes are coming from places like Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even Detroit.”

Tickets are available now at Grapple for Life.  General admission is $30. VIP mat-side seating is $50, and second-row VIP seats are $45. Full tables for eight are also available: $1,000 for the front row and $800 for the second row. Each table includes a barbecue, drinks, welcome bags, and tickets to another Riverbend event, Rolling on the River—a family-friendly weekend of camping, fishing, and Jiu-Jitsu.

“It’s all for the kids,” Hupman said. “It’s about showing them they matter and giving them tools that last a lifetime.”

Jiu-Jitsu for All

Whether a child with special needs, a teenager battling depression, or an adult looking for a challenge, Hupman insists Riverbend has something for everyone. “It’s physical, it’s mental, and it’s emotional,” he said. “You walk in with stress—and leave stronger.”

Classes are available at 35 Jackson Street, Front Royal. The academy also maintains a Facebook page for updates and contact information.

“Come try it,” Hupman said. “It could change your life—or help you save someone else’s.”