About Us

Our Mission

Open Mat Foundation was Founded to provide access to Jiu Jitsu for Veterans and First Responders healing from PTSD incurred in the line of duty, as well as underprivileged children. Funds donated go towards providing a GI and tuition costs for up to two years.

Why Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu is an incredible martial art/sport that teaches discipline, respect for self and others, confidence, community, and build a healthy body and mind.

For Veterans and First Responders, Jiu Jitsu has been proven as a versatile tool to assist in the journey of healing from PTSD. It provides an opportunity to participate in an intense activity and completely lose oneself in an atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie.

For children, Jiu Jitsu has been shown to have so many positive impacts including building a healthy sense of self confidence, respect for self and others, and how to deal with failure in a positive way-both on and off the mats. For an underprivileged child it is an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that may not be available to them due to costs.

Meet the Team

  • Rob Fox Headshot

    Rob Fox

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Veteran of both the US Army (6 years) and the San Diego Fire Department (25 years). Rob is a blue belt and has personally experienced the healing power of Jiu Jitsu for himself. His experiences with PTSD incurred from serving his entire adult life in uniform. He has also witnessed the positive changes his own children have experienced while on their Jiu Jitsu journey as well.

  • Mike Silva Headshot

    Mike Silva

    VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER

    22 years with San Diego Fire Department and 18 years of Jiu Jitsu experience. Mike is a dedicated black belt who wants other to benefit from being on the mats. The community and environment foster a place where people of all sorts can work together on building their character and future.

  • Jimmy Fritsch Headshot

    Jimmy Fritsch

    VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

    Officer Fritsch has been with the San Diego Police Department for 12 years working a number of divisions throughout his years. Through his experiences on the force, Jimmy understood firsthand the importance of learning Jiu Jitsu in order to keep himself and others safe. He can also attest to the role of Jiu Jitsu in those with PTSD and the benefits that being on the mats can bring to someone’s life.