Hey folks. This is the Roll Report.

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, two giants of the tech world, are apparently “absolutely dead serious” about an MMA fight, according to Dana White. At the moment, betting odds favor Elon Musk.

But let’s be real. Elon is overweight, untrained, and in his 50s. Zuck is not quite 40, in phenomenal shape (recently completed a Murph in under 40 minutes), and trains - we’ve all seen the no-gi tournament video by now. In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, Zuck talked about how he is focused on MMA, training several times a week. He also recently posted a couple of stories of himself rolling with Mikey Musumeci (and of course eating pizza).

With Zuck as the betting underdog, our money is on Zuck.

Nurturing a Community Through Jiu-Jitsu

Full disclosure: At Roll Report, we hold Danny Stolfi and Jamie De Leon, the founders of Breathe Jiu-Jitsu in Yaphank, NY, in high regard. We had the privilege of training under Stolfi during the 6 a.m. class, aka Dawn Patrol, at Art of Jiu-Jitsu in Costa Mesa, CA. Stolfi's girlfriend, De Leon, would occasionally join us for training. I remember a particular instance when I paired up with her to spar, and upon grabbing her collar, I overheard Stolfi softly say, "Don't grab her there." Immediately, I released my grip, trying to spar without physical contact.

Under Stolfi's leadership, the early-morning class cultivated a culture of camaraderie that fostered a close-knit community. People from diverse backgrounds would come together to train, learn, and grow, forging bonds beyond the confines of Dawn Patrol. Lifelong friendships were formed, and a strong sense of belonging permeated the group. We celebrated victories together and supported each other through the challenges we faced. Training together established a network of support.

Stolfi and De Leon, natives of the East Coast, decided to leave their established lives in Southern California and return home to open Breathe Jiu-Jitsu in Yaphank, NY. Driven by unwavering determination, they aspired to create a space where people could come together to train and develop.

"I always wanted to open a school in Long Island because I felt the people of Long Island need jiu-jitsu," Stolfi explained. "There is so much misplaced aggression and emotion in our communities, and I believe jiu-jitsu helps individuals learn to calm down and become more introspective." He firmly believes that even a tiny dose of jiu-jitsu can significantly benefit the community, leading to fathers being more composed at home and individuals exhibiting increased patience with their loved ones.

In November of 2018, after overcoming numerous obstacles, Breathe Jiu-Jitsu opened its doors in a Long Island enclave. Choosing the name for the academy presented a challenge, with options like "Thrive" being considered before discovering that another academy in the Bay Area shared that name. "Danny suggested Breathe Jiu-Jitsu, and I immediately agreed," De Leon recounted. "Both of us embrace practices that emphasize focus and breathing."

Stolfi acknowledged that the name was somewhat risky. "Some might perceive it as soft sounding," he admitted. "However, I am confident that once you step onto the mat and train with us, you'll realize that 'Breathe' does not imply weakness because the name represents the essence of our training."

Having rolled with Stolfi numerous times at Dawn Patrol, I can attest that his jiu-jitsu is anything but "soft." On the day I was awarded my purple belt, I had the opportunity to spar with him moments before being awarded my purple belt, and the pain I endured from his kimura was the most memorable part of that day. My verbal tap was more of a yelp than a coherent request to stop.

"We were raised on the East Coast, where life can be quite challenging," De Leon reflected. "Our upbringing instilled a sense of toughness in everyone as if we all had an extra layer of protection." She said it often feels like everyone carries a chip on their shoulder, constantly on guard. While she acknowledges the importance of maintaining a certain level of ego for self-protection, De Leon believes it is equally crucial to let go of certain aspects of our ego that hinder overall well-being, happiness, and joy. "One aspect that sets us apart is our willingness to discuss and address mental health openly," she explained. "For many individuals we encounter, regardless of their generational background, this is still a relatively new concept."

The partnership between Stolfi and De Leon extends beyond personal compatibility; it also flourishes professionally. "Jamie not only recognizes the value of her perspective but also appreciates the worth of mine," Stolfi expressed. "This creates a harmonious and balanced dynamic between us."

Together, they shoulder the responsibility of ensuring their students have a positive experience, encompassing everything from membership to class attendance. Owning their gym has deepened their sense of responsibility and strengthened their connection with their students. They acknowledge the significance of each student's commitment to training, often sacrificing time with their families to attend the academy. This understanding motivates them to provide a meaningful and rewarding experience. Their personalized coaching approach, combined with the bonds they forge with their students, emphasizes shared ownership among instructors and underscores the importance of cultivating a positive gym culture.

"We genuinely care about you and pay attention to the details," Stolfi affirmed. "This resonates with people when they visit and motivates them to share their positive experiences with others." It is this approach that sets them apart from other jiu-jitsu academies. De Leon added, "I'm not concerned about gaining 50 new students this month if it means that 49 of them won't return next month."

Stolfi and De Leon's journey as gym owners showcases their resilience and unwavering dedication to their students and the jiu-jitsu community. Despite encountering roadblocks and challenges, they have created a thriving gym with a unique culture that promotes growth and camaraderie. Their commitment to providing a valuable training experience and genuine care for their students make their gym a special place for practitioners to learn and flourish. As their story unfolds, they remain dedicated to evolving their gym, staying true to their values, and fostering a community of passionate jiu-jitsu practitioners.

The East Coast is lucky to have them.

What else is happening?

• UFC Fight Emmett vs. Topuria is on June 24nd at 12pm PT. A fight to watch on the prelims is Ricci vs Robertson - two fun and exciting grappling standouts.

• Meregali vs. Kaynan at WNO was announced for Thursday, August 10th

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