HOW IT STARTED

Adopt A Cop BJJ was founded in 2020 by Mitch Aguiar, a professional mixed martial artist and former head combatives instructor for the Navy SEALs.

At a time when law enforcement training, use of force, and officer preparedness were at the center of a national conversation, Mitch believed one thing was clear: officers needed greater access to consistent, practical, high-quality training.

Many police officers receive only limited defensive tactics instruction throughout their careers. While academy training provides an important foundation, opportunities for ongoing hands-on training can vary significantly from department to department. Budget limitations, staffing demands, and access to qualified instruction can all make consistent training difficult.

Adopt A Cop BJJ was created to help close that gap.

By partnering with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies across the country, the organization began providing eligible frontline police officers with access to free or reduced-cost Jiu-Jitsu training. The goal was simple: give officers the opportunity to train regularly, build confidence in their physical skills, remain composed under pressure, and develop more options for controlling difficult situations.

What started as an idea grew into a nationwide network of officers, academies, donors, and supporters who believed that investing in better training could make a meaningful difference for both law enforcement and the communities they serve.

A NEW CHAPTER

In September 2026, Adopt A Cop BJJ entered a new chapter under the leadership of the North Hills First Responders Corporation, with Ish Lopez and Kate Califano taking on leadership of the organization.

The mission remains the same.

Our goal is to build upon the foundation Mitch created, expand the reach of Adopt A Cop BJJ, strengthen relationships with affiliate academies, increase opportunities for officers across the country, and ensure the organization can continue serving law enforcement for years to come.

We are proud to carry forward the vision that started in 2020 while continuing to evolve the program, improve how we support our officers and gyms, and grow a national community committed to better training.

The leadership may have changed. The mission has not.

Adopt A Cop BJJ will continue working to make consistent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training more accessible to the officers who serve our communities every day.

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