Ray Freeman

Ray Freeman's path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu begins in adversity. At 12 years old, Freeman entered the foster care system after his mother lost her parental rights — an experience that forged his understanding of hardship, resilience, and the power of community. Rather than allowing those early struggles to define him, Freeman found in BJJ a framework for confronting and processing the traumas carried from his formative years.

The discipline and structure of the sport offered something largely absent from his youth: a consistent environment where challenges produce growth rather than defeat. On the mat, his personal healing became inseparable from his technical development, illustrating how BJJ can serve as a vehicle for self-discovery and psychological recovery well beyond its physical dimensions. This journey from the foster care system to the mats of Kansas City, Kansas, laid the foundation for the mission he would later build for others facing similar circumstances.

In August 2024, Ray Freeman established One Community Jiu Jitsu Club at the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas — making it the only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in Wyandotte County. Understanding that cost remains one of the most significant barriers keeping underserved families away from quality martial arts instruction, Freeman structured the club as a nonprofit from the outset.

The club charges families just $25 per month and covers the cost of uniforms, positioning itself as a genuinely accessible alternative to traditional programs that often carry substantially higher fees. Operating year-round and serving both children and adults, the program ensures consistent training opportunities regardless of season. To sustain and expand its reach, Freeman actively seeks donors who share his vision of making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu available to every member of the Wyandotte County community, regardless of financial circumstance.

At the core of Ray Freeman's coaching approach is a principle that extends far beyond submission holds and guard passes: there are no losses, only lessons. Freeman treats this philosophy as a foundational tool for navigating life, and it shapes every aspect of how he teaches both children and adults at One Community Jiu Jitsu Club.

Self-Regulation as a Core Skill

Freeman places particular emphasis on self-regulation — the ability to manage frustration, stay composed under pressure, and respond thoughtfully to adversity on the mat. Students who develop these skills carry them directly into their daily lives, building emotional intelligence alongside technical proficiency.

Character Development on the Mat

Freeman views the training floor as a classroom for character, a space where resilience, accountability, and mental fortitude are cultivated in parallel with BJJ fundamentals. His community-focused approach deliberately targets populations in Kansas City, Kansas, who face limited access to structured mentorship and personal development — reflecting the same gaps he encountered during his own upbringing in the foster care system.