Who We Are and Why You Should Train Here
Just as martial arts styles differ significantly from each other, each academy has their own atmosphere and experience. SOMA Jiu-jitsu Academy is a team of Jiu-jitsu practitioners from across the country who are united by a common philosophy and an incredible passion for Jiu-jitsu. Team SOMA has a proud lineage, an undying focus on improving the lives of others, and a shared belief that Jiu-jitsu is for everyone. SOMA is on a quest to help every team member reach their potential as a Jiu-jitsu student and as a person. Each team member should leave each class a better person than when they came in.
More Than a Martial Arts Academy
Jiu-Jitsu: the gentle art, often called “The Art of Human Chess," is arguably the most effective system of self-defense ever devised. Unlike many martial arts that rely on brute strength, striking, or rigid forms—Jiu-Jitsu focuses on leverage, timing, and technique to overcome larger opponents. It is a "living" art; every session is a puzzle where you learn to navigate physical problems with a calm, analytical mind. This unique blend of high-intensity physical engagement and deep mental problem-solving creates an experience that is as much about intellectual growth as it is about physical prowess.
What Makes SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Different
Built on a Unique Foundation, SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy wasn't founded just to be another gym; it was built to be a sanctuary for personal evolution. Our philosophy is rooted in our name—SOMA—representing the integration of the physical body with the discipline of the mind. While other schools may focus on competition or belts, SOMA is governed by a unique set of principles that prioritize technical precision, mutual respect, and a holistic approach to well-being. We strive to transform the ego-driven culture often found in combat sports and create an environment where the elite competitor and the absolute beginner can thrive side-by-side.
A Life-Changing Transformation, The SOMA Experience is designed to be both a challenge and a catalyst. Stepping onto our mats means pushing past your perceived limits, embracing the discomfort of the grind, and emerging with a profound sense of accomplishment. This process is deeply invigorating; it strips away the stress of daily life and replaces it with a newfound confidence and clarity. We believe that the lessons learned during a hard roll—resilience, humility, and persistence—inevitably bleed into your life outside the academy. At SOMA, we don't just teach you how to fight; we provide the tools to change your life from the inside out.
PROFESSOR JARED EMFIELD, PhD
Founder & Head Instructor |
3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Professor Jared Emfield is the founder and head instructor of SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He began martial arts training at age eight and spent 17 years studying Kenpo and Judo before discovering Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
In 1994, he founded what would become SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Idaho Falls. More than three decades later, SOMA continues to focus on developing capable martial artists while building confidence, resilience, judgment, self-control, and character.
Professor Emfield is a 3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. His Jiu-Jitsu development has been shaped by Professor Matt Strack and Master Pedro Sauer and the technical tradition passed down through the Gracie family.
He also holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University. His doctoral research examined self-defense training as a strategy for preventing and responding to bullying, with a specific focus on the Gracie Bullyproof program.
Professor Emfield’s teaching combines decades of martial arts experience with a professional background in education. His goal is simple: to help students become more skilled, more confident, and better prepared for the challenges they will face both on and off the mat.
