ABOUT US

WELCOME TO SOMA JIU-JITSU

SOMA JIU-JITSU ACADEMY is a family centered, self-defense academy designed for ages four and up. Originally established in Idaho Falls in 1994, The Academy has been working with men, women, and children in East Idaho for 30 years.


JIU-JITSU is a challenging workout that not only strengthens your body but also sharpens your mind. At SOMA Academy, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of each and every student. Our name comes from the Greek word sōma, which means body, and Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective forms of martial art and earliest forms of exercise for a complete physical and mental workout.


AT SOMA ACADEMY, we are committed to providing a supportive and safe environment where all students can learn, grow, and achieve their goals. Our team of experienced instructors will work with you on an individual basis to help you achieve your personal goals, whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your physical fitness, or learn self-defense.


BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU (BJJ) is a martial art that was developed from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 20th century. BJJ emphasizes ground fighting, where the goal is to control your opponent and submit them using various chokes, joint locks, and other techniques. BJJ is known for its effectiveness in real-life situations and mixed martial arts competitions.


AT SOMA ACADEMY, we embrace the principles and techniques of BJJ and tailor our teaching methods to meet the needs of our students, whether they are beginners or advanced practitioners. Our classes focus on both the physical and mental aspects of BJJ, including conditioning, technique, strategy, and mindset. 

ABOUT
COACH JARED

Head Coach Jared Emfield


Jared Emfield is a 3rd Degree Black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Matt Strack, Pedro Sauer, Rickson Gracie and Relson Gracie. He also holds a PhD in Educational Administration and has been a martial arts instructor in Idaho Falls for 31 years.

Accolades

  • Head Instructor of SOMA Jiu-Jitsu in Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

The SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Philosophy

SOMA Jiu-Jitsu: A Team Effort

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.


The SOMA Philosophy

Jiu-jitsu is so much more than just a fun activity to dabble in a couple times a week. If done correctly, it can fundamentally change your mind, body, and character. It can change the way you look at life and how you pursue your goals. It fundamentally shifts the way you solve problems and how you approach adversity. Students are challenged mentally and physically every class. They quickly learn that getting angry or acting rashly doesn't help. Instead, they learn to remain calm, think through the problem, and act strategically. Team members often lose weight, get in shape, reduce their stress levels, lower their dependence on medications, and benefit in so many other ways. Students become better athletes, but more importantly better people.


SOMA ​Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone!

The nature of Jiu-jitsu training allows each student to scale their training to their own needs. In other words, your training can be as high-impact or low-impact as you need it to be. This means that children and youth can learn self-defense without learning to be violent or aggressive, and in a safe atmosphere. It also allows adults of all ages to continue training, even as they age. In fact, Jiu-jitsu can help students improve their health and mobility as they age. Helio Gracie, for example, trained well into his 90s. The key is to adapt your training to yourself even as you train with your team.

In a time when individualism and entitlement run rampant, SOMA emphasizes a team mentality and a strong work-ethic. When everyone is united in their goals and focused on lifting others, teammates improve their skills and their character. It takes a team to make possible what was impossible for the individual.