Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Scholarships
Empowering YouthThrough Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Tap Out Barriers, Inc. is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 39-4791168.
Tap Out Barriers removes financial barriers to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 with demonstrated financial need. We provide scholarships for training, essential gear, local competition support, and mentorship. Now serving Colorado, with plans to expand into more communities as donations grow.
Our Mission
“Tap Out Barriers creates opportunities for youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 to participate in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by providing scholarships for training, essential gear, and local competitions. Working alongside families, coaches, and community partners, we help recipients train consistently, pursue their goals, and stay connected to a positive community.”
Upcoming Fundraiser
Women's Self Defense Seminar
Join Tap Out Barriers at Easton BJJ Thornton for a practical, welcoming seminar led by experienced women in combat sports and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Your registration helps us plan, and the suggested donation supports youth and young adults who need access to BJJ training, gear, competition, and mentorship.
Date
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Easton BJJ Thornton
13762 Colorado Blvd #112, Thornton, CO 80602
Suggested donation at the door: $50
Proceeds support youth and young adults to train and compete in BJJ.
Hosted By
Hillary Guzman and Stacy Salazar
Hillary Guzman
2x Masters IBJJF World Champion
Stacy Salazar
Former MMA fighter and BJJ competitor
Recipient Spotlight
Samaya Carreon
Tap Out Barriers First Scholarship Recipient
“I will use this opportunity to show others that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, hard work and belief in yourself can open doors.”
Samaya Carreon
At just 16, Samaya Carreon has already shown what resilience looks like. After experiencing personal loss and navigating injuries and other challenges, she continues to show up with discipline, heart, and purpose at school, in her gym, and in competition.
A dedicated student-athlete from Gracie Barra Flatirons, Samaya is pursuing ambitious goals: finishing high school strong, earning an academic scholarship, becoming a state champion in wrestling, competing at the collegiate level, and continuing her journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As Tap Out Barriers’ first scholarship recipient, she is receiving support to help her train consistently, access essential gear, and pursue competition opportunities.
Samaya isn’t only chasing wins. She is building a future through hard work and belief in herself. To our donors: this opportunity exists because of you, and together, we can create the next one.
How We Help
Scholarships are designed to remove the most common barriers to consistent training and participation.
Training Access
We help qualified scholarship recipients access consistent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at participating academies.
Essential Gear
Scholarship support may help provide a gi, rashguard, and other essential equipment needed to participate safely and confidently.
Local Competition Support
Depending on available funding, Tap Out Barriers may help recipients participate in approved local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions.
Mentorship and Community
We connect young people with coaches, training partners, and community members who encourage discipline, growth, resilience, and belonging.
How It Works
Apply
A young person or parent/guardian submits an initial scholarship application.
Review
Each application is reviewed holistically, considering financial circumstances, barriers to participation, commitment, character, goals, requested support, and available program funding.
Connect
Selected recipients are connected with an approved Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school or supported at their current school.
Grow
Recipients are expected to demonstrate effort, attendance, respect, and a commitment to personal growth.
Confidence Starts on the Mat
More Than a Martial Art
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu builds confidence, discipline, and resilience. Through mentorship from coaches and training partners, young people develop a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the mats.
- Confidence through progressive skill development
- Discipline through consistent practice
- Resilience through overcoming challenges
- Mentorship from coaches and peers
- Belonging within a supportive community
Our Purpose
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can provide much more than physical training. It can help young people practice discipline, build confidence, work through challenges, develop healthy relationships, and become part of a supportive community. The cost of memberships, equipment, and competitions can place those opportunities out of reach. Tap Out Barriers exists to help close that gap.
Help a Young Person Step Onto the Mats
Whether you donate, volunteer, partner with us, or share our mission, you can help create an opportunity that reaches far beyond the mats.