A number of martial arts black belt champions are set to be in Jamaica this weekend for the official opening of Heaven Jiu Jitsu studio, founded by multiple-time World, Pan- American, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix champion, Jamaican Professor Stephen Heaven.

Among the six are Chad “Kodiak” Fields, multiple-time World, European, and Pan-American champion; Roosevelt Sousa, multiple-time World, Pan-American and Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) champion; and Daniel Fundora, World and Pan-American champion and owner of Arise martial arts in Florida.

“This event marks the combination of a rather beautiful journey. To be able to bring the sport that I am so thankful for and passionate about to my country is a dream come true. I cannot wait to see our people reaping the many benefits of this great art,” Heaven told the Jamaica Observer.

From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm guests attending the grand opening of the studio, located at 1A Hope Boulevard in St Andrew, will be exposed to the benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, regarded as not only martial arts but a mindset, way of life, and powerful tool for personal development.

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based discipline that emphasises technique, leverage, and strategy over brute strength.

Its origins have been traced back to the Nara period (710–794) in Japan when the discipline developed as a battlefield art for samurai, focusing on techniques like throws, joint locks, and chokes to combat armoured opponents.

The art evolved further in the 17th century, becoming more popular and diverse. Later, jiu-jitsu influenced the development of judo and eventually the Gracie family in Brazil played a key role in developing Brazilian jiu-itsu.

Proponents of the sport say in addition to discipline it teaches confidence, focus, resilience, empowerment, self-defence, offers intense physical and mental challenge while demanding strategy, endurance, and adaptability.

Heaven has dedicated himself to growing the sport in Jamaica with the hope of producing future champions from the island.

Additionally, Heaven and his team have, through a tactical advancement programme, been working with the Jamaican police and military to implement grappling-based defensive tactics that emphasise control, de-escalation and officer safety.

According to Heaven Jiu Jitsu, this programme provides modern, practical techniques that allow law enforcers to neutralise threats without unnecessary force, significantly reducing the risk of injury to both security personnel and civilians.

At Saturday’s grand opening, the world champions are scheduled to give live demonstrations. Additionally, the event will feature interactive seminars, as well as a meet and greet with internationally renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.