Our Story
About Us
15+ years of experience. One mission: transform lives through martial arts.
About Us
Our Mission
At Empower Jiu Jitsu, our mission is simple: transform lives through martial arts, education, and community. We are dedicated to building a safe, welcoming home where every person, regardless of age, gender, or experience level, can grow and thrive.
We believe martial arts is for everyone. Through our programs, kids and adults build the confidence, discipline, and resilience that make a real difference far beyond the mat. Our caring, proven approach does not just teach technique. It helps people become stronger, more confident versions of themselves, and it brings families closer together along the way.
Head Instructor
Jason Reno
Black Belt · Founder
Jason Reno built Empower Jiu Jitsu with one goal in mind: to create a place where everyday people could train, grow, and find strength again. His journey into jiu-jitsu began long before Empower opened its doors, and it is one built on perseverance, healing, and a belief that training can change lives far beyond the mats.
Jason started training in martial arts in 2006 before chronic back pain forced him to step away. Years later, after countless doctor and therapy visits with no answers, he met a strength and conditioning coach named Ben at BeWell Fitness who helped him rebuild his body. Within six months, he was pain free for the first time in years.
That experience changed his direction completely. He left his work as an EKG technician in the hospital system and became a strength and conditioning coach, spending nearly eight years helping everyday people get stronger, overcome pain, and rediscover what their bodies could do. He worked alongside local therapists to bridge the gap between rehab and lasting health, focusing not just on fitness, but on helping people rebuild their confidence and capability.
Jason trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under black belt Carlos Archila of Lake County BJJ, developing an approach to coaching built around patience, problem solving, and longevity. Those values define Empower's culture today. In 2021 he earned his black belt from Carlos and moved with his family to Pennsylvania, where Empower Jiu Jitsu was born.
Empower is not just a gym. It is a small community school built for people who never imagined they could do something like jiu-jitsu, and for families who want to grow together. Jason's approach blends years of coaching and real-life experience to help every student train smart, stay safe, and grow at their own pace. At Empower, you do not have to be an athlete to start. You just have to show up, and we will help you find your inner athlete.
Why Empower
A Community, Not Just a Gym
At Empower, we combine caring, experienced instruction with a genuinely welcoming family atmosphere. Our coaches guide kids and adults patiently, and our members encourage one another every step of the way. With flexible class times built for busy lives, programs for every age and level, and a clean, friendly environment, we make it easy to begin. We believe the best training happens when people feel supported, so we have built a place where everyone belongs, beginners most of all.
Your Journey Starts Here
Whether you are looking for a confidence boost for your child, a healthier and stronger you, or simply a place to belong, you are welcome at Empower. Come see what our community is all about.
Book a Free Class