In 2001 Coach J.J ” Choctaw” Thompson starting training in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, then life hit as his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Coach Thompson made a choice to put all things in his life on hold, even his training in Jiu Jitsu to take care of his mother during this time. Coach Thompson as a leader lives by the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at the time of a challenge and Coach Thompson chose to stand with his mother as her battle began with cancer. His mother beat cancer as she is cancer free today also Coach Thompson keeps a Pink hash mark as reminder on his Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. In 2006 His mother said I think its time that you get back to Jiu Jitsu, Coach Thompson went back to training hitting it hard driving 120 miles one way to train 4 days a week as there were no legitimate gyms in his area that had anyone ranked in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As Coach Thompson came up the ranks he was in need of more training partners that were closer to this area so coach put mats down in his two car garage invited a few that were interested in Jiu Jitsu. This soon attracted more training partners and then Grip Game Jiu Jitsu was born as it was evident that real self defense was wanted and needed in our area. He quickly out grew the garage and now has a 8000sqft training facility in Denison Tx. What holds true from the first day in the garage to present day is Grip Game was started not for money, it was started by a group of people who are deeply involved in this art. At Grip Game we do not have testing fees or belt fees like you find everywhere else. Here you earn it and it is yours. Grip Game was founded by the grind and mat time earning your way by training not by your bank account.