Ramona MMA celebrates veterans with ‘ruck and roll’ event

Veterans Day in a small town like Ramona is always a special time. Red poppies are handed out at local stores as a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice for those who served in the military, schools hold recognition assemblies and local businesses find meaningful ways to pay tribute.

On Nov. 9, the Ramona MMA Center, in affiliation with the We Defy Foundation, hosted a “Ruck and Roll” fundraising event dedicated to the veterans of R-Town. These events are held nationwide, with fundraising efforts to provide scholarships to potential athletes running from Nov. 1 through 30.

The event was organized by Ray Miranda, a We Defy Foundation ambassador, Ramona resident and U.S. Navy veteran who is passionate about helping fellow combat veterans find a place where community, connection and support are strong.

“I have always wanted to help veterans, and becoming a We Defy ambassador I am able to help combat veterans through their recovery and training time,” Miranda said. “I have about ten We Defy athletes around California that I help, four of which live in Ramona.”

The We Defy Foundation is an organization that empowers combat veterans through Brazilian jiu-jitsu and physical fitness. Potential athletes can apply for the We Defy Foundation scholarship, which supports honorably discharged combat veterans with an 80% or higher disability rating who are new to jiu-jitsu and are white belts.

The program offers one free year of training at a We Defy-approved facility. Athletes must be willing to dedicate at least one year to training.

The “Ruck and Roll” event began early, with participants gathering at 8 a.m. for a ruck up and down Mt. Woodson. The 3-mile out-and-back hike “was a slow start,” said Dakota Peterson, a Ramona resident and We Defy athlete, who was hiking Mt. Woodson for the first time.

“It was a jovial time, and it took us about 120 minutes to complete. The views were pretty amazing,” said Peterson, a U.S. Navy veteran.

After the ruck, participants joined up at the Ramona MMA Center, a We Defy-affiliated gym, for the “roll” portion of the event, beginning at 11 a.m. There, veterans, instructors, and community members joined for an open mat jiu-jitsu session.

“Today’s event was about more than Jiu Jitsu. It was about honoring veterans and showing support through action,” said Kevin Hosseini, owner of Ramona MMA Center. “Partnering with the We Defy Foundation gave us a chance to raise awareness and help those dealing with combat-related disabilities find healing through training.”

“Over the years I’ve seen how this art provides a safe outlet, a sense of community, and the kind of structure and discipline that can bring balance back into everyday life,” said Hosseini, who has been training in Brazilian jiu jitsu since 1998 and holds a 4th Degree Black Belt. “Our goal is to create an environment where people feel supported, connected and valued.” 

Kyle Blackwell, a Ramona resident, has been a We Defy athlete and student at the Ramona MMA Center for nearly a year.

“I heard about We Defy from Ramona MMA, and I was encouraged to apply to become a We Defy athlete because jiu jitsu has made me physically stronger, and has given me a consistent routine,” said Blackwell, who served as a Navy Seal for six and a half years and recently became a blue belt. “It has also brought me back to a brotherhood and community that I was missing since getting out of the military.” 

For more information on how to become a We Defy athlete, or to support the We Defy Foundation and the Ramona MMA Center, contact Miranda at the center, 2102 Main St., Suite 2, or call 760-787-5855.