We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Tiegs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, how does your business help the community?
I have practiced Jiu Jitsu since I was eight years old and I believe it to be one of the most powerful skills an individual can learn. Apart from learning how to use your body and understand the principles of self-defense, Jiu Jitsu can build your confidence, assist in healing trauma, and be one of the most fun, frustrating, exciting, and fulfilling endeavors you can undertake. The journey that Jiu Jitsu provides is truly unlike anything else I have experienced in my life.

I am a sponsored athlete with the nonprofit organization All Things Possible (ATP), headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. ATP’s mission is to identify, interrupt, and restore those affected by trauma. This includes:

• Fighting and preventing sex trafficking within the United States and abroad.

• Assisting women and children who suffer from terrorist regimes in the Middle East

• Providing relief to the survivors of sex trafficking, abuse, and violence.

• Providing relief to veterans suffering from PTSD.

It is my privilege to work with ATP as one of the head Jiu Jitsu instructors for trauma survivors and veterans. I have seen the confidence and demeanor of individuals make radical changes within just a few hours of Jiu Jitsu training. Those who have survived trauma often struggle with feeling like they are in their body. Jiu Jitsu forces you to be present and entirely focused on the moment at hand, it grounds you and brings you back to yourself. It allows you to reclaim your body. Because of this, I have seen Jiu Jitsu heal people and help them overcome their trauma, it is truly incredible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Having had Jiu Jitsu be a part of 70% of my life so far, I don’t know what kind of person I would be if I had not started training at age eight. Jiu Jitsu helped shape the person I am today. It helped me overcome social anxiety, it helped me become a proficient public speaker, it has allowed me to influence and change the lives of others for the better, and so much more. Because I know the power of Jiu Jitsu, I can’t help but want to share it with others.

What amazes me about Jiu Jitsu is that it can be a self-defense methodology, a sport, a hobby, a community, a therapeutic tool, and more.

I am currently a graduate student earning a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology. I am highly interested in the mind, how we learn, and the philosophy of martial arts. The things we choose to participate in have an influence on every other aspect of our lives. In exploring the psychological aspects of Jiu Jitsu, I have seen the therapeutic elements that it holds. I have seen the confidence that it brings to people. I have seen these positive changes in myself as well as countless others.

Presently, the best way to support me is through seminars. I am happy to come to your city and share my love of Jiu Jitsu with you! My seminars cater to whatever the event entails. They can be highly technical, for experienced Jiu Jitsu practitioners, but they can also be extremely accessible and introductory for those who have no idea what “goo-gets-you” is.

If anything, I consider myself an ambassador for Jiu Jitsu. If reading this gets you interested in exploring the art, I consider that a job well done, regardless of if I ever meet you personally. Feel free to reach out to me on social media with any questions that you have, I am happy to help!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re in Denver, Safta is the place to go for food. I could probably eat every meal there and not get tired of the amazing flavors.

A drive to Colorado Springs would mean an immediate stop at Garden of the Gods. While in the Springs, you’d have to go train Jiu Jitsu at DC Fighters USA and Wilson Bros. grappling!

The penny arcade in Manitou Springs and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are also some of my childhood favorites!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am grateful for the love and support of my family, fiancé, coaches, professors, and all those who have taken the time to support me in any way.

Special shoutout to All Things Possible for all they’ve done to support my career as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and for helping me share the power of Jiu Jitsu.

I’d also like to thank War Tribe Gear for providing me with the best Jiu Jitsu gear!

Website: https://victormarx.com/donate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarontiegsbjj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aarontiegsbjj

Image Credits
First photo: Leon MacCormack Others: Kendell McGuffey

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.