Meet Jesse Tapsfield | Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor/Owner

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

Hi Jesse, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In June of 2005, at 23 years old, I began my career in law enforcement. Nearly two decades later, I remain an active full-time police officer. Early in my law enforcement journey, I was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art originally developed for a smaller or weaker person to be able to defend themselves against a much larger or stronger opponent using the proper application of leverage, super positioning, joint locks, or chokes. From the moment I encountered BJJ, I was enamored by its power, versatility, and effectiveness. I began my BJJ journey in January 2007, and it quickly became an essential part of both my career and personal life. The confidence, control, and problem-solving skills I developed through BJJ was invaluable to my growth as a police officer and enriching my life overall.

By 2008, after achieving the rank of blue belt, I had the unwavering desire to open a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. I wanted to pass on this skill set and the positive attributes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed and instilled in me over time to as many people as possible. My passion for teaching, discovered through instructing new officers and recruits in my career, further fueled this ambition. Then in March 2023, I finally opened Taps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Highlands Ranch.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud about regarding the opening of Taps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is two fold. The first is just the fact I did it. I pursued the desire that had been placed in my heart many years ago. Most people talk about it, few ever do it. It was very scary and honestly, I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into. I’m proud that I was able to overcome my fears, apprehensions and feelings of inadequacy and just did it.

Second, I’m proud that I’ve been able to pass on this amazing life changing martial art to others. People from all walks of life come through the doors of my gym. Different ages, sizes, genders, races, religion, socioeconomic backgrounds, careers, countries, etc. have all walked into my gym. Seeing people who are in the search of fulfilling some type of void or perceived shortcoming in their lives be answered through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is indescribable. Watching people transform and progress in a skill that they knew nothing about prior to walking through my gym doors is rewarding beyond measure.

However, this journey has not been without its challenges. With no prior experience and only a few friends and family knowing about my plans, I began with zero students and kept it quiet to avoid drawing anyone from my previous academy. My professor, Steve Hordinski, however, knew of my decision and gave me his blessing and support. The first day I opened my doors, only two people showed up. The next day, one. My students have almost all been strangers prior to entering my academy. The initial days were tough, but building from scratch has been worth it.

The only answer to succeeding or overcoming challenges is don’t quit. Simple as that. The only way you fail is if you quit. As long as you keep working hard and don’t quit, you’ll eventually succeed. The people I have met along the way have made the journey worth it. The quote that sticks out to me the most regarding this journey is “It’s so ironic that the people who support you and your brand are either complete strangers or just an acquaintance.” There is nothing closer to the truth than this.

When I first opened my BJJ Academy, I had been searching for something that could embody my reasoning and my desire to open a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym. I wanted to create a culture and an experience that was bigger than BJJ. Something to let people know what we were all about before even taking a single class. This was something that was always on my mind, but also something I couldn’t answer or articulate.

Then one day, while sitting in church, I was told the story of William Borden, an American philanthropist and millionaire turned missionary. After his untimely death, it is said that inscribed in his Bible was the words: “No Reserve. No Retreat. No Regrets”. Right then and there it hit me like a ton of bricks. That was it. That’s what I was trying to communicate to the world. I instantly opened my phone and saved this quote. Shortly after, these words were placed on the wall of our BJJ academy.

I want everyone’s life to be one of fulfillment and purpose. I want everyone on their last day of life to look back and not have a life full of regrets, but rather a life that was worth living. BJJ has been an integral part of my life and it will be something I do for the rest of my life. I truly believe in the life changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I wholeheartedly believe that BJJ can play a foundational role in helping create a life of no reserves, no retreat, and no regrets. This is how I try to live my life and I hope to be an example to others by teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am not perfect in this but I’ve promised to do my best and I want the best for everyone who walks in through our doors at Taps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many fun things to do when visiting Colorado and specifically the Denver area. A trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Golden. For breakfast, I’d take friends or family to “Bonfire Burrito” for an amazing breakfast burrito and then to “Higher Grounds Café” for coffee. We’d also enjoy a hike along the Clear Creek path, where we can watch people floating in inner tubes or kayaking through the white water park. The river also offers great spots for fly fishing.

Catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must-do, there is no better venue to watch a concert. For dinner options, “Sushi Den” serves the best sushi around. We’d finish the day with a stroll through Old Town Littleton and stop by “The Alley” for live music, finger foods, and excellent drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have played a crucial role in helping me realize this dream. Over the past 17.5 years, countless training partners have contributed to my growth as a martial artist. While I can’t name everyone, my main BJJ instructor Steve Hordinski III has had the biggest impact on the development and knowledge of my jiu-jitsu.

My identical twin brother Wade has shared this journey with me for its entirety, offering support even from afar. He continues to support my journey and has done so by moving here from out of state in part to help me with my academy. Wade is currently the head Muay Thai instructor for Taps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

As for opening the academy, no one has even come close to helping me more than my fiancé and co-owner, Jessica. Her unwavering support and encouragement gave me the confidence and ability to open the academy. Jesscia handles all the behind the scenes administrative tasks for the academy. Without her, this academy wouldn’t be possible. She is without a doubt the backbone of the academy and I am forever grateful for her.

Website: https://www.tapsbjj.com

Instagram: @taps.bjj

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tapsbjj