An upcoming martial arts festival by Little Piney River is bringing together Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors, hobbyists and families for a weekend of grappling and goodwill. The Jiu-Jitsu Outlet Jamboree, hosted by local academy Jiu-Jitsu Outlet, is set for May 31–June 1 and promises a unique blend of open-air training, professional jiu-jitsu “superfights,” live music and outdoor recreation — all in support of a cancer-fighting cause.
MARTIAL ARTS FESTIVAL ON THE LITTLE PINEY RIVER
Part martial arts tournament and part summer camp, the jamboree will unfold on the academy’s scenic property beside the Little Piney River just 10 minutes from downtown Houston. Participants can roll out their mats under the trees for open mat training sessions between scheduled matches, cool off with a swim in the clear river and camp overnight on-site to soak in the full experience. By night, attendees will gather around bonfires for food and camaraderie, with local food trucks and vendors on hand throughout the event. Organizers say there will be music playing, yard games for kids and adults, yoga classes in nature and even a sauna on the porch for sore muscles – creating a festival atmosphere that goes beyond the average martial arts meet.
“We wanted to create an event that not only showcases the best of regional jiu-jitsu talent, but also invites everyone to enjoy a weekend of fun and community,” said Paul Tokgozoglu, founder of Jiu-Jitsu Outlet and organizer of the jamboree.
“It’s about coming together in nature, celebrating martial arts and giving back to a meaningful cause.” Tokgozoglu emphasized that all ages, affiliations and experience levels are welcome at the jamboree – including total beginners. “Our open mats are set up to be beginner-friendly, with plenty of experienced people on the mats to help you out – even if all you want to do is learn a new move for the first time,” he said. In other words, you don’t have to be a seasoned fighter to take part; newcomers will find a supportive environment to try jiu-jitsu alongside veteran practitioners.
SUPERFIGHT LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS THE REGION’S BEST
At the heart of the jamboree is a full day of professional-level jiu-jitsu superfights – one on the hour, every hour – featuring some of the area’s top grapplers. The action kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, with the first of seven scheduled bouts, and continues through the afternoon. Open mat free-roll periods will fill the intervals between matches, allowing attendees to practice techniques and share tips on the mats when they’re not watching the featured contests.
The main event at 4 p.m. will see UFC fighter Julius “Juicebox” Walker step onto the mat against Ryan “Big Red” Culbertson-Faegre, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt known in Missouri’s grappling circles. This headline matchup pits a rising mixed martial artist with UFC experience against a highly accomplished local black belt, promising an electric showdown for attendees gathered around the outdoor mat. Leading up to that finale, the 3 p.m. co-main event will feature brown belt standout Alex Stevens taking on fellow brown belt J.J. Speake in another elite grappling contest.
Full May 31 Superfight Schedule: (all bouts preceded by open mat time)
• 10 a.m. – Match 1: Youth competitors Carson Ramsey vs. Ayiden Gooding (kids’ division showcase)
• 11 a.m. – Match 2: Cameron Kelley vs. Adam Neugebauer
• 12 p.m. – Match 3: Christian Maddox vs. Drew Williams
• 1 p.m. – Match 4: Tyler Hembree vs. Lucas Ballinger
• 2 p.m. – Match 5: Casey Lee vs. Christy Jestice
• 3 p.m. – Match 6 (Co-Main Event): Alex Stevens vs. J.J. Speake (brown belt vs. brown belt)
• 4 p.m. – Match 7 (Main Event): Julius “Juicebox” Walker vs. Ryan “Big Red” Culbertson-Faegre (UFC fighter vs. BJJ black belt)
Each superfight is scheduled for roughly 15 minutes, followed by about 45 minutes of open mat time. After the final match concludes, the mats will remain open into the evening for sparring or casual training, as the community winds down with camping and bonfire gatherings on Saturday night.
GRAPPLING FOR A CAUSE
Beyond the excitement on the mats, the Jiu-Jitsu Outlet Jamboree is fundamentally a charitable event. All proceeds from the weekend will go to Tap Cancer Out, a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises money for cancer-fighting organizations through grappling events. Since its founding in 2012, Tap Cancer Out has donated more than $7 million to cancer charities, and the Houston Jamboree aims to add to that tally. An auction at 5 p.m. on May 31 will cap the day’s programming, offering special items and prizes to further boost the fundraising effort. Organizers note that the minimum admission donation is $20 per person, which serves as the attendee’s “ticket” to enter. Every guest must donate at least $20 to Tap Cancer Out for entry, and higher contributions are encouraged. “It’s a chance to enjoy what we love doing and make a difference at the same time,” Tokgozoglu said. “Every roll, every match, it’s all for the cause of fighting cancer.”
COMMUNITY INVITATION AND EVENT DETAILS
With its mix of high-level jiu-jitsu, outdoor fun and altruism, the jamboree has drawn interest from martial artists across the region. The open invitation extends to practitioners of any academy or affiliation, as well as spectators and absolute beginners curious to learn about the sport. Families are welcome – there will be activities for kids like balloon art and face painting, and the atmosphere is aimed at being family-friendly and inclusive. The event site, nestled in the woods, offers ample space for tents and camping at no extra cost (attendees should bring their own gear, and spots are first-come, first-served). Those who prefer not to camp can still attend for a single day and enjoy the festivities.
Jiu-Jitsu Outlet Jamboree will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, and conclude by early afternoon on Sunday, June 1. The location is 6736 Douglas Road, Houston, Mo., at the Jiu-Jitsu Outlet Houston academy facility. For anyone planning to attend, the organizers advise RSVPing online and making the donation in advance. Full details and RSVP registration are available at jiujitsuoutlet.com/jamboree. Donations to Tap Cancer Out can be made through the event page, and a confirmation receipt will be required at the gate.
As the Houston area gears up for this first-of-its-kind Jiu-Jitsu Jamboree, excitement is building for a weekend where black belts and beginners alike can share the mats – and where every takedown and tap-out contributes to a greater fight beyond the arena. In the words of one organizer, “We’re all on the same team when it comes to tapping out cancer.”
