Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Aversa
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Rob and Travis first met in the Marine Corps in 2015, when both were assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. During their first deployment in 2016, they were introduced to Jiu Jitsu by Curtis and Rusty, a purple belt and a blue belt, who were deployed with them. The only space available for consistent training was a patch of flattened-out cardboard laid over the rough nonskid flooring in the well-deck of a Navy ship. That austere training setup marked the beginning of their journey in Jiu Jitsu.
Over the next two years, Rob and Travis trained wherever they could, despite constant travel for military training events and a second deployment. Some memorable training locations during their enlistments included a tarp laid out in the Mojave Desert, a basement gymnasium at a military base in Estonia, 80-year-old barracks buildings in Virginia, and run-down industrial buildings with broken windows during the dead of winter in North Carolina.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Rob and Travis joined their first gym at the renowned American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL. As life moved on, they relocated several times, leading to new gyms and new experiences. Rob eventually trained at Gamblers Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing in Palm Beach Gardens, where he earned his Brown Belt in April 2022 and his Black Belt in December 2023, under the instruction of Jay Jay Wilson and Johnny Faria.
By the end of 2024, Rob and Travis had settled in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area. They wanted to create a club that reflected their non-traditional roots in Jiu Jitsu, leading to the founding of BlackHat Jiu Jitsu Club. Their vision was to offer high-quality instruction, challenging training, a welcoming environment, and reasonable prices, making BlackHat a standout destination in the grappling community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to founding BlackHat wasn’t without its challenges. In the military, nothing ever runs smoothly, and finding time and places to train while traveling the world was never easy. After leaving the service, adjusting to civilian life proved even harder than expected. It took years for both Travis and Rob to regain their stability and sense of purpose.
Since BlackHat opened in October 2024, the biggest challenge has been showing people brand-new to Jiu Jitsu that it’s worth trying. Martial arts and combat sports can seem intimidating, but at BlackHat, we treat every person on our mats with the same care we’d give our own family. Jiu Jitsu is an incredible sport—both addictive and therapeutic—offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie unlike anything else.
If you’re feeling lost and ready for a challenge, we believe Jiu Jitsu could be life-changing for you. And we’re confident there’s no better place to start than BlackHat.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
BlackHat Jiu Jitsu Club, established in October 2024 in Jacksonville, FL, is a veteran-owned gym dedicated to providing high-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) training in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Founded by Rob and Travis, who began their Jiu Jitsu journey during their service in the Marine Corps, the club emphasizes respect, hygiene, and the encouragement of cross-training. Their unique experiences training in diverse and austere locations worldwide have shaped BlackHat’s commitment to accessibility and community.
Specialization and Offerings:
At BlackHat, we focus on practical skill development in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, honoring its roots in self-defense while embracing its evolution into a versatile grappling art. Our program emphasizes techniques effective against skilled opponents across various styles, ensuring practitioners excel in both competition and real-world scenarios. We offer unlimited classes for adults at an affordable rate of $80 per month, with no upfront registration fees and a free week trial for newcomers.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our core principles distinguish BlackHat within the martial arts community:
Respect for All: We treat everyone with respect, regardless of rank, skill, or ability.
Personalized Training: You control your training and participate at your comfort level.
Strict Hygiene: We enforce good hygiene to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Encouragement of Cross-Training: Train with us and wherever else you like; cross-training is encouraged.
Transparency: No hidden fees; our monthly membership covers everything except optional gear or merchandise.
Brand Pride:
We take pride in fostering a culture where Jiu Jitsu is accessible and free from unnecessary fees, making it open to all—whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist. Our members are in control of their own training, and we encourage questions, enforce hygiene, and treat everyone with care and respect.
What We Offer:
Supportive Community: Teammates who want to see you succeed.
Inclusive Environment: Welcoming individuals of all skill levels.
Passionate Coaching: Coaches who encourage questions and are dedicated to teaching.
Challenging Training: Programs with ample live sparring and modern, proven techniques.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Rob spent most of his childhood in Maryland and Pennsylvania, while Travis grew up in Georgia. Despite not meeting until their time in the Marine Corps, the two had remarkably similar upbringings.
Both were raised in Christian households, with their faith playing an important role in their lives. They shared a love for sports, especially baseball, football, and skateboarding, and spent much of their time outdoors. Rob enjoyed playing a variety of sports and wrestling with friends and his older brother, while Travis had a natural curiosity about the world around him and a strong drive to push himself physically.
Travis, the son of a career deputy sheriff, naturally balanced discipline with an adventurous spirit. From an early age, he felt called to serve and always carried a servant-leader mindset, something that ultimately led him to the Marine Corps. Rob tended to avoid confrontation as a kid, but developed a stronger competitive edge through his experiences in the military, which further fueled his passion for grappling and physical challenges.
Their paths finally crossed in the Marines, where their shared passion for training, teaching, and pushing others to be their best took root. Now, as coaches and lifelong students of Jiu Jitsu, they continue that mission—helping others grow, both on and off the mats.
Pricing:
- Free Trial – 10 days, unlimited classes
- Standard Membership – $80/month, unlimited classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackhatjiujitsuclub.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhatjiujitsuclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556154646944
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-aversa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackHatJiuJitsuClub
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-jewell/
