Why We Sponsor Athletes and Why It Matters

Why We Sponsor Athletes and Why It Matters

Posted by Aaron Lynde on

At Go Forth, we're more than just a BJJ gear and apparel brand; we're part of the community. It is through sponsorship that we feel we can give back to the sport, strengthen it further, and uplift individuals who actually personify the values of hard work, perseverance, and passion.

Sponsoring athletes isn
't just about giving them gear or a logo on their back; it's about investing in the future of the sport we all love. In this blog, we'll explain why we proudly sponsor athletes, how it impacts the BJJ community, and why it's so important to us as a brand.

1. Supporting Those Who Inspire Us

Every athlete has a story—one filled with sweat, sacrifice, and countless hours spent on the mats. By sponsoring athletes, we have the privilege of supporting those who inspire us all to train harder and push our limits. These athletes are the embodiment of our motto, “Go Forth & Conquer.”

From white belts competing in their first tournament to seasoned black belts fighting on the world stage, we look for individuals who demonstrate heart, dedication, and a willingness to represent the values that make the BJJ community so special.


2. Giving Back to the BJJ Community

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is at the heart of everything we do. Sponsoring athletes allows us to reinvest in the community that has supported us as a brand. By backing talented competitors, we help provide opportunities for them to train, travel, and compete—things that are often financially challenging for many athletes.

Why This Matters:

  • BJJ tournaments and events can be expensive (registration fees, travel, gear, etc.). Sponsorship alleviates some of that burden.
  • It allows athletes to focus more on improving their skills and less on financial stress.
  • It motivates other practitioners to chase their own goals, knowing the community will support them along the way.

At Go Forth, our athletes don’t just wear our gear—they represent the greater spirit of the sport and serve as role models for the next generation of grapplers.


3. Showcasing the Importance of Quality Gear

Athletes are constantly testing their limits, and so is their gear. Sponsoring competitors gives us a chance to showcase the durability, comfort, and quality of Go Forth products in real-world scenarios. Our BJJ rashguards, BJJ Gis, and other apparel are built to handle the demands of intense training and competition.

When athletes trust our gear to perform at the highest levels, it speaks volumes to their teammates, coaches, and fans. Sponsorship is about demonstrating that our products can go the distance—just like the grapplers who wear them.


4. Promoting the Growth of the Sport

Sponsoring athletes plays a significant role in growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. Every time an athlete steps onto the mats wearing Go Forth gear, they’re helping elevate the visibility of the sport. Sponsorship:

  • Encourages more participation at tournaments and competitions.
  • Helps bring attention to new athletes who deserve recognition.
  • Builds excitement and support for the global BJJ community.

Athletes are ambassadors for the sport, spreading enthusiasm and showcasing BJJ’s beauty, intensity, and inclusivity. By sponsoring them, we’re helping introduce more people to the lifestyle that we all love.


5. Building a Relationship with Athletes

For us, sponsorship is about more than logos and promotion—it’s about building lasting relationships. We take pride in supporting athletes not just in their competitive careers, but also in their personal growth and journeys.

When we sponsor someone, we’re saying:

  • “We believe in you.”
  • “We support your goals.”
  • “You are part of the Go Forth family.”

Our sponsored athletes inspire us just as much as we aim to inspire them. Their feedback helps us improve our products, their stories motivate us, and their successes remind us why we do what we do.


6. Representing the Go Forth Ethos

At Go Forth, our brand ethos is simple: “No rules but my own.” Sponsoring athletes who embody that mindset—those who train hard, compete fearlessly, and push past limits—reinforces what we stand for.

We partner with individuals who live the Go Forth spirit: they conquer challenges, write their own rules, and inspire others to do the same. These athletes represent the strength and resilience of the grappling community, and we are proud to stand behind them.


Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

Sponsoring athletes is about more than marketing—it’s about contributing to something bigger. It’s about giving back to the community, supporting the sport’s growth, and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. By standing behind the athletes who inspire us, we’re helping shape the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

At Go Forth, we’re honored to support competitors who work relentlessly, represent their gyms, and showcase what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity.

To the athletes we sponsor and the community we serve: thank you for being part of the Go Forth family. Together, we’ll continue to grow, conquer, and inspire.

Go Forth & Conquer.

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