My Bruises Are From supports survivors of domestic violence and abuse by promoting awareness, accountability, and safer training environments—especially within Brazilian jiu-jitsu and martial arts communities.

We believe:

• No community is immune to harm.

• Awareness is critical, but action, standards, and responsibility are essential.

• Safe training spaces are defined not just by rules, but by intentional culture and daily practice.

• Empowering environments reduce harm, uplift the vulnerable, and strengthen community.

Today, My Bruises Are From champions both awareness and Clear Mat Standards—a partnership initiative dedicated to helping academies adopt not only respectful behavior toward survivors, but measurable safety and ethics practices across their training cultures.

Together, we encourage individuals and academies to take responsibility for the environments they create, publicly commit to clear expectations, and help make every mat a place where strength and safety coexist.

Core Values

Respect
We treat every person with dignity, honor boundaries, and foster environments where all participants feel safe physically and emotionally.

Accountability
We acknowledge power and influence, and we take responsibility for our actions, choices, and the culture we create.

Clarity
We define expectations rather than assuming them, communicate standards openly, and uphold transparent norms that protect people and community well-being.

Safety-Centered Practice
We prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological safety by modeling ethical behavior, supporting clear reporting pathways, and attending to the needs of vulnerable individuals.

Empowerment Through Integrity
We seek to strengthen people and communities through ethical leadership, inclusive engagement, and steadfast commitment to doing what’s right.

Community & Support
We uplift one another, cultivate trust, and work collaboratively to reduce harm and foster belonging.