Our Story
More Than A Martial Arts School We're A Community
We empower families in our community to live happier and healthier lives through martial arts.
OUR STORY
Changing Lives In RIGBY
SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy has served the Idaho Falls community for over 30 years. Founded in 1994 by Professor Jared Emfield — a 3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Rickson Gracie and Pedro Sauer, with a PhD in Educational Leadership — our academy blends world-class Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with a teaching methodology rooted in real academic science. From young children in our Little Porcupines program to adult practitioners training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, every student at SOMA is guided through a process of self-mastery that carries far beyond the mat.
OUR STORY
Our Core Values
Safety First
Every class is taught in a fully padded, supervised environment by certified, background-checked instructors. Your child's safety is never negotiated.
Genuine Care
We know every child by name. Our instructors invest in each student's personal growth — not just their technique. This is a family, not just a gym.
Community
SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a place where kids make lifelong friendships and parents feel at home. We celebrate every milestone together.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards — in instruction quality, student development, and the culture we build inside these walls.
TEAM
Meet Your Instructors
Founder Of SOMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Professor Jared Emfield
Professor Jared Emfield is a 3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who earned his rank under some of the most respected names in the art's history — Rickson Gracie, Pedro Sauer, and Matt Strack. With a PhD in Educational Leadership, Professor Emfield brings a unique approach to instruction that merges technical precision with proven teaching methodologies. He founded SOMA Academy in 1994 and has spent over three decades developing students of all ages across Eastern Idaho. His philosophy is simple: strength matters, technique is essential, but character is paramount.
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