About us

Group of children and a man in martial arts uniforms, posing in a gym.

15+

Years of
experience

Our Mission

ABOUT US

At Empower Jiu Jitsu, our mission is simple: transform lives through martial arts, education, and coaching. We're dedicated to building a safe, comfortable, and welcoming community where every person, regardless of age, gender, or experience level, can thrive.

We believe martial arts is for everyone. Through our programs, you'll learn practical self-defense skills and develop the discipline, confidence, and mental toughness to achieve your personal goals.


Our realistic, proven approach doesn't just teach technique, it empowers you to become the best version of yourself and live with greater confidence, strength, and purpose.

Man in black martial arts uniform smiling. Red belt, black gi. Black, grey background.

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Jason Reno

Jason Reno built Empower Jiu Jitsu with one goal in mind to create a place where everyday people could train, grow, and find strength again. His journey into Jiu Jitsu began long before Empower opened its doors and it’s one built on perseverance, healing, and a belief that training can change lives far beyond the mats.


Jason started training in mixed martial arts in 2006, competing in several amateur fights and local nogi competitions before chronic back pain forced him to step away from the sport. Several years later after countless doctor and therapy visits with no answers, he eventually met a strength and conditioning coach named Ben at BeWell Fitness who helped him rebuild his body. Within six months, he was pain free for the first time in years.


That experience with Ben changed his direction completely in life leaving the hospital system where he was an EKG technician. Jason became an intern at BeWell Fitness working towards being a strength and conditioning coach, spending nearly eight years helping everyday people get stronger, overcome pain, and find their inner athlete. Helping clients reconnect with the parts of themselves they thought they’d lost. He worked alongside local therapists to bridge the gap between rehab and performance, focusing not just on fitness, but on helping people rediscover confidence, purpose, and capability.


In 2013, Jason returned to the mats, this time studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under black belt Carlos Archila of Lake County BJJ. Over the years he trained, taught, and developed his approach to coaching around patience, problem solving, and longevity. Values that would eventually define Empower’s culture. In 2021, he earned his black belt from Carlos and moved with his family to Sarver, Pennsylvania, where Empower Jiu Jitsu was born.

Empower isn’t just a gym, it’s a small community school built for people who thought they could never do something like Jiu Jitsu.


Jason’s approach blends years of strength coaching, martial arts, and

real-life experience to help students train smart, stay safe, and grow at their own pace.


At Empower, you don’t have to be an athlete to start, you just have to show up, and we’ll help you find your inner athlete.

Why Us?

Why Choose Empower?

At Empower, we combine authentic martial arts instruction with a welcoming family atmosphere. Our certified instructors provide expert guidance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing while our supportive community helps you achieve your goals, whether that's fitness, self-defense, personal growth, or competition.


With flexible schedules designed for busy lives, comprehensive programs for all ages and levels, and a clean, professional environment, we make it easy to start your martial arts journey. We focus on structured, systematic learning so you progress with confidence. Join our family and experience the difference that quality instruction, genuine support, and a judgment-free community makes.