A Keepers of the Mats Feature Story
Some people walk through the doors of Tried & True Jiu Jitsu looking for fitness, confidence, or community. Others walk in without even realizing what they’re searching for until they find it. For Sam Welteroth, that first step onto the mats ended up reshaping almost every part of his life.
Sam started training in August of 2024, originally coming in to sign up his son Lance for our youth program. At the time, he had no idea that Jiu Jitsu was about to become something much bigger than a way to keep his son active. What he discovered was clarity, purpose, confidence, and a community that would quickly feel like home.
Coming out of high school, Sam had a clear path in mind: he wanted to join the military. It was the family tradition. His father, grandfather, brothers—all had served. But medical issues cut that dream short before it ever began. He struggled with the disappointment, the loss of direction, and the feeling of not knowing what came next. College didn’t fit. Criminal justice seemed promising until general education classes drained his drive. Eventually he took a job straight out of the classifieds and stayed there for nearly two decades.
What he didn't know at the time was that the purpose and camaraderie he’d hoped to find in the military would be waiting for him years later in a Jiu Jitsu gym in Muncy.
Before Lance joined the program, Sam said his son was showing signs of frustration, lack of self-control, and emotional overwhelm—things many kids experience. Within the first month of training, everything changed. Lance became calmer, more confident, and more focused.
When Lance was signed up, Sam was offered a free month to try adult classes, Sam walked onto the mats with an open mind. What he found surprised him.
Physically, he was exhausted. Mentally, he felt clearer than he had in years. Emotionally, he felt lighter. The simple act of being present—solving problems under pressure, learning new skills, and being surrounded by supportive people—started to flip a switch inside of him.
Before training, Sam had dealt with lingering post-surgery pain that affected his ability to be active and even play with his son. Doctors provided little relief. Daily life wore him down. But through training, stretching, and consistent movement, Sam began reclaiming his mobility and strength. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he had his body back.
Jiu Jitsu also helped him with patience, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. He described feeling a “calmness in the violence”—a grounded presence that quieted the mind even when the training was intense. His wife noticed the change immediately. His mother noticed it too. Sam wasn’t just learning a martial art; he was rebuilding himself from the inside out.
A huge part of Sam’s transformation comes from the people around him. From day one, teammates welcomed him with open arms. Whether it was Duncan jokingly offering to “go beat up some dads” after Lance had been bullied, or Kayla calling him a brother after earning another stripe, the camaraderie became impossible to miss.
Being surrounded by people from all walks of life opened Sam’s eyes to how powerful community can be. Some friendships felt like they’d formed overnight. Others grew through mutual struggle, shared sweat, and constant encouragement.
Helping with the youth program also became a meaningful part of Sam’s weekly routine. Watching kids gain confidence, witnessing their “lightbulb moments,” and seeing Lance thrive in that environment deepened his sense of purpose. It also transformed the way he parents—handling situations more calmly, communicating clearly, and setting better boundaries.
Sam stepped into competition with the same mindset he carries in class: show up, try hard, and learn. He’s experienced wins, tough losses, and everything in between. One of his proudest moments was proving to himself that he could move, sweep, and contend with younger and heavier opponents. Another came at a recent tournament, where despite losing several matches, he walked off the mats with a deeper understanding of who he is and how far he’s come.
Every match—win or lose—added to his growth. Every experience taught him something about resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of showing up even when things feel heavy.
At the core of Sam’s story is a man who simply wanted to be better—for himself, for his son, and for his future. Jiu Jitsu gave him the structure he was searching for, the community he didn’t know he needed, and the confidence he thought he’d lost.
Sam describes what Jiu Jitsu has given him in three words: confidence, patience, and purpose.
He carries himself differently now. He’s proud of who he’s becoming. And he’s building a foundation that will influence his son and others for years to come.
If you’re someone who feels stuck, unsure, or without direction—Sam’s story is a reminder that the first step can change everything. You never know what walking onto the mats will give you until you try.
If you'd like to hear the full conversation with Sam, you can listen to the complete episode of Keepers of the Mats here: Episode 9: Sam Welteroth
And if anything in his story inspires you to get on the mats yourself, we’d love to roll with you.
Visit www.triedandtruejiujitsu.com to start your free week of training.
Keep training, keep growing, and come roll with us.
