Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Somerton

With the slouching economy back on the rise, many new businesses are popping up all over the area. In the Northeast, the Mixed Martial Arts craze has hit in the form of Kozma BJJ. This Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school based in Somerton offers students the opportunity to learn a valuable grappling technique used in MMA fighting. Owner Pete Kozma says he started the school after he earned his purple belt in only a year and a half, a task that takes on average five years.

“I guess it was my time to shine,” Kozma said. “When I got my purple belt I never thought of opening schools or to even get purple belt.”

Kozma BJJ opened nearly six months ago and has shown steady signs of improvement. Kozma says the school has gone up in attendance from a handful to at least 20. With a school like this in the area Kozma hopes to share his knowledge of the sport he has grown to love with the younger generations around him.

“It’s 50-50 for me because of course you would like to make some money,” Kozma said. “But I also want to help these kids maybe get their purple belt some day and open their own schools you know.”

Shaun Gallagher is a student at Temple University writing for Philadelphia Neighborhoods, with whom NEast Philly has a partnership.