Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu Jitsu - Inspiration Behind the Design. Rashguard.

Training at Six Blades Jiu Jitsu in Fort Worth, Texas, I was introduced to a variety of sayings and commonly repeated taglines that would reinforce the foundation of the jiu-jitsu school's culture. I had not heard anything like it until those first few weeks I trained there, during the beginning of the school’s opening in 2020.

I would hear Professor Leonel speak in broken English, “Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu Jitsu,” and then I would see the application of it. Techniques were taught openly to all who wanted to learn them. Visitors and drop-ins were encouraged to check out other schools and go to open mats at other academies. All were and are welcome. There were plenty of families there, and kids being trained with firm kindness.

The vibe there was and still is really, actually light. And when it came to training for a purpose, meaning a competition, tournament, or superfight, the jiu-jitsu was heavy. It was fierce, a bunch of happy smiling, polite warriors were being created there.  

I loved it. After hearing the phrase “Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu Jitsu” a few times throughout the week, I created some lettering for the school and sent it to Professor Leonel. It really left an imprint on me, and I wanted to create something for him, his students, and his school. It was so specific to his teaching style and the culture he created that it made sense to me.

My specialty as a designer is hand lettering. I use words and letterforms to create shapes. I draw each letter by hand, creating a connected piece that visually looks as though all the words and letters belong right where they are.

I knew the jiu-jitsu community mostly likes bold, what I call “Loud Designs”: bright colors, bold statements, or dark colors with heavy statements. Either way, they like bold. And I like to share great messages through my designs. It’s a great match, and that's why the All Knowledge “Bold & Loud” concept started: Designs meant to carry ideas worth wearing.

“Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu-Jitsu” was specifically created from being and training at Six Blades Fort Worth/Team Marra’s environment that inspired it. It didn’t come from a brainstorm session or a trend—it came from being there, training there, and living that culture.

It is very cool to see high-level jiu-jitsu athletes and students, in class or in competition, wearing something I had drawn out and sent over to Professor Leonel, and casually saying:

“Hey, if you guys like this design and want to use it for something, please go ahead, it's yours.”

They repsond with, “Yes, for sure!”

Over the years, that turned into several collaboration products between All Knowledge and Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Fort Worth / Team Marra. After some collections like “Follow the Plan” or “Strong and Courageous”, the first “Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu-Jitsu” rashguard was released in 2024, initially for their students only.

Then something unexpected happened. The design started showing up on big stages. It gained attention from people outside the school who share this same mindset. And it reached a whole new level when Elizabeth Clay wore it while winning double gold at No-Gi Worlds 2025, submitting Gabi Pessanha in the Absolute finals.

As people started to ask for it, and because “Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu-Jitsu” is a message worth sharing with the entire jiu-jitsu community, Team Marra chose to share it with All Knowledge, allowing us to bring this mindset to everyone who believes in it. So now we have an “Light Vibe, Heavy Jiu-Jitsu” AK rashguard. It comes together with the “Living Is Not for the Weak” and “I Can Do All Things” to complete the “Bold & Loud” collection, which you can check out below.

At the end of the day, the inspiration for these lettering designs doesn’t come from trends. It comes from the school, the students, and the jiu-jitsu community itself. From real environments. Real people. Real journeys.

That’s what All Knowledge is about.

Seek Knowledge, Grow Strong.