SOMA Jiu-Jitsu: A Team Effort

Just as martial arts styles differ significantly from each other, each academy has their own atmosphere and experience.   SOMA Jiu-jitsu Academy is a team of Jiu-jitsu practitioners from across the country who are united by a common philosophy and an incredible passion for Jiu-jitsu. Team SOMA has a proud lineage, an undying focus on improving the lives of others, and a shared belief that Jiu-jitsu is for everyone. SOMA is on a quest to help every team member reach their potential as a Jiu-jitsu student and as a person. Each team member should leave each class a better person than when they came in.

The SOMA Philosophy

Jiu-jitsu is so much more than just a fun activity to dabble in a couple times a week. If done correctly, it can fundamentally change your mind, body, and character. It can change the way you look at life and how you pursue your goals. It fundamentally shifts the way you solve problems and how you approach adversity. Students are challenged mentally and physically every class. They quickly learn that getting angry or acting rashly doesn't help. Instead, they learn to remain calm, think through the problem, and act strategically. Team members often lose weight, get in shape, reduce their stress levels, lower their dependence on medications, and benefit in so many other ways. Students become better athletes, but more importantly better people.

A Powerful Lineage

JIGORO KANO

MITSUYO MAEDA

HELIO GRACIE

RICKSON GRACIE

PEDRO SAUER

MATT STRACK

JARED EMFIELD

​Jiu-jitsu is for everyone!

The nature of Jiu-jitsu training allows each student to scale their training to their own needs. In other words, your training can be as high-impact or low-impact as you need it to be. This means that children and youth can learn self-defense without learning to be violent or aggressive, and in a safe atmosphere. It also allows adults of all ages to continue training, even as they age. In fact, Jiu-jitsu can help students improve their health and mobility as they age. Helio Gracie, for example, trained well into his 90s. The key is to adapt your training to yourself even as you train with your team.

In a time when individualism and entitlement run rampant, SOMA emphasizes a team mentality and a strong work-ethic. When everyone is united in their goals and focused on lifting others, teammates improve their skills and their character. It takes a team to make possible what was impossible for the individual.

SOMA Idaho

SOMA Jiu-jitsu Academy of Idaho Falls began as the Academy of Martial Arts in 1994 when Jared Emfield moved to Idaho Falls. Jared Emfield began training at the Pedro Sauer Academy in 2000, and received his black belt from Master Sauer in 2011. Most of his instruction took place under Professor Matt Strack, who taught many of the classes at the Pedro Sauer Academy during that time. He was awarded his 1st degree black belt under Professor Strack in 2020.

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INSTRUCTORS

​James Emfield
James Emfield began training before he could walk. He has been teaching Jiu-jitsu for about ten years. He is the head instructor at the Rexburg Academy and an instructor in Idaho Falls as well. He has a bachelor's degree in social work.
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Rank(s):   Black Belt - Gracie Jiu-jitsu

Profession:   Jiu-jitsu

Jared Emfield​
Jared Emfield has been teaching martial arts for more than 30 years. He prides himself on attention to detail, and helping every student reach their potential on and off the mats. He  worked as an educator for more than 20 years before dedicating himself to Jiu-jitsu. He has bachelors degrees in Anthropology and Education, a masters in Archaeology, and a PhD in Educational Leadership. He is a proud husband and father.

Rank(s):   ​2nd    Degree Black Belt - Gracie Jiu-jitsu, 5th Degree Black Belt - Kenpo

Profession: Jiu-jitsu

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