AJ Clingerman

As a Brown Belt (the fourth belt in BJJ), AJ became a full time Jiu-Jitsu instructor and opened up Roll Model Grappling along with Coach Risser.

“It was important for us to be able to provide an inclusive gym where people, no matter their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation were not only welcomed but celebrated!” In addition to the gym, Coach AJ and Coach Risser run the world’s largest women’s only grappling camp, several other co-ed camps and retreats, and a gear company. AJ also coaches other business owners on how to be successful, running multiple business masterminds.

With 23 years of gym ownership experience, Roll Model Grappling Academy owner AJ Clingerman is no stranger to running a fitness business. But opening Roll Model in April 2022 was a unique passion project. Clingerman was determined to create a unique Jiu-Jitsu training environment – one that is a genuine safe space for all, particularly the LGBTQIA community. Here, you are not just tolerated, but celebrated. Her mission is to help her students move past adversity and provide them the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their identity. As Roll Model Grappling Academy grows, we aspire to touch the lives of many students while we create world champions.

Roll Model Grappling Academy’s namesake is derived from Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp. Started by Clingerman, the camp is the world’s largest gathering of female grapplers. The goals, attitudes and instruction at our academy reflect those roots.