Inner Strength Initiative

Donate

Your support makes a difference in transforming lives! Donations to the Inner Strength Initiative (ISI) help provide access to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or powerlifting for individuals suffering from trauma-related mental health challenges. Every contribution brings someone closer to healing and empowerment. You can donate easily via Venmo to our username ISI18 or by clicking the following link: https://venmo.com/u/ISI18. Together, we can empower individuals to thrive beyond their trauma.

Sponsored Athletes

Nathaniel "Nate" Crosson

Nathaniel "Nate" Crosson is a dedicated and inspiring athlete who brings both determination and passion to his craft. An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, Nate embodies the core values of service, integrity, and excellence not only in his profession but also in his athletic pursuits.

With over a decade of experience as a competitive athlete, Nate has excelled in multiple disciplines. He is a seasoned marathon runner, pushing his physical and mental limits to achieve peak performance—finding limits and failures, then breaking them the next race. His dedication to swimming extends beyond his personal training; he shares his expertise as a swim coach, helping others develop their skills and confidence in the water. A passionate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Nate balances his rigorous training schedule with the discipline and technique required in this challenging martial art.

Nate’s connection to the Inner Strength Initiative is deeply personal. Despite enduring service-related injuries, he has persevered through every challenge with unwavering resilience. His journey embodies the spirit of the organization, and he is passionate about helping others overcome obstacles, find strength within themselves, and thrive through the healing power of community and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, running, and overall fitness.

Nate’s commitment to excellence, both in and out of his uniform, makes him a perfect ambassador for the Inner Strength Initiative. He understands the power of action and strong moral character—pushing himself past limits where most would quit, demonstrating that nothing is impossible even when your back is against the wall.

Michael Vigil

Michael has dedicated five years to training at Impact Jiujitsu Albuquerque and has three years of experience working the front desk. Recently returning to competition, he has already participated in a superfight, the ADCC Trials, and a local NAGA event this year.

He strongly believes in ISI’s mission of building resilience and empowerment through connection and the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Outside of his own training, Michael supports and uplifts teammates by teaching, sharing knowledge, and welcoming everyone who steps into the gym, whether they are new or returning practitioners.

Honored to be an ISI sponsored athlete, he is grateful for the chance to inspire others and help them reach their goals through Jiu-Jitsu. Michael believes the practice is a powerful tool for managing mental health, offering presence, awareness, and stress relief both in training and competition.

About

Inner Strength Initiative, ISI, is a 501 (c ) (3) Non-Profit organization dedicated to helping those that suffer from Trauma-Related Mental Illness move from survival to thriving. The path that we provide is a path that our founder, Jebidiah Osborn, walks every day. We aim to facilitate access to Combat Sports and Powerlifting by providing a Tuition Assistance Program. ISI will pay for 1 year of training plus gear as well as mentorship and guidance to help our clients find a favorite version of themselves beyond the trauma they experienced.

Our founder, Jebidiah Osborn, is someone that has to navigate life while suffering from Complex PTSD. Having come from an extremely broken home filled with physical, mental, and sexual abuse and later in life experiencing the trauma of witnessing multiple suicides through his career on the railroad, Jeb was in dire mental straits. As a husband and father of 4 he knew something needed to be done. It is through the combination of Power Lifting, BJJ, and therapy that Jeb found healing. It is in this healing journey that Jeb knew he could be a light to those that are lost in the darkness.

Presence Under Pressure – Beginner Jiu-Jitsu for First Responders

Join us on February 25th at 9:00 AM at the John Marshall Building (Room 132), 1500 Walter St SE, Albuquerque for a beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session designed specifically for firefighters and paramedics.

This introductory class will provide an overview of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will learn fundamental movements and gain exposure to the core principles of the art, while connecting with others who understand the demands of service. No prior experience is required.

Grapple for a Cause (2025)

The second annual Grapple for a Cause was an incredible success, bringing together the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community in support of the Inner Strength Initiative (ISI). Hosted at Canteen Brewhouse, the event united athletes, supporters, and local partners to raise funds and awareness for individuals battling trauma-related mental health challenges such as PTSD and CPTSD.

Through open mat rounds, community connection, and generous donations, participants helped further ISI’s mission of providing access to training, gear, and mentorship for those in need. Every $2,000 raised supports one full year of training and equipment for a program participant. A life-changing opportunity.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, rolled, donated, and supported the cause. Together, we continue to change lives, one grapple at a time.

Grapple for a Cause (2024)

On Oct 19th, Grapple for a Cause hosted a successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu open mat fundraiser in support of the Inner Strength Initiative (ISI). This incredible event brought together the BJJ community to raise awareness and funds for ISI, an organization committed to providing access to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for individuals suffering from trauma-related mental illnesses, including PTSD, and CPTSD.

The event highlighted the transformative impact that BJJ, when paired with therapy, can have on overcoming the debilitating effects of trauma. Thanks to the generosity of participants and donors, the event raised significant funds to support ISI’s mission. For reference, $2,000 funds one year of training and gear for someone in need—a life-changing opportunity.

We are thrilled to announce that the event raised over $7,500 and has already begun helping individuals get "on the mats" and on their journey to healing. Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or helped spread the word. Together, we’re making a difference, one grapple at a time.

If you missed the event but would still like to support the Inner Strength Initiative, donations can be made here. Let’s continue to change lives through the power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

Become a Client

Inner Strength Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals suffering from trauma-related mental illnesses...

Client Requirements:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Trauma-Related Mental Illness: Applicants must be currently dealing with PTSD, CPTSD, etc.
• Commitment to Growth: Clients must be open to regular training and mentorship sessions.
• Consent to Participate: Applicants must agree to the terms of the program.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to healing, fill out the form below to apply.

Are you a firefighter or paramedic? We have a dedicated application for first responders. Click here to apply through the First Responder Application.

First Responder Application

Inner Strength Initiative is now a resource for Albuquerque-area firefighters and paramedics. As Dakota Meyer, Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient and now firefighter/paramedic, said, “If you can, you must.” We knew we could help these heroes, so we decided we must.

This application is for firefighters and paramedics who are currently dealing with trauma-related mental health challenges (PTSD, CPTSD, etc.) and are interested in receiving support through training, community, and mentorship.

Program Requirements:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• First Responder: Applicants must be a firefighter or paramedic/EMS.
• Trauma-Related Mental Illness: Applicants must be currently dealing with PTSD, CPTSD, or other trauma-related mental health challenges. Trauma does not need to be service-related.
• Commitment to Growth: Applicants must be open to regular training and mentorship sessions.
• Consent to Participate: Applicants must agree to the terms of the program.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to healing, fill out the form below to apply.

Thank You!

We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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