As the new year approaches, the focus on health and safety becomes even more essential, and for members of Hanto Union Jiu-Jitsu at the Statesboro YMCA, this martial art has become a transformative journey.
Under the guidance of Coach Mike Renfroe, Hanto Union offers more than just grappling techniques—it provides a supportive community and a pathway to physical and mental well-being.
A Martial Arts Club with a Mission
Hanto Union Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2019 by Coach Renfroe, a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 20 years of training, competing, and coaching experience. Inspired by encouragement from close friends and mentors, Renfroe partnered with the Statesboro YMCA to bring high-quality Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling instruction to the area.
The club fosters a welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds—students, law enforcement, professors, and more—come together to learn and grow.
“Students join for various reasons,” Renfroe explains, “whether it’s self-defense, competition, or simply finding a new social circle. The confidence they gain is immense. It changes how they carry themselves and interact with others.”
Transforming Lives Through Training
For members like Matthew Ems, Jiu-Jitsu has been life-changing. “Going to the gym to lift weights was getting repetitive,” Ems shares. “I’ve always wanted to learn a martial art, and Jiu-Jitsu seemed like a good fit. Unlike arts with a lot of punching and kicking, this style reduces the risk of concussions, allowing me to grow and improve long-term. It’s helped me lose weight, stay flexible, and relieve stress.”
Ems highlights the personal nature of the sport: “This is an up-close-and-personal fighting style, and it’s not for everyone. But the supportive group here makes all the difference. It’s about living in the moment and having real, face-to-face interactions that are rare in our social media-saturated world.”
Community and Achievement
The club’s success stories are inspiring.
Kenneth Potter is a Purple Belt which is the first advanced rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and difficult to achieve. Kenneth achieved this rank in 4 years of training which is rare. Kenneth showed remarkable progress and talent very early in his training and has been winning in most of the tournaments and invitationals that he competes in.
He most recently competed at a tournament in South Carolina in November and won double gold and a championship belt in the advanced division. Kenneth currently teaches the group's youth classes.
Another student, Michael Vescio began training with in August 2019 and is currently a Blue Belt. Michael competed in the advanced division of a local tournament in Savannah in 2023, which was his second ever tournament that he competed in. Michael’s performance earned him a gold medal and a championship belt, which Renfroe notes is a remarkable achievement for an athlete so early in their training!
"Michael is currently in the process of going to Medical School at Mercer University and we are extremely proud of him," Renfroe shared.
These accomplishments and others like them reflect the club’s dedication to excellence and growth.
An Invitation to Join
Hanto Union Jiu-Jitsu is more than a place to train—it’s a community where members challenge themselves, build resilience, and form lasting connections. For anyone hesitant to start, Renfroe’s advice is simple: “Just show up. Consistency is key, and no one is good at the beginning. Be open to feedback and enjoy the process.”
As New Year’s resolutions come into focus, joining Hanto Union could be the perfect way to commit to health, fitness, and personal growth. The supportive environment and expert instruction make it an ideal choice for anyone ready to start their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
For more information, visit www.hantobjj.com or stop by the Statesboro YMCA at 409 Claiborne Avenue in Statesboro. You can see a schedule of classes here.