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Summit Jiu Jitsu Trainer Expands to Larger Studio, Honoring Late Friend’s Legacy
When I first heard about Samuel Bergeron’s expansion of Summit Jiu Jitsu Trainer, I knew this wasn’t just another local business story. This was about honoring a dream, preserving a legacy, and building something special for the Brevard County martial arts community.
Expanding to a bigger studio had been on the horizon for martial artist Samuel Bergeron and late friend Ryan Hunter, who fostered a new community at Summit Jiu Jitsu Trainer. Now, that vision has become reality, though bittersweet in Hunter’s absence.
The Journey to Expansion: From Vision to Reality
Bergeron didn’t just want more mat space—he wanted to create a sanctuary for martial artists in Brevard County. The expanded facility now offers triple the training area, dedicated changing rooms, and a welcoming environment that reflects both Bergeron’s and Hunter’s philosophy of martial arts as more than just combat training.
“Ryan and I always talked about creating something bigger than ourselves,” Bergeron told me during my visit to the new space. “This expansion is about honoring what we started together.”
The new location features state-of-the-art training equipment, climate control systems (a must in Florida!), and custom-designed mat areas that accommodate multiple classes simultaneously.
More Than Just Jiu Jitsu: Building a Community
What strikes you immediately upon entering Summit isn’t just the impressive physical space—it’s the sense of community. Students of all ages and backgrounds train together, creating an atmosphere that’s both competitive and supportive.
The expansion has allowed Bergeron to implement programs he and Hunter had always envisioned:
- Youth development programs focusing on discipline and confidence
- Women’s self-defense classes
- Advanced competition training for MMA aspirants
- Community outreach initiatives for at-risk youth
I watched a class where a 50-year-old businessman trained alongside a college athlete, both receiving personalized attention that spoke volumes about the teaching philosophy here.
Ryan Hunter’s Lasting Impact
The new facility features a memorial wall dedicated to Hunter, whose influence remains felt throughout the gym. His training methodologies and community-first approach continue to guide Summit’s development.
“Ryan believed jiu jitsu could change lives,” explained Bergeron, showing me photos of their early days. “He wasn’t just about producing champions—though we do that too—he wanted to build better people.”
Several students shared stories of how Hunter’s guidance had impacted them beyond the mats, influencing career decisions, personal development, and even family relationships.
What This Means for Local MMA Enthusiasts
For those of us following the MMA scene in Brevard County, Summit’s expansion represents something significant. This isn’t just another gym—it’s potentially a breeding ground for future talent.
| Before Expansion | After Expansion |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft training space | 3,600 sq ft training space |
| Limited class schedule | Full-day programming with specialized classes |
| Basic amenities | Dedicated changing areas, recovery zone, pro shop |
| Single training area | Multiple training zones for simultaneous classes |
The facility now has the capacity to host regional tournaments, bringing competitors from across Florida to Brevard County. This puts our local scene on the map in ways that benefit the entire fighting community.
The Road Ahead: Honoring a Legacy Through Excellence
As Bergeron showed me around the facility, pointing out features that were specifically designed to match Hunter’s vision, I couldn’t help but feel the emotional weight of this expansion. This wasn’t just business growth—it was a promise kept.
“Ryan always said we’d outgrow our first space within two years,” Bergeron recalled with a smile. “He was right by almost exactly two months.”
With several students already competing successfully in regional tournaments and two making waves in amateur MMA circuits, Summit is positioned to become a significant player in Florida’s martial arts community.
Getting Involved
If you’re in Brevard County and interested in training, Summit Jiu Jitsu Trainer offers free introductory classes for beginners. The expanded schedule means more options for working professionals and students alike.
The facility also welcomes visitors from other gyms—something Hunter was particularly passionate about, believing that cross-training strengthened the entire community.
For those just looking to support a local business honoring a friend’s legacy, Summit hosts monthly community events open to the public.
A Foundation for Future Champions
As I wrapped up my visit, watching students drill techniques that might one day be displayed in professional cages, I realized Bergeron had created something special. In expanding Summit Jiu Jitsu Trainer, he hasn’t just grown a business—he’s preserved a vision and created opportunity for countless future martial artists.
That’s something any MMA fan can appreciate, whether you’re on the mats or watching from the sidelines.
Have you trained at Summit or another local martial arts gym in Brevard County? Share your experience in the comments below or stop by their new facility to see the expansion firsthand.
