Jacksonville-based C.U.T.S. program is “Cleaning Up Today’s Society” through Jiu-Jitsu.

Cleaning Up Today’s Society (C.U.T.S.) is transforming the lives of at-risk youth by offering mentorship through martial arts. Through the discipline of jiu-jitsu, the Jacksonville-based program helps boys build confidence, develop self-control, and form a sense of community.

C.U.T.S. collaborates with the sheriff’s department to identify boys in need of intervention and welcomes referrals directly from parents who notice concerning patterns in their children’s behavior. The program also monitors academic performance and engages with teachers to track progress in classroom behavior.

The eight-week program includes 90-minute sessions divided into two parts: 45 minutes of jiu-jitsu training and 45 minutes of “brother time,” a safe space for participants to share their experiences. Ellis Curry, the founder of C.U.T.S., explains that this approach allows the boys to open up about their challenges in a supportive environment.

Curry’s inspiration for founding C.U.T.S. stems from his own experiences as a troubled teen. During high school, he was involved in a robbery that led to a tragic incident where one of his friends fatally shot another teenager. Charged with murder for his role in the robbery, Curry now dedicates his life to steering the next generation away from similar paths.

The program culminates in a live jiu-jitsu tournament, where participants showcase the skills and lessons they’ve gained. “We consider our jiu-jitsu tournaments to be a real test of what the child has learned,” Curry explains. “Many of our kids come through public schools or the juvenile detention center, facing challenges at home and school with issues like anger or attitude. Over the eight weeks, we mentor them, and the tournament is their opportunity to demonstrate their growth.”

A core component of C.U.T.S. is building a sense of brotherhood among the participants, fostering a family-like atmosphere. The program emphasizes the importance of making positive decisions and encouraging friends to do the same. “We teach the boys not only to make the right choices for themselves but to help their friends make better decisions as well, knowing that our friends’ actions impact us,” Curry says.

In addition to martial arts and mentorship, C.U.T.S. partners with local organizations to provide counseling, academic support, and housing assistance for participants and their families.

As C.U.T.S. expands, it aims to serve more neighborhoods across Jacksonville and host its own semi-annual jiu-jitsu tournaments. “This would bring everyone together to grow as a community,” Curry adds.

Learn more about C.U.T.S. by visiting them online: https://www.cleaninguptodayssociety.com/