Victorious MMA in Troy holds veterans-only Sundays

TROY, Mich. (FOX 2) - The We Defy Foundation teamed up with Victororious MMA Gym to offer its veterans-only Sunday.

Teaching veterans Brazilian jujitsu, it's an opportunity to get some exercise and give them a sort of therapeutic release.

"We really want people to come in here, understand that it's not for all super atheletes, it's not for big guys, little guys -- it's just for everybody," said Victor Torres, owner of Victorious MMA. 

The men and women get a lot of benefits from training at Victorious MMA on Maple Road in Troy.

"It can be anything you want. It can be as light and technical as you want, it can be as serious as sports, you can take it as far as you want," said Modesto De La O, a Marine Corps veteran of We Defy Foundation.

U.S. Army veteran Kristen Caszeta says it's a mental sport.

"While you have to be physically strong, and think two or three steps ahead, you're also thinking about what you're going to do, what your opponent is going to do -- it keeps you mentally sharp," she said.

There's comraderie among the men and women, allowing them to reconnect in a new way. A lot of them quickly find out that they love it.

"It was incredible, the impact -- undeniable," Modesto said.

The gym's owner says he feels it's his way to give back.

 "i've always had a lot of respect for veterans. I tried to go ahead and serve, I was not able to. Freedom's not free. Somebody had to make a sacrifice for me to be able to do what I do everyday, and love what I do. This is a passion on mine," Torres said.

Classes are about an hour and a half, and they're free.