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First responders from across the tri-state will face off in a jiu-jitsu tournament this weekend to prove which agency has the most muscle — and celebrate those who put their lives on the line.
A beefed-up slate of firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other people in public service are on deck for the first “Heroes on the Mat” jiu-jitsu tournament to be held in the five boroughs — which organizers promise will bring big energy and brawn.
“It’s like a UFC event. These guys come out to their own entrance music — they get to be rock stars for a night,” said Joe Peteroy, an active-duty corrections officer and the CEO of Heroes on the Mat.
The one-on-one tournaments are modeled after the infamous FDNY versus NYPD boxing competitions, but “Heroes on the Mat” notably lacks inter-agency conflict.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t smack talk between agencies — but but the goal is for all to leave as members of a shared community, Peteroy said.
“Don’t get me wrong, it is competition-based, but the next thing I know, I see pictures of them on social media training together. And that’s the idea of the whole thing: is to get more cops and firefighters and correctional officers training jiu-jitsu for physical health and mental health as well. It’s been a big thing,” said Peteroy.
“These are guys that are protecting our communities and even protecting our country. These guys are rock stars.”
Peteroy initially started the tournaments for law enforcement officers only, but quickly allowed others in public service to participate.
Now, nurses and active military personnel are included in the line-up.
The eight preceeding tournaments have also all raised cash for a local cause — including for a Suffolk County cop that was injured in the line of duty, a Wildwood child battling brain cancer and a Virginia firefighter battling ALS.
Saturday’s showdown in Staten Island is looking to raise at least $2,000 for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
“When you think of something you want to donate to in New York City, I think that’s number one: Tunnel to Towers,” said Peteroy.
The Heroes on the Mat tournament kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Boys High School.