Bridge The Fight: Founding Team

Bridge The Fight was born from an unlikely but powerful convergence of expertise, passion, and shared purpose. At its helm are three founders whose diverse backgrounds create the perfect foundation for revolutionizing how Jiu Jitsu athletes gain recognition and opportunity worldwide.

Alex Ecklin brings deep roots in the art and a proven commitment to accessibility. As a third-degree black belt and founder of Masterskya in New York City, Alex built something rare in 2016—a purely donation-based academy that proved world-class training didn't need to be gatekept by price. While Masterskya has since evolved into a more traditional model, its founding ethos of accessibility for all remains central to everything Alex does. His travels conducting international seminars and camps opened his eyes to a persistent problem: talented practitioners around the globe lacked the platforms and support to showcase their skills and reach their full potential. Beyond the mats, Alex is also co-founder of the Sensay App, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to solving problems in both tech and sport.

Katrin Ribant approaches Bridge The Fight from an entirely different angle—as a white belt in love with the sport and determined to support its growth. While her Jiu Jitsu journey is just beginning, her background in building organizations speaks for itself. With years of experience in data analytics and technology, Katrin understands how to create systems that work and scale. She brings practical expertise in organizational growth and strategic execution that helps turn vision into reality. Her passion for Jiu Jitsu may be new, but her commitment to supporting talented individuals is genuine and deep-rooted.

Erik Nicholson bridges the gap between education and athletics as a school dean who has pioneered BJJ programs for young students. His work demonstrates the profound impact Jiu Jitsu can have on youth development—building discipline, confidence, and resilience in the next generation. Erik understands both the transformative power of the sport and the infrastructure needed to create sustainable, impactful programs that change lives.

Together, this trio combines elite-level technical knowledge, technology and business expertise, and educational leadership to build something the sport desperately needs: a platform that gives deserving athletes the exposure, support, and opportunities they've earned. Bridge The Fight isn't just connecting athletes with audiences—it's building bridges between talent and opportunity, between dedication and recognition, between the mats and the world stage..