10/07/2026
Forgive me if I don't ask permission...
I was born in Juneau and formed by the struggle of growing up here. Many of you who know me, who have seen my struggles, or who know what it meant to grow up here in that era will understand when I say: forgive me if I don't apologize for doing what I'm doing.
At some point, we have to take responsibility for our own formation. We have to understand that we leave an inheritance to the world through how we act in it. At some point, we have to become accountable.
I've been thinking about that inheritance with the recent passing of Jake Liska. I didn't personally know Jake, but I recognized the impact he made here. Through Boarderline and the snowboarding community he helped build, he inspired a generation to push beyond the borders of their own limitations. His contribution became part of Juneau's culture and part of the lives of people who call this place home.
My heart goes out to Kristel, their children, and everyone grieving the loss of a husband, father, and friend. My hat is off to Jake—someone many would rightly consider a local hero. Juneau is better for what he gave it.
When I left Juneau more than twenty years ago, I had already begun the process of becoming accountable for my own formation. I made a promise that I would bring something of value back to Juneau.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts became a part of how I kept that promise. Training gave me a place to face my limitations, accept correction, and learn to keep going. It taught me that formation happens through practice—through what we do repeatedly, especially when it is difficult.
That is the work we're doing at Alliance Jiu Jitsu Juneau and Evolution Lodge No. 9, under Valhalla Forge.
Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai, we give children and adults a place to develop skill, confidence, discipline, and care for their training partners. A place where people from different backgrounds can work together, challenge one another, and help one another grow.
Every time we step onto the mat, we practice how to respond to difficulty. We learn to listen, to control ourselves, to be responsible for another person's safety, and to begin again after a setback. Those lessons have a life beyond the mat.
You don't have to arrive confident or experienced. You can begin where you are. Parents, bring your questions. Adults who have been thinking about training, come meet us and see what we're building.
I'm still accountable for my own formation. Coaching carries the responsibility to keep learning—and to give something of value to the people who walk through our doors.
This is where I come from. These are my people. I made a promise to bring something back.
I owe it.
Learn about our programs at alliancejjjuneau.com and our lodge community at evolutionlodge9.com. Message Alliance Jiu Jitsu Juneau to ask about getting started.
—Robert Henricksen
Board President, Valhalla Forge
Head Coach, Alliance Jiu Jitsu Juneau
