Jeff Mata is a blind athlete in Poway, CA. He was very active as a child growing up in San Diego, CA. Surfing, skateboarding, martial arts, wrestling, and boxing were some of his favorite past times. Unfortunately, Jeff got a retinal detachment in his left eye due to the boxing training and uveitis inflammation. His right eye followed after, and he eventually became totally blind.
Jeff started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu career in 2012, and has competed at various competitions. He took gold in the 2013 Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation World Championship in the white belt division, and repeated in 2016 in the purple belt division. Jeff started his Judo career in 2014 by taking silver at the USA Judo Presidents Cup in Dallas, TX in the 72 Kg category. Jeff competed at the 2015 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), and later that same year in the IBSA World Games.
Jeff is a motivational speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and loves to share his story to inspire others. He dedicates this site to advocate for blind and disabled athletes. Jeff will be sharing his thoughts, feelings, and insights as he goes through his journey.
Jeff hopes to raise the number of blind athletes in competitions. After all, he is not alone. There are many visually impaired and blind people all over the world. Together we can ensure equal rights for future generations of blind athletes.