Building a brand in the jiu-jitsu space over the last 10 years has led to amazing opportunities for collaboration. We have been fortunate enough to work with some incredible people, brands, and organizations, over the years, leading to rewarding relationships and incredible products in the process.
As our footprint grew as a brand, so did our partnerships and connections, from world-famous designers to iconic fashion labels to major sports organizations. Some of our proudest collaborations are measured by the impact we have been able to create through charity and spreading the beautiful art of jiu-jitsu.
These special projects have helped share our mantra “You Can’t Teach Heart.,” to new markets, while also delivering some of the flyest products the combat sports world has ever seen.
Although every collaboration we have done at HYPERFLY has a unique place in the history of our brand, the following 10 special projects were some of our favorites.
1. Semper Fi
Semper Fi is dedicated to providing financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
We partnered with the organization for the first time in 2013 to create a limited edition kimono to donate the proceeds to help veterans.
We went on to create more limited edition gear over the years to help support this amazing organization and the people they help.
2. Hurley
Although we never officially released a joint product with the legendary surf brand, we made a powerful connection with Hurley in the early days of HYPERFLY. We created a special gi for members of the Hurley surf team who also train jiu-jitsu.
This was an important relationship that helped connect us with other important members in the industry.
3. Carhartt WIP
The project with Carhartt WIP was one of our favorite collabs to date, and signified a well-earned breakthrough into the streetwear scene. Aside from the excellent functionality of the gi, it was also one of our most unique and beautiful creations.
The collaboration was even noticed by streetwear superblog Hypebeast.
"Inspired by the sturdiness of the gi and the functionality of workwear, Carhartt WIP and Hyperfly have joined forces on a collaborative Jiu-Jitsu uniform, complete with a tote bag. The Gi has been upgraded with Carhartt’s tough duck canvas and collaborative branding, transforming the martial arts uniform into viable wardrobe accents."
The gi was available in black, navy and Hamilton Brown colorways, and released on February 28, 2018.
4. Champion
Champion has recently rebuilt itself from a run-of-the-mill sportswear brand to the pinnacle of streetwear labels. Their rise to premiere street brand was sudden and meteoric, and we happened to drop our collaboration with them exactly at that time.
We even launched the gi at the highly-acclaimed streetwear trade show ComplexCon. The event included jiu-jitsu and self-defense demonstrations and an open mat.
Details of the release include a gi and matching pants offered in “Bright White” and “Battle Navy,” crafted with a 450gsm pearl weave and 10oz twill cotton pants that blend comfort and durability.
Champion’s signature “C” logo appeared on the chest and the full-length script logo emblazoned the sleeve, while our “You Can’t Teach Heart” mantra adorned the inside of each gi.
5. Lionheart
Lionheart creates opportunities for African athletes through sustainable martial arts programs powered by volunteers working to grow mixed martial arts and related sports in Africa.
Jiu-jitsu in Africa is growing at rapid speeds and even though many African athletes lack in resources, their love for the sport has shaped a unique culture and determination for positively changing people’s lives through BJJ across the continent.
We donated all proceeds from the sale of the Lionheart Gi to help continue build stronger communities through jiu-jitsu.
6. DreamArt
One of our longest sponsored athletes, Isaque Bahiense, someone we’ve supported from blue belt up-and-comer to black belt world champion, has created one of the most successful jiu-jitsu competition teams in the world.
DreamArt, as they’re known, is much more than a competition team, however. It’s a non-profit organization that supports aspiring jiu-jitsu fighters in Brazil with tuition, housing, medical services, English classes, and more.
They are a well-organized group that Isaque and his business partners have groomed into excellent competitors and upstanding individuals.
We have been able to support Isaque and DreamArt with custom gis, grappling gear, and apparel. We look forward to seeing the success of the DreamArt team and what they can accomplish in the years ahead.
7. POW!WOW!
POW!WOW! Is an art festival that brings over one-hundred international and local artists to create murals and other forms of art. It’s also a non-profit organization of contemporary artists committed to community enrichment through the creation of art outreach programs, educational programs, and engaging the community in the creation and appreciation of art.
We made a connection with the founder, Jasper Wong, who is also a world-famous artist. Jasper created a beautifully designed gi and rashguard, pulling influences from his asian heritage.
The theme of the design was “catch a tiger by the tail.” The tiger motif is paired with Japanese cloud patterns, a symbolic pairing used in Asian culture where the tiger represents a mastery of the Earth and the clouds (perceived as dragons) represent a mastery of the heavens.
We worked again later with Jasper on a “Stop Asian Hate” campaign for the WNBA.
8. NBA Lab
One of our biggest special projects that allowed the brand to transcend the jiu-jitsu industry was a partnership with NBA Lab.
We had been in discussions with the organization for some time, but we eventually received approval to create our own original artwork of the NBA team logos in 2020.
Our first release, the Katakana Collection, featured hoodies and t-shirts with the team logos in Japanese Katakana lettering and officially dropped in early 2021.
This partnership expanded into a WNBA “Stop Asian Hate” collection, and we are looking forward to more releases with them in the future.
9. REORG
We had a very special opportunity to work with REORG, a non-profit organization out of the UK that helps veterans and servicemen through jiu-jitsu.
The isolation experienced by many veterans when they leave service is a real problem. REORG helps bring those people out of isolation and welcomes them into the jiu-jitsu community. The martial art gives a new sense of purpose, inclusion, and identity that may have been lost.
We created a limited edition 550 gsm pearl weave gi in a very original colorway of Coyote Brown and donated all profits to the organization to help their efforts.
10. ONE Championship
In early 2021 we had the opportunity to collaborate with the fastest growing combat sports organization in the world, ONE Championship. We partnered with the “home of martial arts” on a gi and no-gi collection including two limited edition ONE x HYPERFLY kimonos and a special no-gi rashguard and shorts set.
The partnership led to interviews with ONE CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, and a photoshoot with MMA flyweight GOAT, DJ Mighty Johnson.
The ONE x HYPERFLY Heavy Duty Kimono is a 550gsm pearl weave with a fully embroidered skirt. The geometric pattern embroidered on the skirt is something found across many aspects of Asian culture and something completely unique for us at HYPERFLY.
These were just a few important special projects we were a part of over the years but we are grateful for every meaningful connection we've made since our start.
We also did projects with the likes of Kelly Slater, Bobby Hundreds, the Grateful Dead, and action stunt team 87Eleven, as well as many charitable causes through our non-profit the YCTH. Foundation.
Who should we collaborate with next? Drop us a line on Instagram!
