Third degree BJJ black belt Scott Savage, the head instructor of Scott Savage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was sadly stabbed in his own academy on August 5th, 2024. The school is based in Los Banos, California and is operated as an affiliate of the Caio Terra Academy through Gilroy BJJ. Original reports by ABC 30 Action News indicated that the stabbing occurred at around 7pm, and the Savage family have said that he was attacked from behind right when he was in the middle of teaching an evening class. Law enforcement have since arrested 25 year-old Reginald Scott Grimes Jr. in connection with the attack.
Savage sustained several stab wounds to the neck and torso during the attack and he was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police have since revealed that Grimes was actually a former student under Savage, although they have not yet confirmed any motive for the attack. They also confirmed that several people who witnessed the assault happen firsthand attempted to pursue Grimes, but he was later tracked down and apprehended by officers instead. Grimes was then booked in to the Los Banos Jail and charged with attempted murder shortly afterward.
Thankfully, the well-respected BJJ instructor is in a stable condition and is expected to make it through. Obviously recovery from such an attack is a long process though, so students and assistant instructors will be helping run the academy after a short closure. While it’s great to see his students and friends rally around to help support him after such a senseless and horrific attack, it’s sad that this is ever even needed. Savage is sadly now left to cover the relevant medical costs, and the wider Jiu-Jitsu community has the opportunity to follow their example and help one of their own.
A Go Fund Me has been created to help Scott Savage with the medical bills associated with the attack, click here to donate and support the cause.
