The Story Behind the New OJJ Lab Apparel:

Art, Integrity, and Community

Technology is evolving at lightning speed, forcing us to make choices that define who we are and what we stand for. At Oregon Jiu Jitsu Lab, the Lab Rats apparel project wasn’t just about making gear—it was our chance to take a stand and show our values through action.

The Choice to Keep It Human

When AI image generators started dominating the creative world, we had to decide how to bring our vision to life. Greg Parra, the creative mind behind OJJ Lab’s branding, saw an opportunity to do things differently. Rather than relying on AI, Greg suggested finding a real artist—someone who could bring their unique perspective to the table.

This wasn’t about convenience; it was about connection. Commissioning an artist became a way to celebrate creativity, support the local art community, and create designs with soul.

Meet the Artist: Jon Guon

OJJ Lab wanted more than just a designer—we wanted a collaborator. That’s where Jon Guon ( Instagram) comes in. His talent didn’t just bring our ideas to life—it elevated them. Every stroke of his design is filled with energy, authenticity, and the true spirit of OJJ Lab.

The Lab Rats: From Inspiration to Reality

Our newest design, The Lab Rats, is more than a name. It’s a reflection of our story, born from the energy of our community. The idea started in an Instagram chat group, where members called themselves "Lab Rats" before evolving into "Mat Rats." That organic growth inspired the theme of this design, which now represents both our apparel and our competition team.

This isn’t just about a logo or a slogan—it’s about the people who show up, put in the work, and grow together on the mats.

Building Community Through Creativity

The choices we made during this project ripple outward. By partnering with Jon, we supported an artist’s craft. By working with Greg, we drew on his passions as a creative professional. Outside of OJJ Lab, Greg pours himself into two businesses— Parra Fine Art and Parra Guitars—both of which value craftsmanship, originality, and human connection.

Through this apparel project, we had the chance to reflect those same values in every step, from concept to final product.

The Launch: More Than Apparel

The release of The Lab Rats apparel collection isn’t just a product launch—it’s a celebration of the choices we made, the people we collaborated with, and the community we’re proud to be part of.

When you wear The Lab Rats, you’re wearing more than a design. You’re carrying the stories of artists, athletes, and creators who believe in pushing boundaries and supporting each other.

We’re putting the finishing touches on the Lab Rats apparel, and the plan is to go live next Friday to start accepting preorders. This collection will be exclusively made to order—no extras will be stocked. If you want to secure yours, preordering is the way to go! Stay tuned for all the details coming soon.

We can’t wait to share it with you.