The Mission
THETIKICODE
Designed by world-renowned Martial Arts Grand Masters, the Tiki Code is a character-building system that teaches Warriors — and everyday people — what it truly means to live with honor, courage, and compassion.
Where It Began
BORN FROM EXPERIENCE
James Jefferson was bullied as a kid. He started training martial arts at 12 years old and never stopped — 40+ years across Muay Thai, BJJ, boxing, wrestling, and more. After 19 years of football and a Golden Gloves boxing career, he knew firsthand what discipline and character could do for a young person's life.
When he began covering the UFC and Bellator for media, he saw the traditional values of martial arts being lost. He sat with Grand Masters like Ron Van Clief — Bruce Lee's own student — and Dan "The Beast" Severn and asked: how do we bring the honor back?
Their answer was the Tiki Code — ten character traits that define what it means to be a true Warrior, on and off the mat.
Follow the Code
TEN TRAITS OF A TRUE WARRIOR
The Tiki Code is built on ten core character traits. Masters, coaches, and teachers use Tiki Code Patches to reward students who demonstrate each trait in real life — not just in the dojo.
RESPECT
Honor those around you — teachers, parents, peers. Respect is the foundation of the Code.
HONOR
Uphold truthfulness and act with integrity in all things — in the dojo and in life.
EMPATHY
Understand and share the feelings of others. A true Warrior lifts people up.
INTEGRITY
Do the right thing even when no one is watching. Character is built in the small moments.
COURAGE
Face fear with resolve. It takes more strength to show kindness than to strike back.
LOYALTY
Stand by the people and principles that matter. A Warrior's word is a bond that never breaks.
HUMBLE
True strength does not need to announce itself. A Warrior leads through actions, not boasts.
PERSISTENCE
Fall seven times, stand up eight. A Warrior never stops striving toward their goal.
FAITH
Believe in something greater than yourself. Faith gives the Warrior purpose beyond the fight.
SPIRIT
Carry an unbreakable will. A Warrior never gives up on themselves or their community.
"The Warrior Island series is an exceptional tool to draw in youth to the values we need to instill in today's generation. The code and tikis are a road map to learning how to be a confident and kind person."
— CRYSTAL A. HARMS M.ED., BCABA
Why It Matters
THE CODE FIGHTS BULLYING
THE PROBLEM
Bullying is widely misunderstood — and too often addressed incorrectly. In many cases, the bully doesn't even recognize their own behavior. They may themselves be a victim who hasn't been given the tools to process or express their emotions in a healthy way. Reacting with punishment alone does not solve the root cause.
THE SOLUTION
The Tiki Code gives students tools to become real Warriors of mind and character. By showing compassion, humor, or a genuine compliment, a student can defuse most tense situations without conflict. The Code teaches that it takes far more strength to lift someone up than to knock them down — and that a Warrior's greatest battles are won through wisdom, not force.
By giving students real-world examples of how to live as a Warrior using defined character traits, teachers build a class culture that extends far beyond the dojo or classroom — into families, communities, and daily life.
Developing these traits increases courage and confidence in students of all ages, equipping them not just to avoid conflict, but to become leaders who help others do the same.
For Youth & Schools
TIKI CODE KIDS
The Tiki Code for Martial Arts Schools, Youth Programs, and Public & Private Schools. The Warrior Island Tiki Code uses a series of comics, stickers, and patches to keep all students engaged — and to bring the teacher's lessons into daily life outside class.
Developed by legends of the martial arts world, the Tiki Kids program is built to grow confident, compassionate, and courageous young warriors — one patch at a time.
Developed By Legends
THE GRAND MASTERS
The Tiki Code was crafted by some of the greatest Martial Arts Grand Masters in the world, united by a single purpose — to use the warrior arts to make society a better place.
Ron Van Clief
Grand Master, 10th Dan — trained under Bruce Lee
Oso Tayari Casel
Grand Master, Martial Arts Pioneer
Jose Torres
Grand Master & World Champion
Steven Hayes
Grand Master, Ninjutsu Pioneer in the West
Sifu Chow
Grand Master — student of Ip Man's lineage
Relson Gracie
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, 2nd son of Hélio Gracie
For Educators & Dojo Owners
TIKI CODE PATCHES
Tiki Code Patches are the reward engine of the system. Masters, teachers, and coaches present a patch to a student when they visibly demonstrate one of the ten code traits in real life — not just in class.
For example: a student who consistently bows to the coach and shows respect to parents and authority figures earns the RESPECT TIKI. Each patch becomes a mark of genuine character development.
The patch system keeps students motivated, engaged, and attending classes — while naturally extending the teacher's lessons into the student's everyday life.
A database of accredited Warrior Island Martial Arts Schools and Programs from around the world is coming soon — so families can find a certified Tiki Code program near them.
ORDER GI PATCHES FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Change Humanity
IF EVERYONE FOLLOWED THE CODE, BULLYING WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
The Tiki Code isn't just a martial arts program — it's a movement. It's a way of life that anyone can adopt and pass forward. Warriors, teachers, parents, and children all play a role in building the world we want to live in.
JOIN THE MOVEMENTLive the Code Daily
CARRY THE CODE WITH YOU
The Code is free to follow. Fan Rewards is how you live it — monthly mission drops, the warrior habit system (5 min/day), training programs, and a community of people walking the same path. From $9.99/mo.
Free newsletter available too — no card required.