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I began training in martial arts in 1992 in Bakersfield California learning Muay Thai kick boxing with world champion Kathy Long. In 1994, I started training in Las Vegas doing Muay Thai with Master Toddy and Judo and Jiu-jitsu with Bob Salay (Rokudan) and former coach for the Olympic training center. From 1996 to 1999, I worked as an assistant instructor for Sensei Salay. In 2000, I moved back to California and started training with Carl Mayhyugh and Ted Williams (founder of ‘King of The Cage’) in Jiu-Jitsu. I worked for Carl teaching Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Muay Thai kick boxing. During that time Carl introduced me to the legendary "God Father of Grappling" Gene LeBell. I earned the rank of Shodan in 2001 and the rank of Nidan in 2005. Between 2007 and 2009 I had the honor of training with Sensei Gary Goltz (Sichidan).

Over the years, Sensei Gary has coached numerous National Champions from Juniors up through Collegiate and the Masters levels. During this time, I was also working at Team Diamond in Upland, California as Jiu-Jitsu instructor where I earned a black sash in Muay Thai kick boxing from world champion Maliapet. I recently moved to Phoenix to attend Motor Cycle Mechanics Institute. I am currently training with Sensei Phil Brier (Godan) at Scottsdale Martial Arts.

Current ranks:

Judo - Nidan (U.S.J.A. and U.S.M.A.)
Jiu Jitsu - Nidan (U.S.M.A.)
Muay Thai Kick Boxing – Black Sash (U.S.M.A.)

Certificates and Awards:

Certified Instructor
Licensed Corner Man - California state athletic commission
Inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as an Instructor

(bio information coming soon)

I started my Judo Training in 1996 at the Scottsdale Martial Arts Center under Sensei Walt Sweet (Godan).  Prior to my Judo training I participated in colligate and freestyle wrestling, competing both nationally and internationally.  Over the past 13 years, I have had the opportunity study both Judo and Ju-Jitsu under instructors Christophe Leininger, Grant Gilliam, Patti Laiacona, Phil Beasley, and Marc Zee.  I am still an active competitor, competing in Judo, Ju-Jitsu, and submission grappling tournaments.

Jason’s Current Ranks
Judo – Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Nihon Jujitsu – Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
   Under Sensei Grant Gilliam

Other Certifications & Credentials Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist -
   National Strength & Conditioning Association
Emergency Medical Technician B Certified

I started studying Judo in 1995 during my junior year in high school at the Scottsdale Judo Club under Sensei Walt Sweet (5th Dan). In 1998, I moved to Riverside California to attend La Sierra University and I trained at what is now the Riverside Judo Dojo under Tadashi Hiraoka (7th Dan). In 2000, I transferred to Andrews University in southwestern Michigan.  I had difficulty finding a good dojo but I continued to compete in the regional tournaments such as the Great Lakes Open and Michigan State Championships.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I took a couple years off to focus on my career.  I relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona and began training at Scottsdale Martial Arts Center under the instruction of Patty Laiacona (4th Dan) in the Spring of 2007. Sensei Phil Brier (5th Dan) took over instruction at the club in September of 2007. I trained with Sensei Brier until just recently when I moved to California.  I am residing in the San Jose area and training with the Stanford Judo Club under Raul Tamayo (4th Dan).