Jacob Kassama started studying jiu-jitsu when he was just nine years old in Detroit, Michigan.

After competing at Kids Pans in 2016 he opted to train AOJ for the summer in an effort to take his game to the next level.  Seeing Jacob’s skill and commitment, Professor Gui Mends invited him to stay and train full time.  

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Jacob dove in head first.

Instead of heading home to Michigan after summers' end, he enrolled himself in independent study and finished high school early, which gave him the opportunity him to pursue jiu-jitsu full-time under the watchful eyes on the Mendes brothers. Kasama has excelled since making the move, his accomplishments include:

• 2017 Europeans Brzone Medalist
• 2017 Pans Silver Medalist 
• 2017 Worlds Gold Medalist 
• 2018 Pans Double Bronze Medalist

Jacob Kassama vs Konsta Koivisto –  2017 European Championships

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Kasama was thrilled at the progress he had made at AOJ, but when a scholarship program opened up at JT Torres' Essential Jiu-jitsu Academy (a sister school of AOJ), he lept at the chance to train with his idol.  As of today, Jacob has only been in New York for two weeks, but has stated the training is equally tough, and that it's been 'amazing' to 'train under someone like JT.'  

JT Torres has this to say about the budding Champion:

“I knew he was good, but I didn’t know just how talented he was until I got to roll with him…. He is definitely the future of the sport. I have no doubt about it. He’s got the mind to become a World Champion…. there’s no fear in his heart.’