AOJ athlete Jessa Khan has had one of the best runs of success at the colored belts over the last few years. The 18-year-old has already won Worlds four times, No-Gi Worlds three times, Pans four times, No-Gi Pans, Europeans twice, the Abu Dhabi World Pro, and the Asian Games. Recently promoted to brown belt by Guilherme Mendes after winning double gold at the IBJJF Long Beach Open, Jessa is one step closer to competing at the highest level in the sport at black belt.

Watch: Jessa Khan's Promotion To Brown Belt

Raised in a military family and frequently relocating, Jessa eventually settled in Costa Mesa, California, training at the legendary Art of Jiu Jitsu academy. She is part of a new generation of AOJ athletes that looks set to conquer the adult division over the coming years, athletes developed since childhood under the guidance of IBJJF Hall of Fame members Guilherme and Rafael Mendes.

“Being a student under the Mendes brothers is amazing. I’ve always looked up to them, and to be getting mentored by them every single day is a blessing. I like that I get to pick their brain about techniques and how their mindset is. They have already been through what I’m going through right now. They know what I need to accomplish my goals; with them by my side I don’t see anyone stopping me from achieving my goals.”

A Whole New Level Of Opponents

Jessa hasn’t had much competition at her weight in recent times, and has even had some success in absolutes while competing as a roosterweight. The upgrade to brown belt provides her with new challenges and an entire new list of opponents, especially in tournaments that have brown belt females compete with the black belts.

“For brown belt, I am looking forward to accomplishing even more than I did at purple belt. I am aiming for that Grand Slam, also the Abu Dhabi World Pro and ADCC trials. I am very excited for the AJP tournaments, especially since they combine brown and black belts. It is a great way to test myself. I look forward to fighting Mayssa, Brenda Larissa, and Rikako.”

Watch: Jessa Khan No-Gi Pans Follow Along

On to new and larger challenges at the next level, Jessa is prepared for any opponent and is excited to compete against the best. She has been competing since a young age — she was raised in the competition scene and is ready to put in the work necessary to get to her ultimate goals.

“I like that feeling I get when I walk into the arena, the butterflies and determination. Yes, the medals are nice and all, but to see yourself improve every competition is truly amazing. It is where you see all your hard work paying off. It pushes you to train harder, to get better for the next competition."