About Us
Join our top-notch martial arts academy and dive into a thrilling world of self-defense and fitness. Our friendly community and expert instructors will guide you towards new heights in your journey. Experience a variety of exciting classes and embark on an amazing path of personal transformation with us. It's easy to understand and suitable for all ages, so anyone can join in on the fun!
MEET Jason Sampson
Owner & Head Instructor at Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy
“Jiu Jitsu saved my life” s ays Jason Sampson, a statement he wholeheartedly stands by. He also holds dear two other principles: “Hard work pays off” and “Believe in yourself and you will succeed”
These are the cornerstones of Jason's personal evolution and the bedrock of SAMPSON JIU JITSU ACADEMY. Growing up in a tough neighborhood with a troubled home life, Jason was no stranger to mischief. However, his life took a turn when he stumbled upon wrestling at the age of 12. Excelling in the sport, it served as his guiding light, leading him to an All-American position on the wrestling team at the Apprentice School in Newport News, VA as a freshman. After moving to Oklahoma City he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and started training under Rafael Lovato Jr and his dad Lovato Sr. Jason embarked on his BJJ journey and went on to triumph at the esteemed Pan American Championship in 2006.
Returning to Texas a purple belt in 2008, Jason went on to receive his black belt in Jiu Jitsu in 2013 and is now a third degree black belt under Master Carlos Machado. Training Jiu Jitsu is what led to Jason fighting MMA where he amassed a pro record of 14-1 with 7 submissions and 4 TKO’s. The Bellator and Legacy FC veteran was forced to retire from fighting in 2017 after a career ending spinal fusion of his C4/C5 vertebrae almost left him in a wheelchair. With much hard work and perseverance he was able to come back from the injury and return to the competitive Jiu Jitsu circuit.
The devoted husband and father now focuses on teaching his students at Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy and is an esteemed member of the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Association. Coach Sampson has over 15 years of teaching experience and has taught BJJ and MMA seminars all over the country as well as working with the military, police, and victims of domestic violence. He can also be found sharing his knowledge at various CMJJ association affiliate events, teaching hundreds of eager students his unique blend of wrestling combined with Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu. When not on the mat teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, fishing, travelling as much as possible and is currently trying to learn how to speak Spanish.
Delivering a Remarkable and Customized Boutique Training Experience
At Sampson BJJ in Southlake, we're all about providing top-notch martial arts training in a friendly and inclusive environment. Our skilled instructors are super passionate about helping people of all ages and skill levels reach their goals. We focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and offer practical self-defense skills, discipline, and mental strength. Join our awesome community and discover the amazing world of martial arts at Sampson BJJ!
Step into the World of Sampson BJJ and Experience Jiu-Jitsu Mastery Like Never Before
Welcome to Sampson BJJ! We're here to help you discover the warrior within and guide you on an amazing journey of martial arts mastery. Our academy in Southlake is a safe and supportive place for people like you who want to learn and grow. With our experienced instructors and diverse programs, we'll help you develop self-defense skills, improve your fitness, and sharpen your mind. Join our friendly community of like-minded individuals, where respect, discipline, and perseverance are at the core of our training. Get started on an incredible path of self-discovery at Sampson BJJ!
Meet Susan Sampson
Susan Sampson is not only Coach Sampson's wife, but also the backbone of Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Susan is a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and has learned from many high level practitioners of the sport from all over the world. She has been training in Jiu Jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai for more than 10 years.
She grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, where she started snowboarding at 15 in the mid-90s. She was one of the first female certified American Association of Snowboarding Instructors in the Southeast. She still loves snowboarding and volunteers as a ski patroller at Catalochee Ski Resort in NC.
Susan lives a happy life, and she is a great role model of being resilient and not letting anything stop her from following her passions. She also enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with her family when she is not on the slopes or on the mat.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet our instructors, who are highly qualified, experienced, and passionate about teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, and transforming lives.
Neil Ewing
Coach Neal Ewing is our Kickboxing coach as well as our Little & Jr. Champs coach. He is a brown belt under Carlos Machado, and is a current Jiu Jitsu competitor.
Neal has been involved in martial arts for the last 12 years. He initially got started in martial arts to lose weight, but one year and 70 lbs later it was a permanent part of his life. Not long after, in 2011 he began fighting professionally in MMA and went on to amass a 6-0 record.
As a professional MMA fighter, he trained with Coach Sampson under Sayif Saud for 10 years. He has also trained under other elite coaches such as Paulie Ayala and Tony Mack for boxing, and Jamill Kelly and David Bertolino in wrestling.
When he’s not teaching or training, Coach Neal and his wife are avid travelers. In 2019, they quit their corporate jobs and traveled around Asia for 7 months seeing 12 different countries. When arriving back to the states they made the decision to not return to corporate life and devote their lives to martial arts, health, and fitness.
Skyler Tabbert
Coach Skyler is our Adult Jiu Jitsu instructor. After beginning Jiu Jitsu in 2011, he received his 1st degree black belt under Carlos Machado & he has also trained with and learned from other great Jiu Jitsu minds like John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Eddie Cummings, Lucas Pinheiro, Marcelo Garcia, and all of the Machado Brothers.
He believes that the foundation of a healthy life is built by forging yourself into someone that can be confident and calm under stressful situations. This concept became vital when experiences with bullying began to shape his mental, physical and spiritual life. Coach Skyler believes that becoming a martial artist is about consistently managing challenges, learning what you and your specific body can and can not do and then sharing what you have learned so that others can discover their potential and live a healthy life. His goal as an instructor, is to help equip students with the tools necessary to be confident in their own skin, thus shaping their life outside of the school.
Coach Skyler is father to a wonderful daughter and husband to an amazing wife. Outside of the gym his hobbies include bike riding, reading and teaching Jiu Jitsu.