About Us

“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.

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.