Jason Ratchford has been a student of martial arts since he was a teenager. With the support of coaches, family, and his students, he has accomplished much over the years. Not only is he a Third-Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu (certified under the IBJJF) under Master Renzo Gracie, but he is also a Black Belt in Judo under Sensei Fred Murty. Jason was an active competitor, having competed in many BJJ, judo, and submission grappling events over the years– even having dabbled in boxing and MMA at the amateur level.
Jason was instructed under John Danaher for several years in the legendary Blue Basement, training alongside the biggest grappling names in the world– like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, Garry Tonon, Nicky Rod, Jake Shields, Dan Manasoiu, and other members of the Danaher Death Squad. He continues to train at Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC to this day, but Jason’s main focus now is building a martial arts family, intending to grow their skills and help others reach their fullest potential. Jason prides himself in providing a safe and friendly atmosphere for students of all ages and all skill levels to train and improve themselves. After working for the state and mentoring juvenile offenders, he dreams of beginning a 501(c)3 charity so all kids, despite their financial situation, can train and find a path in martial arts like he did. Jason prioritizes the second family his students have become and looks forward to sharing all he has learned with his students.