Beyond production and broadcasting, Jake became a recognizable and respected voice in the BJJ community through his work as a host and media personality. He hosted and produced several influential programs — including This Week in BJJ, Rolled Up, and IBJJF TV — bringing interviews, technique breakdowns, and event coverage to practitioners and fans around the world.
In 2011, Jake opened a matted training area at the BudoVideos headquarters, initially conceived as a filming space and a place to train alongside colleagues. Over time, that mat space evolved into a genuine coaching environment, where Jake began teaching BJJ for the first time, working primarily with employees and friends. This shift from media figure to instructor represented a natural progression — one that brought his roles as practitioner, producer, and community contributor into closer alignment.
Competing at the Black Belt Level
Jake's commitment to BJJ extended to active competition at the black belt level. Competing in the Senior 1 division, he won the American National Championship in 2013 and placed second at the Las Vegas Summer Open that same year — demonstrating that his engagement with the sport went well beyond broadcasting and into the lived experience of competition.