DJ Jackson

DJ Jackson transitioned seamlessly from wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the mentorship of Lloyd Irvin, quickly showcasing exceptional aptitude on the mats. His progression was notably swift, earning his black belt in July 2012 after only four years of dedicated training (2008–2012). Jackson made history as the first African-American athlete to claim an IBJJF World Championship title, marking a significant milestone in the sport's evolution.

Signature Techniques and Tactical Approach

DJ Jackson's grappling style is deeply rooted in his wrestling background, characterized by explosive double leg takedowns and relentless pressure. His aggressive, forward-moving approach consistently overwhelms opponents, disrupting their rhythm and neutralizing their guard games. At the 2019 COPA de Bangkok tournament, Jackson's wrestling-based strategy proved particularly dominant, enabling him to secure victories across multiple weight classes, including both his own division and the open-weight category.

Between 2015 and 2016, DJ Jackson competed professionally in mixed martial arts, retiring undefeated with an impressive 4-0 record. Demonstrating his grappling prowess, two of these victories came via submission. Following his retirement from MMA competition, Jackson shifted his focus exclusively to grappling tournaments and coaching, leveraging his extensive competitive experience to mentor and develop the next generation of athletes.

In 2019, DJ Jackson relocated to Thailand to pursue coaching full-time, establishing himself as a prominent grappling instructor in Phuket. He has mentored notable MMA competitors, including ONE Championship standout Stamp Fairtex, guiding them to success in regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions such as the Siam Cup and Copa de Bangkok. As the head MMA and BJJ coach at Southside MMA in Phuket, Jackson significantly elevates fighters' grappling skills by integrating his wrestling expertise with technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction.

DJ Jackson's legacy extends beyond his competitive accolades. As the first African-American athlete to win IBJJF World Championship titles, he has paved the way for increased diversity and representation within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His influence continues internationally through dedicated coaching and ongoing competitive success. Based in Asia, Jackson remains active in grappling tournaments, consistently demonstrating the effectiveness of his wrestling-infused jiu-jitsu style and inspiring athletes worldwide.