Black-Belt Coaching.
Real Mat Time.
A private, family-owned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Southlake, TX, led by a 3rd-degree black belt under Carlos Machado and Bellator veteran.
- 14-1
- Pro MMA Record
- 1
- Bellator Veteran
To give the people of Southlake a place to get stronger, calmer, and more capable through real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We are family-owned and family-oriented. Everyone who walks in is met where they are and taught that hard work pays off, on and off the mat.
“Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life.”
Jason Sampson grew up in tough circumstances. At twelve, he found direction through wrestling, and it set him on a path that changed everything. He went on to become an All-American wrestler, then found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In his own words, Jiu Jitsu saved his life.
The road was not smooth. A spinal fusion at C4 and C5 nearly left him in a wheelchair. He made a full recovery and returned to competition, going on to earn a Pan American championship and a 14-1 record as a Bellator veteran. He holds a 3rd-degree black belt directly under Carlos Machado.
That experience shapes how he coaches. Jason has trained military, law enforcement, and survivors of domestic violence, and he teaches every student the same lesson he lived: hard work pays off, on and off the mat. Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy exists to pass that on.
Built around how kids actually develop.
Every kids program keys in on the four stages of childhood development: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social. We call it PIES. It is how we structure classes, design drills, and build the relationships that turn a shy four-year-old into a confident kid who walks into school with a quiet sense of who they are.
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P Physical
Coordination, strength, control of the body.
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I Intellectual
Focus, problem-solving, learning how to learn.
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E Emotional
Confidence, self-regulation, handling setbacks.
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S Social
Respect, teamwork, friendship across ages.
3rd-Degree Black Belt under Carlos Machado
Pan American champion, Bellator veteran (14-1), and All-American wrestler.
Jason Sampson
Owner and Head Instructor
Jason Sampson grew up in tough circumstances and found direction through wrestling at twelve. Jiu Jitsu changed the trajectory of his life. After a spinal fusion at C4 and C5 that nearly put him in a wheelchair, he made a full recovery and returned to competition. He is a 3rd-degree black belt under Carlos Machado, a Pan American champion, and a Bellator veteran with a 14-1 record. He has coached military, law enforcement, and survivors of domestic violence, and he teaches every student the same thing: hard work pays off, on and off the mat.
Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Association
Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy is led by nationally certified instructors. We train in alignment with the standards of the organizations below.
You Train Under a Black Belt and Bellator Fighter.
You train directly under Jason Sampson, a 3rd-degree black belt under Carlos Machado, Pan American champion, and Bellator veteran. Elite instruction in a private studio, every class.
On the Mat and Off.
- Discipline
- Discipline is the practice of doing what is required even when it is inconvenient, until it becomes identity.
- Respect
- Respect is shown before it is taught. Instructors model what they expect from students. It runs in both directions, on the mat and off.
- Effort
- Effort is the standard. Every student is expected to bring their full attention to every class, regardless of skill or time training.
- Growth
- Growth is the purpose of every class. Real progress that is visible, trackable, and earned by the student through consistent work.
What We Are Not.
- Not a Belt Mill.
- Belts here are earned, not handed out on a schedule. A student advances when their technique, attitude, and consistency say they are ready, not when a calendar says so.
- Not a Big-Box Gym.
- We are private and family-owned. You are not a number on a contract. The owner is on the mat, and he knows your name and your goals.
- Not Intimidating to Start.
- You do not need to be in shape, athletic, or experienced. Beginners are welcome in every class, and your first one is free. We meet you where you are.
What Southlake Families and Athletes Say
Rated 4.9 stars across 112 Google reviews. These are the words members use when they describe training at Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy.
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Ever since May this gym has been my second home. My boyfriend brought me to Sampson's with the simple idea of teaching me self defense. Little did I know, 5 months later I would be winning my first ever gold medal in my first Jiu Jitsu tournament. Jason is the most passionate coach you will ever find. The second I walked in, I was greeted with open arms and huge smiles. The students and team really have become my family. Any day I go to Sampson's, is a good day.
Bella Google -
I highly recommend Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy both as a parent and as a professional counselor and youth advocate. Our son started training 14 months ago. Quickly we realized that Coach Sampson was doing more than building skill, he was partnered with us in building character in our son. Money can buy skills teaching and training, but it cannot buy the genuine care, connection, and community that are found when you are a part of Team Sampson.
Denise Google -
I've been in various sports and activities all throughout my life but in the 7 months that I've been coming to Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy I have never had a more passionate, consistent, and motivating coach in my life. I've stopped dreading working out, I have found my competitive spirit again, and I just feel happier and more confident in myself. Whether it's for a workout, learning how to defend yourself, or to just challenge yourself, this is a great place with some great teachers. Highly recommend.
Sarah Google -
I am glad we found Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy. My girls are in the Little Champs and Junior Champs classes. They are not only learning self-defense but also building character. Bullying is a big problem in school these days, and it eases my mind knowing that Jiu Jitsu will help. They are learning about teamwork, about being confident in themselves, and about believing in themselves. I highly recommend Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy for kids.
Lacey Google -
Rarely will I actually sit and review a business, but Sampson BJJ deserves the accolades. After coming off retirement from the military and an extensive period of injury, the coaches and students at Sampson BJJ welcomed me with open arms. With my limitations in both experience and physicality, Coach Sampson and his staff worked with me, quite patiently, to improve myself within both the realm of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and overall fitness. These guys are top notch. Highly recommended.
Matt Google -
These guys are a Certified Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu School. If you want top notch instructors, a pure Jiu-Jitsu lineage, and a curriculum that will fast track your growth to legendary, this place is for you.
Justin Google -
Wrestling was my sport and I have tried my youngest in wrestling the last 3 seasons and he pretty much refused to do anything. We started him at Sampson and he really works in class. It is a combination of great coaches, especially Jason, coach to student ratio, and their class setup. Jason really cares about the kids and they know it. He immediately earns their respect and can bring out the best in them. So happy I got my child started here.
Emily Google -
Yesterday one of my dreams came true. I was on the mat training with one of my boys. Blake has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 3 years now and is doing awesome. Friday morning was my first BJJ class, and I loved it. I have been a martial artist for over 32 years. It felt so awesome and humbling to be a white belt again learning something new. Training with my son made it even more special. Thank you Jason for helping make my dream come true.
Brian Google -
I was in town for a few days. After checking out different gyms online, I decided to stop into Sampson's. I was warmly welcomed by everyone. The atmosphere was friendly and the instruction was fantastic. I've been to many BJJ gyms throughout the country, and this was definitely one of my favorites. If I lived in the area, I would join the gym. Thank you, Jason and team!
Jordan Google
Questions About Who We Are and How We Teach.
Who teaches at Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy?
Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy is led by owner and head instructor Jason Sampson, a 3rd-degree black belt under Carlos Machado, a Pan American champion, and a Bellator veteran. You train directly under him every class, real competition experience in a private studio that knows your name.
What do you teach and who is it for?
We teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids, teens, and adults. Lil’ Champs is for ages 4 to 7, Jr. Champs is for ages 7 to 13, and Adult BJJ is for ages 14 and up. We also offer private lessons for any age and goal. No experience is required to start.
How is Jason Sampson qualified to teach?
Jason Sampson holds his black belt directly under Carlos Machado. Pan American champion, Bellator veteran (14-1), and All-American wrestler. He has coached military, law enforcement, and survivors of domestic violence. The standard on our mat is the standard he holds himself to.
Is Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy connected to a lineage?
Yes. Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy is a member of the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Association, and Jason Sampson holds his 3rd-degree black belt directly under Carlos Machado.
What is your approach to teaching kids?
Kids are expected to listen, focus, and try. When they meet those expectations, they are recognized. When they fall short, they are coached, not shamed. The confidence and discipline parents notice at home come from a consistent environment where effort is what gets rewarded, on and off the mat.
How do you handle different skill levels in one class?
The technique is the same for everyone, but partners, complexity, and resistance are calibrated per student. Beginners are welcome in every class and instructors meet students at their current level.
Do I need experience or equipment to start?
No. Your first class is a free trial, and it is built for people who have never trained before. Just show up in comfortable clothes. We will cover the rest.
Which areas does Sampson Jiu Jitsu Academy serve?
We train at 280 Commerce Street Suite 175, Southlake, TX 76092 and welcome students from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Colleyville, and Roanoke.
You Have Read the Story. Come Train the Standard.
Pick a class time. Show up. Train. See for yourself whether this is the right fit before you commit. No contract, no pressure, no experience needed.
Free trial class · No long-term contract · Walk-ins welcome