John Hassett

John Hassett began his martial arts training in 1985 with Soo Bahk Do, a Korean style of karate, in which he achieved the rank of 5th degree Master. In 1997, Mr. Hassett started learning the submission and ground fighting art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Steve Maxwell of Philadelphia. He now trains under Phil and Rick Migliarese of Team Balance/Balance Studios in Philadelphia. John Hassett holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. Hassett has the distinction of being the first black belt under the Migliarese brothers and Balance Studios. Mr. Hassett is also a five-time Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist. He now devotes his time to passing his knowledge of the martial arts along to his students. He has owned and operated his own martial arts academy for over 25 years. He has graduated a handful of students to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – many have gone on to be successful in MMA competition, Jiu-Jitsu competition, and as instructors running their own academies.