THE ORIGIN OF HASSETT'S JIU-JITSU

 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. 

 J.P. is the head instructor at the Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu Williamstown location. He began his martial arts training with Kenpo Karate for 2 years before discovering the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2006. He has been training under John Hassett for 17 years. He received all his belts under John Hassett – including his black belt in October of 2015. During this period he also earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Rowan University. He currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. JP has been active in every role on the competition scene – as a competitor, referee, coordinator, and most recently as a coach to the students at Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu. He also has experience training with several professional mixed martial artists, and has had the privilege of cornering fighters from Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu in MMA competition. He is extremely passionate about teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his educational background aids his ability to convey the art to his students.