JitsCast #27 features Jared Haymon, a BJJ black belt under Tom DeBlass and the founder of the exciting new promotion; Pit Boss Grappling. The promotion started making waves almost immediately thanks to their use of the pit for open tournaments but it has since become a viral sensation with their flagship event, the John Wick Invitational. Taking a lead from the popular movie franchise starring Keanu Reeves, the event is the only one of it’s kind that features matches between grapplers wearing suits. As if that wasn’t unique enough, they also introduce prop weapons into each match after a certain time as well.
We spoke to Haymon about his journey through the Jiu-Jitsu ranks long before he ever became a promoter, just to get a sense of what has brought him to this point. He also explained some of the early motivations behind the formation of Pit Boss Grappling, including the unique profit-sharing approach that he takes with all the academies who send people to compete. Haymon also shared some insight into the very first days of the John Wick Invitational, including how the very first grappling match in suits that PBG hosted came about and how he came up with the ruleset.
Haymon then shared his search for the perfect prop weapons to use at the event, and how they landed on their current choices. He also explained how the weapons overtime minute actually works, and how specific tactics have played out so far. Although there have only been two John Wick Invitationals so far, he has already improved the production value dramatically and has plenty of room for growth in the future. Haymon also talked about the continuation of the PBG open tournaments, which still give local grapplers the unique opportunity to compete in a purpose-built pit structure inside his gym.
JitsCast #27 with Jared Haymon is now available to watch on the official JitsMagazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
