Name: Jake Mackenzie
Age: 25
Rank: Black Belt
Gym: Fightsports
Length of time training: 12 years

Website, blog, or twitter or facebook links:
Anyone who wants to contact me, just check out my Facebook page.

Summary about yourself:

I started training jiujitsu when i was 13 in Nova Scotia, Canada. When i was 17 years old i started to travel to Brazil for extended periods of time, to improve my jiujitsu and compete as much as possible. Now i live half the year in the US and half the year in Rio, training everday and competing as much as i can.

List of titles or accomplishments:

Blue Belt
2x Pan American Medalist (IBJJF)
Espirito Santo state Champion

Purple Belt
Rio State Champion (CBJJ0)
Rio State Championship 2nd place, Open weight Division (FJJRIO)
US Open Champion
Pan American Champion (IBJJF)
Brazilain National Championship 3rd place, Open weight Division (CBJJE)

Brown Belt
Rio State Champion (FJJRIO)
Central Brazilian Champion (CBJJE)
2x North American Abu Dhabi Trials Champion
Pan American Championship 2nd place (IBJJF)
2x Rio International Open finalist (CBJJ)
Miami International Open Champion, Open Weight (IBJJF)
American National Champion (IBJJF)
European Open Champion (IBJJF)

Black Belt
Copa Novo Leblon Champion, light and open weight
Central Brazilian Champion (CBJJE)
South American Champion (CBJJE)
World Cup Champion (CBJJO)
Brazilan National Teams Champion (CBJJ)

How did you get involved in bjj?

My dad was doing some jiujitsu classes at a gym that had just opened up, and he convinced me to try out the class. Now 12 years later, i am doing jiujitsu more than ever, and i am traveling around the world doing what i love most.

What is you favorite bjj story?

Any of the old stories about Carlson Gracie. He was a legend in Rio. If you ever get the chance, ask Carlson Jr., he has some great stories about his father.

Who are some of the people who have influenced you bjj?

I have had the opportunity to train with some great people in jiujitsu, the guys i look up to the most are Roberto Abreu, Gabriel Wilcox, Alexandre Pimental, Denilson Pimenta, Theodoro Canal, and Eduardo Jamelao.

What is your favorite position and why?

I really like the half guard, it is a position i have been using since blue belt and i am always trying to improve and add new variations to the position. There are so many options and variations from the position, that is why i like it so much. Roberto Abreu my instructor really helped me to refine and develop my game from there.

If you could start training all over again, what would you change in training routine and why?

I wouldn’t change a thing so far, i have had highs and lows in my career, but that is part of the process. I have made so many good friends, and had a lot of great moments in my career. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

How do you think competition helps your jiujitsu?

It drives me to train hard everyday. It is what gets me out of bed and into the gym, when i am tired and my body is beat up. It also motivates me to keep learning and keep improving my jiujitsu on daily basis.

Who are some people you have beat in competition in the past, in which you are proud of and why?

The wins in my career that i am most proud of are Zak Maxwell, JT Torres, Bruno Amorim, Eduardo Ramos, and Thiago Rocha. I have a great deal of respect for all of these guys, they have incredible jiujitsu, and i was honored to be able to compete with them.

How has bjj helped and changed your life?

It has changed my life completely. I get to travel all year round, and train with some of the best people on the planet. I really have no idea what i would be doing, if jiujitsu wasn’t a part of my life.

What do you think is not stressed enough in order to better your game in grappling?

There are so many things i need to work on. I am always trying to learn and improve my jiujitsu everyday. That is my main goal every time i step on to the mat, i want to make myself a little bit better than the day before.

What are your plans for the next 5-10 year?

I plan to keep on doing what i am doing for the next 10 years. I want to train everyday, compete 16-20 tournaments a year. Travel as much as i can, and learn as much jiujitsu as i can.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I have never driven a car, I have never had a credit car, I haven’t owned a phone in 5 years.

Any shout outs?

I want to thank my parents, they have helped me much over the last 12 years. I couldnt have asked for more supportive parents, they are awesome, i cant thank them enough for everything. I really want to thank Roberto Abreu my instructor, for always being an amazing teacher and an even better friend, he is a huge inspiration to me! I want to thank all the guys from Fightsports and Gfteam! I want to also thank Julio Cesar, he opened up his doors to me Rio, to train at his academy, and i have learned so much while i have been training there. I want to thank Carol, Pedro and Ricardo! They are three of closest friends, they have helped me so much over the years, and have always supported me 100 percent, i can thank them enough for all there help. I also want to thank all of my sponsors, Shoyoroll (The Best gis on the Planet!!), Rivalus Supplements, Inglis Jewelers, and Source Security!Without sponsors like this, i wouldn’t be able to compete and train at the level i do, i really appreciate all of their support of the years!