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Hello. My name is Jason Mertlich.

I try to avoid labels, and characterizations, but here is some info about myself…a snapshot… if you will.

I have always felt a deep connection to my surroundings, and my body. I, at times, felt obscure, and out of place with my peers.

I grew up in a single parent household, raised by my mother. I spent a great deal of time with my grandfather, and he, more than anyone, has influenced my life to the greatest degree. He taught me how to be a man. He taught me about honor, courage, hard work, and compassion. I miss him greatly.

I grew up playing many sports. I enjoyed baseball, and football the most. In high school I focused mainly on football, and was receiving national attention from some top universities. Senior year we struggled to place in region, and although making the all region team, it hurt some recruiting exposure.I pondered where to go, and in the end decided to quit football, and see where life took me.

I tried several different jobs, office, construction, my own lawn mowing business, the airlines, physical therapist for a quadrapalegic, Tom Barlow, I wonder where you are? I also had the amazing opportunity to work for several years as a transport agent. I would take troubled teens from their homes to different rehab facilities around the world. I have had the great opportunity to travel to many places around the globe.

It was during this time that I met a man named Walt Balyless. Walt is a an amazing individual, who taught me about life, and taught me my passion, Jiu Jitsu! I would spend 6 days a week, usually twice a day most days, studying, and practicing jiu jitsu. Three years later I had my black belt, and a huge accomplishment for myself. Walt moved away, and I bounced around a little.I trained with some of the best guys in the world, one is my friend Griffen Reynaud, I am so lucky to have the friends that I do. I also taught jiu jitsu off and on for many years during this period.

A few years went by and I was living ferociously in a crazy booze, and drug filled haze. I had many ups and downs during this time, battled with depression, alcohol, and drugs. One good thing during this time,I established myself in the local film scene, and made many great friends working behind, and in front of the camera. Thank you Frank Gerrish.

After a few years of the endless party, I started searching…. I have come across many great teachers, and I am very fortunate. I started teaching jiu jitsu again,got back into boxing. I developed a good sense of coaching, and have been able to train many talented young fighters throughout the last few years.

Today, after being refined in the fire, I come to you after a major epiphany in my life…..

I must thank those, who along the way, made things a little easier, and at times, a little harder.

First and foremost my grandfather. You taught me how to be a man. Honor, courage, hard work, and compassion. I miss you every day.

My mother, without you, I would have given up along time ago. Thank you for everything. You have helped me in so many ways, I can’t even begin to thank you enough.

My sister Tam, and her beautiful children. (that includes you Landon) I love you sis.

My dad, my sisters, brother, brother-in-law Justin, all of my extended family, grandparents from both sides, all of my friends growing up. I love you all.

I want to thank my teachers, both in person, and in study.

Walt Bayless, you have given me the gift of Jiu Jitsu, thank you,.

Griffen Reynaud, Louie Avilla, Mr. Stone, James Sokamano, Nate Henriod, Frank Gerrish, Anne Sward Hansen, Micheala Nelligan.

Teachers who I read, Eckhardt Tolle, Wayne Dyer, The Tao, The Buddha, Jesus Christ, Ghandi, Coach Davies, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Deepak Chopra, John Steinbeck, Henry David Thoreau, Byron Katie, Edger Allen Poe, Albert Einstein.

Most of all, thank you to my beautiful wife Shar.