A Rising Star from Cooper City
In the heart of Cooper City, Florida, a quiet storm has been brewing on the mats of South Florida’s most competitive dojos. At just 11 years old, Jake “The Snake” LeBlanc has already etched his name among the most promising young talents in the jiu-jitsu world. A yellow belt with a résumé that reads like a seasoned veteran’s, Jake is not only collecting medals—he’s rewriting what’s possible for a kid with a dream and an iron will.
Jake’s journey began when he was only seven years old. Like many children, he was introduced to martial arts to build discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. But what happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. Jake joined the renowned American Top Team, one of the most prestigious training camps in the country. Within just nine months of training, Jake entered his first tournament—the IBJJF Kids Pan Championship, widely regarded as the most elite and competitive youth jiu-jitsu tournament in the world. Against a field of more experienced competitors, Jake stunned the crowd by taking home the bronze medal.
At an age when most kids are still learning to tie their belts, Jake was already battling seasoned youth fighters under the bright lights of a world-class tournament. And that was only the beginning. Around the same time, Jake took the stage for his first Super Fight appearance at Fight2Win, one of the largest and most respected grappling promotions in the nation. Jake’s courage, technique, and composure instantly caught the eye of fans and promoters alike.
The Vagner Rocha Effect
Since that breakout year, Jake has returned to the Fight2Win stage five times, emerging victorious in three of those battles. The two he did not win were razor-close matches that ended in decision. His fight record is a testament not just to his skill but to his unwavering consistency and grit. Jake isn’t just competing—he’s growing with each match, learning from every outcome, and becoming a more dangerous and complete fighter.
But Jake’s drive for growth took a sharp leap forward when, just a year into training, he made a pivotal move to Vagner Rocha Martial Arts. Under the tutelage of world champion Vagner Rocha himself, Jake entered a new phase of his evolution. This was where the fighter in him truly began to emerge. Rocha’s aggressive, pressure-heavy style meshed perfectly with Jake’s fearless attitude. The young athlete began competing multiple times a month, relentlessly honing his craft and dominating on a variety of competition platforms.
Over the next few years, Jake amassed over 200 wins across high-profile tournaments such as Newbreed, NAGA, ABC, ADCC Trials, and more. He became a multi-time Pan Championship Bronze Medalist, a Con Kids Gold Medalist, and racked up gold medals wherever he competed. One of his proudest moments came when he earned “Fastest Submission of the Night” during the Submission Grappling Series with a lightning-fast 16-second arm-bar—an exclamation point on a performance that left spectators speechless.
A Champion With Purpose
Jake’s success on the mats is paralleled by his heart off of them. He has competed multiple times for the Tap Cancer Out charity organization, raising money and awareness for cancer research. Even at a young age, Jake understands that being a champion means giving back. It’s a mindset that has matured beyond his years.
The Next Chapter at Notorious JWS
Now, Jake trains out of Notorious JWS under the guidance of Coach Billy Tran, another respected name in the jiu-jitsu world. Coach Tran has taken Jake under his wing and is helping to refine the technical polish and strategic depth Jake needs to elevate to the next level. Since making the transition, Jake has already racked up impressive victories on two of the most exciting new platforms in the grappling scene—Five Grappling and Main Character. Jake showcased the same explosive precision and mental toughness that fans have come to expect, securing wins on both stages and proving that he thrives under the spotlight.
In addition to jiu-jitsu, Jake is now diving into wrestling as he enters middle school at Mater Lakes Academy. There, he’ll be part of their nationally recognized wrestling team, the Golden Bears. It’s a new chapter, but one that will only enhance his already formidable takedown and ground control skills.
Fueled by BOOM: Sponsorship With Soul
With his eyes locked on the ADCC 2026 championship and a strong support system behind him, Jake’s journey is far from over. One of the biggest boosts to his momentum came from an unlikely but powerful source—Boom. The lifestyle and performance brand saw something special in Jake. More than just a talented kid, they saw a story worth believing in. A sponsorship was offered, and the impact was immediate. For Jake, Boom isn’t just a logo on a rash guard; it’s a reminder that his path—the wins, the losses, the sacrifices—is something to be proud of. It’s not just about medals. It’s about legacy.
Jake “The Snake” LeBlanc is more than a jiu-jitsu prodigy. He’s a symbol of what happens when passion meets discipline, when talent is paired with purpose. As he climbs the ranks toward his next big moment on the world stage, one thing is certain—Jake isn’t just chasing greatness. He’s becoming it.
