LAS VEGAS — Jason House was just ready to roll when he stepped into Giva Santana's One Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness last week in Tustin, CA.
But Professor Giva had something else in mind.
"After class, he surprised me with my black belt," the Iridium Sports Agency Founder and CEO says with a big smile.
Jason was admittedly a little suspicious when his wife, Alyssa House, arrived at One Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness shortly before the ceremony. There was no way she'd miss the presentation after being tipped off by Giva a little earlier that day. Jason, however, had no idea what was coming.
"For jiu-jitsu, it's really about the process and the journey, so promotions aren't something that I focus on," he says. "Training with Giva is always just so fun. It's a great outlet for me. This promotion was totally unexpected; I'm just grateful for my time with him because he's been a great mentor to me and I learn so much from him."
Jason had his first BJJ lesson with Giva in March of 2008, a lifetime before he would go on to be recognized as one of the sport's most effective, influential and sought-after agents.
After more than a decade on the mats and in the trenches with Iridium's athletes and coaches, Jason admits his promotion hasn't entirely sunk in yet.
"There have been a lot of people who have contributed immensely to me getting that black belt. My wife for always pushing me to go to class even when I'm tired, my guys at Iridium for doing so much for our clients, and all the amazing people I've got to train with over the years.
"I'm just extremely grateful."
ABOUT IRIDIUM SPORTS AGENCY
Iridium Sports Agency is a full-service professional management firm. Founded in 2009 by attorney Jason House, Iridium represents more than 80 fighters in the UFC, Bellator and ProFightLeague. Iridium's team of agents is devoted to assisting athletes in all aspects of their professional lives.