The Trainer

Prof. Jonathan “JT” Torres Founder and head instructor of Essential Jiu Jitsu 
Jonathan “JT” Torres is a World Champion third-degree black belt under Andre Galvao, world-renowned competitive black belt and head of the Atos Jiu Jitsu Association.
Professor Torres himself, is one of the best-known American-born jiu jitsu competitors, and has competed and medaled at the highest levels in the sport.
His accomplishments include: 2X ADCC World Champion
World No Gi Champion
World’s Silver Medalist (Gi)
Pan American Gi & No Gi Champion European Champion
American National Gi and No Gi Champion Brazilian National Silver Medallist
New York Open Champion
Asian Open Champion
Torres is also a highly-acclaimed professor and coach, having taught a wide range of adult and kids classes throughout his career, and a well-respected member of the international jiu jitsu community, giving seminars on his distinct style of jiu jitsu at academies across the globe.
With more than decade of experience, Professor Torres began training at the age of 15. It was not long before he decided that he would make jiu jitsu his life’s career, he set about accomplishing his dream with unwavering determination and hard work.
JT went on to become one of the youngest American’s to earn a blackbelt at the age of 19. His journey has taken him coast to coast – from the Northeast, where he began making a name for himself, to California, where he became known as one of the best American competitors in the world. Now, Professor Torres is back in his home state of New York to bring his deep and well-rounded knowledge of jiu jitsu, his distinct fundamentals-based philosophy and style, and his infectious energy and passion, to the mats of Essential Jiu Jitsu and Fitness.