# Jason Rau

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## Overview

**Name:** Jason Rau


## Bio

Jason Rau was born on October 3, 1989, in Long Island, New York, United States of America where he was raised.

Wrestling was the first grappling sport practiced by Jason, which he did during his high school days. Jiu-jitsu would take over later in his life, at the age of 20 (early 2010), after a friend invited him to a class. A late age to start for someone with professional aspirations, but Rau hit the ground running and almost immediately started competing.

Quickly climbing the ranks of the sport, much of Rau’s success is awarded to a prime grappling education, which Jason received from the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight champion  Matt Serra  – his first coach and the man who followed him from white to black belt.

Fully embedded in grappling culture Jason quickly moved away from traditional gi jiu-jitsu and to submission-grappling or submission-only, as it became known, given how Rau prioritized the finishing aspect of jiu-jitsu. His quick progress saw him earning his black belt on February 16, 2016.

After earning his black belt Rau started training more regularly with John Danaher in New York City – Danaher who had been a training partner of Serra for many years at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Jason would quickly climb the ranks of the Danaher Death Squad (John’s elite group of students), and go on to compete in important events such as Kasai Pro and the BJJ Fanatics Grand Prix.

Jason Rau Highlight

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**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/jason-rau-5761898fa9a8)