Diamond Jiu-Jitsu's Head Instructor
Professor Jacob Kassama
Jacob Kassama began his Jiu-Jitsu training at the young age of 9, diving into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By the time he was 15, his impressive skill and potential were recognized, leading to a sponsorship for full-time training at the world-renowned Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ) Academy in Costa Mesa, California. While training there, Jacob earned his Blue and Purple Belts from the legendary Mendes Brothers.
Continuing his Jiu-Jitsu training, Jacob learned under another Jiu-Jitsu legend, Keenan Cornelius, at the Legion American Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Diego, California, where he earned his Brown Belt.
Jacob recently received his Black belt from Tyrone Gooden, his first instructor.
Jacob has won multiple prestigious titles across the youth and adult divisions:
· IBJJF 2-Time Pan American Champion 2019 & 2020
· IBJJF Orange County Open Champion 2020
· IBJJF New York Pro Champion 2019
· IBJJF San Diego Open Champion 2019
· IBJJF Los Angeles Open Champion 2019
· IBJJF Houston Open Champion 2018
· IBJJF Los Angeles Pro Champion 2018
· IBJJF World Champion 2017
· IBJJF Chicago Open Champion 2017
· IBJJF Las Vegas Open Champion 2017
Ann Ching
Ann Ching is the Women's BJJ & Self-Defense Instructor at Diamond Jiu-Jitsu.
As an Army veteran, college professor, and Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt. She began her BJJ journey in 2014 in Los Angeles, training and competing in both gi and nogi.
Ann became an assistant coach early in her BJJ career. Since 2023, she has focused primarily on leading women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense classes, creating an encouraging environment where women of all experience levels can feel empowered, challenged, and supported.
With her combined background in the military, higher education, and years of hands-on training experience, Ann brings a unique depth of leadership, discipline, and real-world perspective to the mats. She is excited to bring that wealth of experience to the women of Diamond Jiu-Jitsu and help build a strong, confident, and welcoming community both on and off the mats.
Al "Huge" Morello
Al is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 30 years of training experience, earning ranks across a wide range of systems from 10th Planet to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Known for his fun, welcoming, and engaging teaching style, Al is passionate about helping people of all ages, fitness levels, and experience backgrounds feel confident and capable on the mats. His goal is to make Jiu-Jitsu approachable, enjoyable, and life-changing for everyone who walks through the door.
Frank Gonzalez
As a Navy veteran, husband, father, and local business owner, Frank brings leadership, discipline, and community-driven values into everything he does at Diamond Jiu-Jitsu. After serving in the United States Navy aboard submarines, he developed a deep appreciation for structure, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth... qualities that naturally carried over into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over four years ago and earned his blue belt under Professor Lucas Rubbo. What started as a personal journey quickly became a family passion, with both of his daughters training in Jiu-Jitsu for more than five years. As both a practitioner and a parent, he understands firsthand the confidence, discipline, and life skills that Jiu-Jitsu can develop in students of all ages.
As the program director/coach of Diamond Jiu-Jitsu, his vision has always been bigger than just another academy. His mission is to provide Tempe, Arizona with a high-quality Jiu-Jitsu facility focused on excellent training, a welcoming environment, and a strong sense of community.
"Diamond Jiu-Jitsu was built to be a place where beginners feel comfortable, experienced students can grow, and families can train together while building confidence both on and off the mats."
-Frank Gonzalez