Our Founders are the Teachers…

We are passionate about our vision and being hands-on with execution!

Jason Bukich,
Co-Founder & C0-Director

  • With nearly four decades of experience in Martial Arts, Jason Bukich has dedicated his career to empowering students through both physical and mental development. As a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and former professional Mixed Martial Arts athlete, Jason's passion for teaching has been evident since 2006.

    Jason holds a Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Bachelor's degree from UC Irvine, blending extensive knowledge with hands-on instruction.

    As a father of five children, Jason was inspired to create a program that offers a holistic enrichment experience tailored to the lessons he wishes to impart to his own children. Drawing from his personal experiences as a chess champion in middle school, Jason aims to ignite a passion for strategic thinking in his students while instilling the importance of meditation and movement through Yoga, andl self-defense skills through Martial Arts.

    Jason is a licensed acupuncturist, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and also the founder of the World Series of Jiu-Jitsu.

    • Bachelor’s degree UCI

    • Master’s degree Chinese medicine

    • Licensed acupuncturist

    • Former undefeated professional MMA fighter

    • 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt

    • Former LBHS Assistant Wrestling Coach

    • Husband & father of five kids

Jacob Cho,
Co-Founder & Co-Director

  • Jacob Cho began training at the early age of five with his father, Grandmaster Hee Il Cho, a martial arts pioneer and legend. With over 45 years of martial arts experience and more than 30 years of teaching, he brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and dedication.

    His experience includes being the ongoing student, teacher, competitor and school owner. He has developed a passion for helping others grow and strengthen through martial arts training. Jacob co-founded Cho’s Academy in 2009, a martial arts and yoga school located in Laguna Beach, CA. He is currently the sole owner/operator. As an entrepreneur in spirit, he also opened a precious metals business out of Tustin, CA in 2022.

    Jacob holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and continues to practice and evolve in his craft. He also has experience with western boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai. Jacob has a deep appreciation for Yoga and has maintained a loose but continued practice for nearly fifteen years.  He also enjoys weight training, running, hiking, snowboarding and playing guitar.  Chess was also a favorite for Jacob in middle school.

    As a father, Jacob was inspired to help create an enrichment program he would want for his own son’s benefit, crafting an experience rooted in the values and lessons he holds dear.

    • 45+ years of martial arts experience

    • 30+ years of teaching experience

    • 15+ years teaching locally

    • Tae Kwon Do black belt

    • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt

    • Co-founder, and Sole Owner & Operator of Cho’s Academy

    • Proud and happy father

Join us…

We are excited to share the powers of meditation, yoga, chess, martial arts, self-defense and play in a manner that fosters curiosity, passion, strength, grit, kindness, integrity, respect, confidence and more.