Can Jiu-Jitsu Change the Way Jews See Themselves? | Isaac Mass

What happens when years of feeling like an outsider become the foundation for building a community? Isaac Mass, founder of Jews of Jiu-Jitsu, shares his journey through personal struggles, rejection and self-discovery, and how he turned those experiences into a growing community connecting Jewish identity with martial arts. Mass opens up about struggling to find where he belonged, battling depression and anxiety and feeling like he was never good enough. He discusses his Hasidic background, the mentors who helped shape his path and how martial arts taught him to embrace discomfort, develop resilience and build confidence. He also shares how his work with dogs and his vision for mental health treatment reflect a deeper interest in understanding people and helping them grow. Today, Jews of Jiu-Jitsu has grown to nearly 400 members, bringing Jewish grapplers together across the United States and internationally. For Mass, the mission goes beyond the mats. It’s about strengthening Jewish pride, recognizing physical strength as a complement to spiritual growth, building meaningful connections and creating a space where people feel they belong. “The Jewish body is a holy thing, and when you’re empowering it, you’re empowering the soul inside,” Mass says. This episode was filmed on Oct. 7, and as a zikaron for those who perished, we are focusing on those who empower other Jews to stand up and be stronger together. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Growing Up Hasidic and Feeling Like an Outsider 15:18 - How Martial Arts Changed His Life 18:45 - Divorce, Depression and Starting Over 25:18 - Learning to Accept Himself 35:01 - How Jews of Jiu-Jitsu Got Started 47:47 - Self-Acceptance and Finding Your Purpose Subscribe to our channel: @jewishlinknews Follow Jews of Jiu-Jitsu on Instagram: @jewsofjuijitsu Website: https://www.jewsofjujitsu.com (currently under construction)