SGM Jason "Tiger" Velez is a world-renowned martial arts master and the founder of 9 Dragons Martial Arts and Special Forces Hapkido. A Vietnam-era US Raider-Recon Marine and US Army XVIII Airborne Corps combat veteran with 20+ years of service, he is considered one of the leaders in Close Quarters Combat.
SGM Velez trained in Asia, Europe, South America, and across the USA under many grandmasters and founders while serving in the military. He specializes in authentic traditional battlefield martial arts and modern military combatives, and also holds master certifications in Reiki, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong.
Martial Arts Ranks
Japanese Arts
- • 9th Dan - Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo (Soke Dai)
- • 8th Dan - Kenpo Ju-Jitsu (USJJF)
- • 7th Dan - Kenpo Karate (IKKA)
- • 6th Dan - Kenshinkan Bujutsu
Korean Arts
- • 9th Dan - Special Forces Hapkido (Founder)
- • 8th Dan - Tae Kwon Do (AKMAA)
- • 8th Dan - Hapkido (AKMAA)
- • 8th Dan - Kyuk Too Ki (Korean Kickboxing)
Self-Defense Systems
- • Expert Level 1 - IDF Krav Maga
- • Master Instructor - CIA SCQC
- • Instructor - Navy SEALS RAT System
- • Master - Jeet Kune Do Concepts
Connection to Owaza
In 2013, SGM Velez joined forces and cross-trained with Hanshi Jim Rivera, founder of Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo. Together they researched and pressure-tested techniques and hosted legendary Camp Owaza Survival & Self-Defense camps from 2015 to present. SGM Velez serves as Soke Dai (Keeper of the Scrolls) for Owaza Ryu.
Military Service
Honorably discharged after 20+ years of service in 2003. Served as a Vietnam-era US Marine Corps Raider-Recon and later with the US Army XVIII Airborne Corps in the Middle East. His real-world police actions and combat service makes him one of the most qualified martial artists and Close Quarters Combat instructors in the world.
Hall of Fame & Awards
- Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors - Platinum Award 2011
- Goodwill Ambassador Award 2014 & 2015
- USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2024
- SOBBA (Society of Black Belt Artists) Inductee 2025
- Who's Who in Martial Arts 2024
Current Work
SGM Velez is the Chief Martial Arts Program Director for the L1FE Wellness Organization, assisting veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD under the direction of the DOD. He also serves on the advisory board of Henley-Putnam University School of Strategic Security and the Akribis Group (Center for Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Studies). Additionally, he is an actor, stuntman, stunt coordinator, fight choreographer, writer, director, and producer in the film industry as founder of Vegas Empire Stunts LLC.