American-Khmer Jessa Khan claimed four gold medals last weekend at the SJJIF World, a prestigious international jujitsu tournament. These titles cap off a stunning year in which Jessa has also secured three world championship titles and the gold medal at the Asian Games in Indonesia.

A champion's ambition. Just hours after clinching this four-medal sweep at the SJJIF World in Long Beach, California, Jessa Khan is already looking ahead. On her radar: the EBI and No-Gi Worlds tournaments next December. "I stay focused on what I have to gain, explains the jujitsuka. I still have so many dreams and so many titles to pursue." At 17 years old, Jessa Khan has undoubtedly dominated the international women's jujitsu scene this year. At her level, in any case. The blue belt, typically worn between ages 16 and 18. Her objective is to earn her black belt next year, with the minimum age set at 18, which will open the doors to the most glorious titles.

Unwavering Motivation

Professional training takes time, especially at 17 years old. Jessa's daily life revolves constantly around jujitsu. It's a necessary commitment if you want to win it all. "I train in California every day, 20 to 25 hours a week. I also teach this martial art to younger students. Jujitsu plays a very important role in my life. It's very difficult to focus on anything else, but I'm holding on," she assures. Jessa takes online courses to stay on track, and she's confident in herself: "I'll make jujitsu my career." In 2010, at the beginning, Jessa viewed this martial art as a hobby. At 9 years old, she wasn't really thinking about the future. Three years later, after competing in a few junior competitions, jujitsu began to take on greater importance in her life, and she focused more and more on the sport, never letting go since. It was her father, Peter Khan, born in Cambodge and who moved to the United States, who introduced her to this combat sport. Jessa holds dual citizenship, Khmer and American. This opened the doors for her to compete at the Asian Games last August.

Making History

Jujitsu was added to the Asian Games program this year. Jessa was able to compete in this 18th edition held in Indonesia. Better yet, she actually won the competition and became the first gold medalist in the history of jujitsu at the Asian Games, in the under 49kg category. "It's an immense honor to have worn the Khmer colors and represent my origins. I'm very grateful to Cambodge for allowing me to participate in these Asian Games. I came to the kingdom after the competition to see my family and meet supporters—what an incredible memory!" the champion exclaimed. At just 17 years old, Jessa has already entered the history books of Cambodge and Asia. Her motivation, her ambitions, and her work may yet carry her to the pinnacle of her sport—she's doing everything to get there.

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