BJJ Gyms in Durango, United States

Durango Martial Arts Academy

Durango Martial Arts Academy is Durango's only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts Academy. Founded in 2006, DMAA was the first and only true MMA/BJJ academy in southwest Colorado, bringing world-class martial arts training to the Four Corners region. The academy's mission is to use martial arts as a positive influence in people's lives and in the community. DMAA believes that when people are healthy, confident in their self-defense abilities, and mentally fortified, society prospers as a whole. The gym focuses on teaching martial arts styles that provide the most benefits in terms of practical self-defense, physical conditioning, and enjoyment. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to professional competitors. Head instructor and owner Chris Jones is a BJJ black belt who received his rank from renowned coach Amal Easton in 2011. Jones began training in 1999 under UFC fighter Jorge Gurgel, earned his blue belt from Marcus Aurielo in Brazil, and trained with legendary coaches including Gokor Chivichyan. As a competitor, Jones maintained a perfect 5-0 professional MMA record and won the Rocky Mountain National welterweight championship in 2010. General Manager Matt Young, also a BJJ black belt, has over 12 years of experience and leads the kids and teens programs. The academy is also home to Nico de Haan, a 4th degree black belt who trains under Professor Eduardo de Lima and won gold at the 2012 PAN Jiu Jitsu Championship. The women's program is led by brown belt Shiann Swapp, who has been training at DMAA since 2006.