# Durango Martial Arts Academy > Durango, United States ## Overview **Name:** Durango Martial Arts Academy **Description:** 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. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 1129 Camino Del Rio, Durango, Co, United States of America Durango, CO 81301, United States **Phone:** 970-259-3398 **Email:** durangojiujitsu@yahoo.com **Website:** https://durangomartialarts.com/ **Social Media:** - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DurangoMartialArtsAcademy - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU5VHTjl01_vPG5tPqCqvWg ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM - Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM - Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM - Thursday: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM - Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Sunday: Closed ## Pricing ### Drop-in - Adult: $20/class ## Facilities & Amenities Kickboxing ## Instructors ### Chris Jones - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** BJJ black belt under Amal Easton (2011). Started training in 1999 under UFC fighter Jorge Gurgel, earned blue belt from Marcus Aurielo in Brazil. Also trained with Gokor Chivichyan and Amal Easton. Professional MMA record: 5-0 with all wins by submission or knockout. Rocky Mountain National MMA Champion (Welterweight) 2010. ### Matt Young - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** BJJ black belt awarded by Chris Jones and Nick Maez in 2016 after 12+ years of training. Started at Durango Sports Club in 2004, joined DMAA in 2006. Head Kids Instructor with 9+ years of teaching experience. Active competitor with 20+ tournaments. Professional MMA record: 3-0. ### Nico de Haan - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 4th degree BJJ black belt under Professor Eduardo de Lima (Gracie Barra Clearwater). Born in The Netherlands in 1944, emigrated to Canada in 1951, then to the United States. Graduated from University of Michigan. Won gold at 2012 PAN Jiu Jitsu Championship as a brown belt, received black belt same year. 4th degree awarded by Professor Michel P. Pereira (Buiu) in November 2025. ### Shiann Swapp - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** BJJ brown belt awarded by Chris Jones and Matt Young in 2017. Started kickboxing at DMAA in 2006, began jiu-jitsu in 2011. Blue belt from Steve Hanna (2011), purple belt from Chris Jones (2014). ## Programs ### Kids BJJ (Ages 4-6) **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Junior Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program for young children ages 4-6, introducing fundamental movements and discipline. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ (Ages 7-11) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Kids Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program helping children find their inner strength, develop focus, and instill discipline through BJJ training. **Classes:** ### Kids Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Kickboxing classes for children ages 7-11, teaching striking fundamentals and building fitness. **Classes:** ### BJJ Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program focusing on core techniques, positions, and submissions. Great for teens and adults new to BJJ. **Classes:** ### All Level BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Mixed-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for practitioners of all experience levels. Focuses on technique refinement and live training. **Classes:** ### All Level No-Gi BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling for all levels. Similar to MMA training without strikes. **Classes:** ### Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Muay Thai kickboxing classes using kicking and punching techniques. Great for fitness and striking fundamentals. **Classes:** ### Women's Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Women-only kickboxing classes providing a supportive environment for learning striking techniques and getting fit. **Classes:** ### Women's BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes focusing on effective self-defense and providing an intense workout in a supportive atmosphere. **Classes:** ### Judo **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Judo training focusing on throws, takedowns, holds and leverage to unbalance opponents. **Classes:** ### Intro to MMA **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Introduction to Mixed Martial Arts combining striking, submission wrestling, and takedowns. **Classes:** ### Sparring **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Live sparring sessions for practicing techniques under realistic conditions. **Classes:** ### Women's Self Defense **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Self-defense techniques specifically designed for women's safety and empowerment. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/colorado/durango/durango-martial-arts-academy)