Durango Martial Arts Academy

Durango Martial Arts Academy was founded in 2006 by Chris Jones, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt whose journey began under Jorge Gurgel at the Brown Institute of Martial Arts in Ohio. Jones’s path through the ranks included training in Brazil with Marcus Aurielo, earning his brown belt from Helio “Soneca” Moreira, and receiving his black belt from Amal Easton. With a background that spans competitive BJJ, professional MMA, and Muay Thai, Jones built the academy as southwest Colorado’s first dedicated school for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. The academy features a deep coaching roster, including Matt Young—who started training at DMAA’s opening and now leads the kids’ and teens’ programs as a BJJ black belt—and Shiann Swapp, who instructs women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. Nico de Haan, a 4th degree black belt with roots at Gracie Barra Clearwater and a PAN Jiu-Jitsu Championship gold medal, brings additional high-level instruction, especially in the morning and weekend classes. The coaching team’s collective experience is reflected in a schedule that includes all-level and fundamentals classes, advanced competition training, and specialized programs for kids, teens, and women. Students at Durango Martial Arts Academy can train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in both gi and no-gi formats, with options almost every day of the week, including early morning sessions and Saturday classes. Kids’ BJJ is offered for ages 4–11, with separate junior and youth classes, while adults can choose from fundamentals, submission grappling, and open mat times. The academy also blends kickboxing, judo, and MMA into its curriculum, making it a training home for both recreational students and active competitors in Durango.

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