MEET PROFESSOR AVI KASHUB

Over 30 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience. A lifetime dedicated to learning, teaching, and helping others grow.

ALLOW MYSELF TO INTRODUCE... MYSELF.

My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 1995, long before opening Renzo Gracie Colorado was even a thought.

I started training with the legendary Carlson Gracie Team under Professor Marcus Silveira. Over the years, I continued developing my skills with the Valente Brothers, whose emphasis on practical self-defense helped shape my approach to Jiu-Jitsu.

Later, I trained under Professor Dustin "Clean" Denes, who promoted me to brown belt. I ultimately received my black belt from Professor Stan Beck at Renzo Gracie Weston, Florida, with the approval of Master Renzo Gracie himself.

But after more than three decades on the mats, I've learned something important:

Jiu-Jitsu is about much more than fighting. It's about becoming a better version of yourself.

FROM FLORIDA TO COLORADO

In 2017, my family and I moved to Colorado Springs with a dream: to build a Jiu-Jitsu academy where people of all ages and backgrounds could train, challenge themselves, and feel like they belonged.

That dream became Renzo Gracie Colorado.

My professional background as a Physical Therapist Assistant and former Florida state-certified paramedic has also shaped how I teach.

Safety isn't an afterthought here. It's part of everything we do.

Whether I'm teaching a five-year-old their first technique, helping a parent discover Jiu-Jitsu, or working with someone returning to physical activity after years away, my goal is the same: help every student develop confidence, real skills, and a love for learning.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE YOUNG. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN SHAPE.

And you certainly don't need any experience.

At 53, I understand that training smart matters just as much as training hard.

Some of our students are children taking their first steps onto the mats. Others are adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond discovering what they're still capable of.

There's a place for all of them here.

We train seriously, we look after one another, and we have a pretty damn good time doing it.

Because at the end of the day, we're not just building better Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

We're building stronger, more confident people.

COME MEET COACH AVI

The best way to understand what makes Renzo Gracie Colorado different is to experience it for yourself.

Come meet the team, see the academy, and find out whether we're the right fit for you or your family.

No experience necessary. No pressure. Just good people and great Jiu-Jitsu.