Coach Don Penny
Don began his martial arts journey in 1989, he holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo, 1st degree in Aikido, and 1st degree in Okinawan Kobudo. He has practiced Jiu Jitsu off/on for several years, but until now, with Gracie Combatives and Gracie Certified Training Centers had not found a good fit. Don says, “I am so encouraged by the ultra-high standards, format, structure, and attention to detail!”
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Don is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt Stripe 1 and completed the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program (ICP) 2022.
More About Don
Don considers himself a Coloradan (albeit a transplant), having relocated from California when he found the “love of his life.” Don has deep roots here in Colorado with two wonderful school age boys (ages 9 & 11), and two adult boys 22 & 27. Don is a fitness and health fanatic and loves the year-round activities here in Colorado. Don is an accomplished 14’er hiker and overall outdoors enthusiast, he also volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, socialize and re-home Pitbulls and has the most amazing dog ever, (a rescue, but not sure who “rescued” who), an American Staffordshire Terrier named Romeo.
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Don is an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge and growth, a lifelong learner. He’s a focused and driven individual who believes in personal and professional excellence.
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Don also has degrees in Psychology and Organizational Management from Ashford University. Don is a US Air Force Military Veteran.
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Don enjoys teaching, coaching, and training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and has made it a way of life. Don is first and foremost dedicated to teaching GJJ as a complete self-defense system.
Lineage
Helio Gracie : Rorion Gracie : Ryron and Rener Gracie : Tony Debelak : Don Penny