Each certified instructor is an extension of the Gracie Family and a representative of Gracie University. Certified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors have all been law enforcement background checked. All Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora instructors must personify discipline, integrity, and honor. They must be healthy in mind and body, and, most importantly, they must have a passion for empowering others.
WARNING: Not all Jiu-Jitsu is the same. If you are looking for authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu you have come to the right place. Professor Tony Debelak has learned to perform the techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu against uncooperative, fully resisting opponents and proven it multiple times.
Professor, GJJ Black Belt 2nd Degree
Head Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Professor Tony Debelak
Tony began his journey in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in November 1993 after watching Royce Gracie in UFC 1 defeat all opponents in various fighting disciplines using only Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Witnessing the results, Tony began training with his dad and fellow wrestlers in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. When he was not in wrestling season during high school and college, he was learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
GJJ Black Belt – Instructor
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Professor Ethan Debelak
Ethan has been doing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since he was born. He excelled through the children’s program learning the Gracie games in the Gracie Bully Proof program and the Junior Combatives program. By the time Ethan turned 14 he achieved his Green Belt and passed the Adult Gracie Combatives test. He has been working his way through all the Gracie University stripe courses as they have been released with his father, Head Instructor Tony Debelak.
GJJ Brown
Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Coach Tanya Debelak
Tanya is our Women Empowered Head Instructor. She works alongside Professor Tony to Empower Ladies and has helped multiple ladies achieve their Pink Belt in this program. Although Women Empowered is her specialty, she has continued to progress in her Jiu-Jitsu journey. She is now a Brown Belt. She also competes, and in her last tournament she took Silver or 2nd at No Gi Worlds in Las Vegas. She has also works closely with our Bullyproof kids, assists Combatives/Master Cycle classes, and manages all of the Administrative Operations for Gracie Jiu Jitsu Colorado.
GJJ Purple Belt Stripe 3
Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Coach Cora Howell
Cora became interested in the women’s self-defense program and empowering other women through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Though she has two years of experience in karate, she wanted to be able to defend herself from someone that is larger and stronger. Cora is focused on self-defense first and empowering others.
GJJ Purple Belt Stripe 1
Women Empowered Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Coach Lucinda Franze
Lucinda Franze is one of our Women Empowered Instructors who work alongside Professor Tony and Coach Tanya, empowering and guiding women on their self-defense journey. Her passion is teaching Jiu- Jitsu to women and children. She is also a Blue Belt and a Master Cycle student. Her devotion to teaching Jiu-Jitsu is unmistakable in her dedication to assisting her children and fellow GJJA students in achieving their training and self-defense goals.
GJJ Purple Belt Stripe 2
Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
Coach Tyler Smith
Tyler started learning Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Jacksonville in 2017. He started taking jiu-jitsu while being a physics professor for a private college looking for a way to stay active, learn something new, and socialize. In 2022, Tyler moved to Aurora Colorado for work and started training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora and eventually working towards becoming a certified jiu-jitsu instructor.
GJJ Purple Belt Stripe 2
Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora
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!”