Easton Training Center in Castle Rock opened its doors in 2011 with the determination to bring high-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and striking programs to the families of Castle Rock and the surrounding areas. Today it thrives under the leadership of Professors Chris Stolzman and Ethan Day.
Meet Castle Rock’s Black Belts
Chris Stolzman has been involved in Martial Arts for 20 years. In addition to holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chris has also competed Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Submission Grappling.
Ethan Day has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 15 years, and holds the rank of 1st degree black belt under Master Renato Tavares. Ethan is very passionate about introducing jujitsu to people from all walks of life and believes that everyone can benefit from living the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle
Leanna Dittrich started training BJJ in 2005 while traveling in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She moved to Colorado in 2012, and was promoted to black belt by Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu in November 2013. She loves sharing and teaching BJJ, competing , and most of all, training.
Kurt Shrout started training BJJ in about 2002. He’s trained under Cesar Gracie, David Terrell, Pedro Sauer, and received his black belt from Johnny Ramirez. He is Pan American Champion, US Nationals Champion, US Open Champion, and bronze medalist at the World Championship.
With Coach Brain Youakim at the helm, the Castle Rock Kids’ BJJ program has grown into one of the best in the state. Students not only learn fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, but also leadership skills and martial arts values, which they practice on and off the mat.
Over the past few years, ETC Castle Rock has grown significantly, and is now home to over 200 students. The academy has produced IBJJF Pan Ams Champions and World Champions, and recently promoted its first group of purple belts! At the belt promotion 150 attendees came out to support the new purple belts, and there were about 70 people on the mat, including Professors Amal Easton, Ian Lieberman, Vellore Caballero, and Ethan Snow. ETC Castle Rock would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who came out to make this such a great event!
Congratulations to Jesse Franklin, Ed Lomena, John Rehn, RJ Vigil, Derek Alumbaugh and Dakota Brown, Kim Pinske, Corey Brenner and Aliaksey Bely! We’re so proud of all your hard work and dedication.
