Professor Amal Easton began his martial arts journey over 30 years ago with the study of Muay Thai under the tutelage of Ajarn Chai Sirasuti and Kru Doug Pandorf. He has studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extensively since 1992. After earning his degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professor Easton moved to Rio De Janeiro in 1995. One of few Americans living in Rio de Janeiro, he trained and competed out of the Gracie Barra Academy for three and a half years.
Professor Easton was only the seventh person to receive a black belt from legendary competitor and instructor, Renzo Gracie. Renzo and Carlos Gracie, Jr., have endorsed his ability and authorized him to teach the art. Professor Easton was the first American Black Belt National Champion in 2002, is a multiple Pan American and Worlds Masters champion, and one of the original American pioneers of the art. Professor Easton has had the honor of studying extensively with such legendary talent as Professors Helio “Soneca” Moreira, Roberto “Gordo” Correira, Rillion Gracie, Eduardo “Veio” De Lima, Ze “Leao” Teixeira, and more.
Some of Professor Easton’s students include notable competitors Eliot Marshall (first American to win Pan Ams at blue, purple, and brown belts), Shane Carwin, Brendan Schaub, Nate Marquardt, Duane Ludwig, Nick Klein, and many more.
Professor Easton started his first school, Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Boulder, in 1998. He currently owns and operates five schools in the Denver region and is partnered in three more.
When Professor Easton is not on the mat, he is generally outdoors and has spent his life skiing, kayaking, hang gliding, mountain biking, and dirt biking. He currently resides in Boulder, Colorado, with his two children, Ella and Nash. His classes are fun, interesting, and challenging. Come take one of Professor Easton’s classes and see for yourself why he is one of the leading teachers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
