Solarte BJJ in Sequim opened its doors at the end of August 2017. We are conveniently located between Port Angeles and Sequim at 1600 Carlsborg Road. Solarte’s mission is to make affordable, high quality jiu jitsu instruction available to the community. Pricing by the class is $10 to $25 per class (self-determined sliding scale), but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Monthly memberships are also available with a variety of discounts and there’s a “Choose Your Own Price” option, too.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a very effective martial art for self protection and helps its students develop grit and resilience. All students—both children and adults—learn by playing training games and sparring (called “rolling” in BJJ). They have a fun time while also getting an amazing workout! BJJ offers other unique benefits which Solarte’s instructional style emphasizes. At Solarte, we help students understand the “hows and whys” of the skills and concepts we teach. We encourage discussion, creativity and cooperative learning. Instruction is thoughtfully structured and tailored to suit the goals and pace of each student. For example, the concerns and needs of an older athlete looking for a fun hobby can differ greatly from those of a competition-focused student. We adjust accordingly.
If you’re interested in learning why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is called “physical chess”, contact us for your first free class. BJJ is a truly great sport and a life changing past time that will reward you for years to come! The BJJ lifestyle connects you to healthy living, lasting friendships and a community that spans the world. Solarte BJJ in Sequim has programs for adults and youth (ages 4+). Check out our schedule for class times!
Sequim’s First Full-Fledged BJJ Program
Solarte BJJ is the first full-fledged Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program in Sequim, WA with a six-day schedule offering training for little ones (age 4-8) youth (age 8-15) and adults (age 15+). Solarte is also the premier U.S. affiliate of Island Top Team headed by Rob Biernacki, an innovator who has helped revolutionize the way martial arts are taught. At Solarte, we share the same methods here in Sequim, adjusting language to suit the student, sharing concepts to tie ideas together, and using games to turn concepts into physical skills. We offer a space in which children, men and women can train safely and where open communication is valued and respected!
Instructors at Solarte BJJ in Sequim
The instructors at Solarte have experienced the benefits this type of training offers to the mind, body and spirit and have a passion for sharing these gifts with the community.
JENN LOZADA is the founding instructor of Solarte BJJ. She has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to youth and adults since 2013. She trains under Island Top Team’s Rob Biernacki and travels to ITT to keep up with the latest innovations in BJJ instruction and techniques. Jenn is dedicated to helping her students learn quickly, effectively and safely. Her instructional style is technical, engaged and playful.
Jenn opened Solarte BJJ in August 2017. The club is named for her parents, Solita and Ricarte Lozada. She teaches the adult, youth, and Li’l Ones BJJ programs. Over the years, she has trained in a variety of martial arts including Japanese jujutsu, Aikido, and kickboxing. Her approach to self-defense is informed by the work of Rory Miller, Tammy McCracken, Tim Larkin and Craig Douglas. As a smaller woman, she has spent her entire life with a vested interest in understanding what actually works for preventing and dealing with violence. She cares deeply about creating a safe training environment where students and parents feel welcome to share ideas and ask questions.
ALEX ACOSTA is a 10th Planet Freaks brown belt and high level competitor who moved from San Diego to Sequim. He still travels frequently for competitions and training, but he also regularly leads the games-based training during the Tue/Thur 5:30pm classes and on Saturdays at 10:30am. Alex is committed to providing the best, most effective instruction possible. He’s sets an excellent example of hard work and discipline for our Competition Team. We are privileged to have someone of his experience sharing his knowledge!
JAKE BLASKI is one of the N. Olympic Peninsula’s first home grown BJJ black belts. An experienced instructor and former MMA fighter, Jake loves sharing his knowledge with students of all experience levels. He’s a super laid back guy with a conceptual approach to teaching that helps people understand new movements quickly. Plus, it’s always fun working with him—he’ll make you laugh while you learn!
BRIAN WILLIAMSON is a black belt under Eddie Bravo (founder of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu) and Curtis Hembroff (founder of 10th Planet – Austin, TX). Brian has been involved in martial arts since he was a teenager and wrestled in high school. He has black belts in Tae Kwon Do and American Kenpo. In 2009, he opened his own martial arts school in a small town south of Austin. It was there that he dove into Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training, and rekindled his love for grappling. Brian joined 10th Planet Austin upon its opening and was a co-lead instructor at 10th Planet Oak Hill, Austin, TX. He moved to Sequim in 2024 and trains and teaches at the club whenever he can tear himself away from his day job. Brian genuinely cares about helping students of all experience levels deepen then understanding and enjoyment of jiu jitsu. He uses a combination of clear, memorable concepts and fun games during his classes. We are honored to have such an experienced yet humble and good-humored instructor on our team.
Our coaching staff also includes Lucas Shifflet, Bernt Nesset, Kyle Kautzman and Chip Smith. You’ll often see them teaching or helping out during our adult programs.
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