May 28, 2018

About

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 $5 to $20 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 also 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 tailored to suit the goals and pace of each student. For example, the concerns and needs of a law enforcement officer can differ greatly from those of a competition-focused student. We adjust accordingly. Plus, the games-based teaching methods and program structure help students learn more quickly and efficiently while still having a good time!

If you’re interested in learning why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is called “physical chess”, contact us for your free intro session. 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 in concept-based approaches to teaching BJJ. Solarte BJJ offers ITT’s unique and highly effective program right here on the Olympic Peninsula!

Krav Maga in Sequim (for Adults & Youth Age 13+)

Krav Maga is a combatives system developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s for the Israeli military. In the 1980s, it was adopted by the military and many law enforcement agencies in the U.S. The primary goal in Krav Maga is to keep you and those you care about safe. The instruction includes developing situational awareness, de-escalation skills and other ways to avoid violence. The combat methods focus on dealing with asocial predatory violence rather than social violence such as MMA or street brawling. Thus, our kicking and punching uses no gloves and no handwraps. We aren’t training with a referee in mind—we’re fighting to save our own and our loved ones lives WITHOUT going to jail for it. Krav Maga training can be intense—both physically and mentally. The physical nature of the training improves endurance and strength. It’s a GREAT WORKOUT and the mental aspects will help you make hard decisions in stressful situations. 

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 head 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 regularly 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 fun.

Jenn founded Solarte BJJ in August 2017. The club is named for her parents, Solita and Ricarte Lozada. She teaches both the adult and youth BJJ programs. Over the years, she has trained in a variety of martial arts including Japanese jujutsu, Aikido, kickboxing, Silat and Kali. Her approach to self-defense is informed by the work of Rory Miller, 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 dealing with and preventing violence.

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, originally studying Ishin-Ryu Karate and Jeet Kune Do; he also wrestled in high school. He is also a black belt 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, until recently, was a co-lead instructor at 10th Planet Oak Hill, Austin, TX. He moved to Sequim in 2024 and now teaches on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

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.

ALEX ACOSTA received his brown belt in the 10th Planet system under Geo Martinez (10th Planet San Diego). He has many years of experience as an instructor and competitor. Alex is committed to providing high-quality training to all students, whether they’re new to jiu jitsu or experienced athletes. He is the head instructor of (FI) Jiu Jitsu in Sequim, WA. Alex teaches at Solarte BJJ on Monday evenings and is often on the mats teaching on Saturday mornings as well.

JEREMY JACOBS has been training Krav Maga for over 10 years. He’s a retired firefighter from Las Vegas with 30+ years of street experience. He works with students from a variety of backgrounds—youth, teens, men and women—helping them build strength, resilience and confidence.

Our Assistant coaching staff includes Alex Tienda, Dahlia Demuth and David Turner. You’ll often see them teaching or helping out during our adult and youth programs.

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