The instructors at Solarte are passionate about providing the highest quality training on the North Olympic Peninsula. Each has many years of experience teaching to a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced students and competitors.
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 studies constantly to keep up with the latest innovations in BJJ instruction and techniques. She received her black belt jointly from Joey Lopez (South Shore Jiu-jitsu) and Rob Biernacki. 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 adult, youth, and Li’l Ones BJJ classes. 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!
CURTIS VERT is Solarte’s boxing/MMA coach. Coach Curtis comes to us from a long career as a professional boxer and MMA fighter, competing in Florida regional promotions such as Real Fighting Championship (RFC), Battleground (Tampa) and pay-per-view fights on Fight TV.
He is also a longtime coach who focuses on bridging the gap between elite-level competition and real-world development. He cares about training for longevity, and developing focus, discipline and precise, effective mechanics. Curtis is a devoted father and husband who understands balancing work and training with family life. We are excited the have someone of Curtis’ caliber sharing his knowledge!
Curtis’ class is every WED 7:30–8:30pm. During the Fall of 2026 (or sooner) we hope to add at least one more class time, possibly Mondays at 7:30pm.
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 Kyle Kautzman, Chip Smith, Nicole Eagan and David Turner. You’ll often see them teaching or helping out during our adult and youth programs.
