Our Staff

Hello and welcome to Katharo Training Center. I have the profound privilege of being able to offer and share the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I am a stand that everyone in the world gets this Martial Art in their life. It is truly transformational and brings about a higher quality of life for everyone. Let me tell you a little about myself so that you can get to know me better.

Hello! I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2001. It all started because I heard my son, Steven, talk about Jiu-Jitsu with so much passion and joy.

Steven started Jiu-Jitsu while he was in the Navy. When he came home on leave, he mentioned opening an academy once he came back home for good. So, I thought I needed to have some knowledge of the sport.

Professor Lee Holloway began his martial arts career at the age of 16 in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kenpo Karate. In high school he was introduced to Muay Thai, later enlisting in the United States Army as a communications specialist, and training Muay Thai full time in Kitzingen, Germany. After 4 years he transferred to Ft Campbell, KY where he received his Black Belt in Kickboxing from WKA World Kickboxing Champion, Andy Jones. While training with Andy in Kentucky, Lee was asked to teach stand-up fighting to the 5th Group Special Forces Soldiers by a Green Beret who was impressed by his vast martial arts knowledge and skill. In return, the Green Beret taught him submission wrestling, starting Lee’s journey into ground fighting.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Chris Camozzi is a professional Mixed Martial Artist and coach living and training out of Denver, Colorado.

Chris started training MMA in 2005 after high school. He always had a passion for working out and competing since a very young age and the day he decided to walk into a Mixed Martial Arts gym, it changed the trajectory of his life from then on.

Chris has been training BJJ since 2012 and has been studying under Professor Steve Hordinski since 2014. He started with a focus on combatives and self defense, and has since developed a love for exploring the art. He loves to test the technical fundamentals against all styles of training.

I started my martial arts journey in 1986, studying Kung Fu on summer break from college. I was hooked. I spent the next 25 years involved in striking arts including tae kwon do , Muay Thai and kickboxing. Living in Summit County, Colorado for most of those years, there were no schools teaching grappling.

Bio Coming Soon!

Meet Coach Derek Nye, a dedicated and passionate member of the Katharo Training Centers team. Derek embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey back in 2015, inspired by the enlightening discussions on Joe Rogan's podcast. His fascination with the art led him to Katharo, where he eagerly enrolled in his very first class.

Under the guidance of Professor Steve, Derek's journey took flight. By the time he reached the midway point of his white belt journey, Derek found himself deeply engaged with the kids' program, where he began sharing his knowledge as an assistant coach. This marked the beginning of his commitment to nurturing the next generation of grapplers.

Brandon is a US Navy veteran who served with the Joint Special Operations Command, conducting counterterrorism missions around the world. He was first introduced to jiu jitsu while attending the Modern Army Combatives Program, which sparked his continued training in the martial art. In 2011, Brandon trained for a year in Hawaii and later began training at Katharo in 2020.

Meet John Priest: Your Striking Coach

With over 15 years of experience in the world of combat sports, John Priest stands as a seasoned and accomplished striking coach. His journey has taken him across the globe, where he has trained and coached in Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA. During his career, John has had the privilege of coaching numerous top professionals and champions from renowned promotions like the UFC, ONE Championship, Bellator, Mayweather, and Top Rank.