Meet Our Exceptional Instructors at Katharo Training Center
At Katharo Training Center - Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness in Littleton, CO, we're proud to offer world-class Jiu-Jitsu and fitness instruction from a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Our instructors bring diverse backgrounds in martial arts, military service, law enforcement, and competitive sports to provide you with comprehensive training that goes beyond the mat. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our staff is committed to helping you achieve your goals in Jiu-Jitsu, fitness, and personal growth.
Discover how our expert instructors can help you transform your life through Jiu-Jitsu and fitness. Reach out to KTC to learn more about our programs and meet our exceptional team.
Professor Steve Hordinski III
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Professor Steve Hordinski III has the profound privilege of sharing the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with others. This martial art has the power to transform lives and improve everyone's quality of life.
With decades of martial arts experience, Steve's journey began with Kenpo Karate, where he earned his Black Belt. As a Deep-Sea Navy Diver in the United States Navy, he discovered Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Relson Gracie Black Belt Phil Cardella. This exposure had a profound impact, transforming his life in ways he never thought possible.
After his first class, Steve was hooked. Stationed in Hawaii, he trained at Grandmaster Relson Gracie's school, learning from one of the founding masters of Jiu-Jitsu. This rare privilege allowed him to learn from the source, and now he's honored to share that knowledge with others.
As a fourth-degree Black Belt, Steve specializes in self-defense-based Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on takedowns and striking. He has taught seminars nationwide, promoted individuals to Black Belts, and supported non-profits aiding disabled veterans. Committed to leading by example, Steve invites you to experience the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and looks forward to seeing you on the mat.
Professor Steve Hordinski, Jr.
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Steve Hordinski Jr. began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2001, inspired by his son Steven's passion and joy for the sport. He wanted to understand what sparked such enthusiasm. Steven discovered Jiu-Jitsu while serving in the Navy. During his leave, he shared his dream of opening an academy after his return. This motivated Professor Steve to learn more about the sport.
He trained at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Boulder (now Easton's) for nine years before opening his academy.
For Professor Steve, Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle. He loves everything about it, especially the people he meets through the sport. Born and raised in Denver, Professor Steve was inducted into the Army on June 14, 1971, and served two years with the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the Military Police. Afterward, he worked for 30 years as an engineering tech with the Bureau of Reclamation.
A devoted family man, Steve has raised three sons and now enjoys time with his eight grandkids. Being a grandpa is his top priority, and he also enjoys paddleboarding. At 72, Professor Steve aims to continue training into his 80s. He earned his black belt in December 2013. His goal for the academy is to create a family-like environment for his students.
Professor Lee Holloway
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Professor Lee Holloway began his martial arts journey at 16, training in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kenpo Karate. In high school, he discovered Muay Thai, which became a passion. After enlisting in the US Army as a communications specialist, he trained in Muay Thai full-time in Kitzingen, Germany. Four years later, he transferred to Ft. Campbell, KY, and earned his Black Belt in Kickboxing from WKA World Champion Andy Jones.
Impressed by Lee's expertise, a Green Beret asked him to teach stand-up fighting to fifth Group Special Forces Soldiers. In return, the Green Beret introduced Lee to submission wrestling, sparking his interest in ground fighting. After serving in various duty assignments and a combat deployment to Iraq, Lee became a Colorado Army National Guard recruiter. There, he discovered his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training with renowned instructors and earning his Black Belt from Master Carlos "Caique" Elias in 2016.
In addition to extensive martial arts training, Lee is a:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
NFPT Cancer Recovery Specialist
IHP Octagon Certified
Kettlebell Kings/Living Professional Coach
Youth wrestling coach
Girls soccer coach
Lee believes Jiu-Jitsu benefits everyone, regardless of age or experience. He enjoys sharing the art with novices and world competitors alike. He's passionate about training veterans, law enforcement/first responders, and empowering women through self-defense.
Accolades:
2018 SJJIF World Championship Gi Black Belt – Silver
2018 SJJIF World Championship No-Gi Black Belt – Gold*
2017 SJJIF World Championship Gi Black Belt – Bronze
2017 SJJIF World Championship No-Gi Black Belt – Gold*
2016 SJJIF World Championship Gi Black Belt – Silver
2016 SJJIF World Championship No-Gi Black Belt – Gold*
2015 IBJJF World Master’s Championship Brown Belt – Bronze
2014 IBJJF American National Championship Gi Brown Belt – 2X Gold (weight/absolute)
2014 IBJJF American National Championship No-Gi Brown Belt – 2X Gold (weight/absolute)
2012 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship Brown Belt – Silver
2010 IBJJF World Championship Purple Belt – Bronze
Professor Bryan Brescia
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Professor Bryan Brescia is a distinguished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor at KTC. With extensive experience in both gi and no-gi BJJ, he offers a wealth of knowledge to the academy. Bryan’s journey in martial arts began with a passion for grappling, which evolved into a serious commitment to the sport.
At KTC, he is recognized for his exceptional technical skills and strategic approach to Jiu-Jitsu. His competitive career boasts numerous accolades, showcasing his ability to excel at the highest levels. Bryan's teaching style is detailed yet approachable, enabling students to understand complex techniques and concepts clearly. His dedication to his students and the sport reflects a deep commitment to the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its advancement at KTC.
Professor Chris Camozzi
Kick Boxing & Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Chris Camozzi is a professional mixed martial artist and coach living and training in Denver, Colorado.
Chris started training MMA in 2005 after graduating from high school. He had a passion for working out and competing from a very young age, and the day he decided to walk into a mixed martial arts gym changed the trajectory of his life. Chris has been fighting professional MMA for 16 years and has competed in world-level promotions such as the UFC and Glory Kickboxing. He also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In addition to fighting, Chris is a coach in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Self-Defense. He enjoys sharing knowledge that works in real-life situations with everyday people. He also owns his own training app, “Jiu-Jitsu on the Go,” where you can learn from day one to becoming a professional anywhere and on the go without needing a gym membership.
Professor Chris Chastain
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Chris has been training BJJ since 2012 and has been studying under Professor Steve Hordinski since 2014. He started focusing on combative and self-defense and has since developed a love for exploring the art. He enjoys testing the technical fundamentals against all styles of training. A particular theme that resonates with Chris is the correlation between Christian discipleship and being a martial artist, embracing the challenge to be better today than he was yesterday. Chris spends his time away from the academy working at Lockheed Martin and enjoying time with his wife, Rebecca, and kids, Evan and Clara.
Professor Scott Magen
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Scott Magen started his martial arts journey in 1986, studying kung fu during a summer break from college. He was hooked from the start and 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, he found no schools teaching grappling.
Finally, after moving to Littleton, he joined the academy in 2010. He knew right away that this was where he wanted to be. Jiu-Jitsu is the only martial art you can practice daily against a fully resisting opponent, making it irresistible to him. Walking in the door and testing your technique against people of all sizes and ages is what he loves. Some days, you can keep it light; on others, you can train hard, depending on what your mind and body need. He can't imagine living without it.
Scott is a small business owner, a husband, and a father of two. Adhering to a typical martial arts academy schedule is difficult for him, which is why he loves the morning classes. He invites you to train at 6 a.m. and get your training in while most of the world is still fast asleep.
Professor Muzaff Jardien
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
From a young age, Coach Muzaff Jardien was obsessed with martial arts, believing it could give you superpowers and guide you on your life journey. Growing up watching Shaolin movies further fueled this passion, as he admired the dedication and training depicted.
Muzaff began my martial arts journey with Muay Thai as a teenager and later trained in Tang Soo Do in his twenties. In 2012, he became heavily involved in jiu-jitsu and judo, starting his training at Gracie Barra Culver City. After moving to Colorado as a fourth-degree blue belt, Muzaff trained under Professor Steve Hordinski, III. After thorough research, he found him to be the most qualified instructor to help him advance in his journey—his old professor always emphasized the importance of Gracie jiu-jitsu. Coach Muzaff is currently a fourth-degree brown belt under Professor Hordinski, III, and he teaches jiu-jitsu concepts at the KTC on Fridays at 6 PM.
Along the way, he's rekindled his love for Shaolin practices, particularly the internal work. Shaolin Qigong for meditation and breathwork has become invaluable to him. With six years of practice, Muzaff now feels a mission to help others by teaching these methods to those looking to improve their breathing or release trauma from the body. He also runs a Qigong class at Katharo on Fridays at 5 PM for all levels.
Whether through healing or jiu-jitsu, Coach Muzaff looks forward to seeing you on the mats!
Professor Derek Nye
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Meet Coach Derek Nye, a dedicated and passionate KTC's team member. Derek embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey 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 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 was 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.
As he progressed to a blue belt, Derek’s focus intensified, with a strong emphasis on competition. He honed his skills on the mat and dedicated himself to coaching young talents with similar competitive ambitions. With over 150 competition matches under his belt and the privilege of coaching hundreds more, Derek’s experience speaks volumes.
Derek embodies the essence of a true coach, always eager to impart his wisdom to those keen to learn. He approaches the art of Jiu-Jitsu with a beginner’s mindset, continuously seeking growth and refinement. If you’re looking for Coach Derek at KTC, you’ll likely find him in the kids’ or advanced classes, sharing his love for Jiu-Jitsu and nurturing the potential of aspiring grapplers.
Coach Brandon Gist
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Coach Brandon Gist is a cornerstone of Katharo Training Center, having served as General Manager during a critical transition period, ensuring the academy’s growth and stability. He now excels as a Jiu-Jitsu Coach, Assistant Budokon Instructor, and Law Enforcement Tactics Instructor, bringing unparalleled expertise to our community.
A U.S. Navy veteran with Joint Special Operations Command experience, Brandon conducted counterterrorism missions worldwide. His Jiu-Jitsu journey began with the Modern Army Combatives Program, deepened during a year of training in Hawaii in 2011, and continued at Katharo since 2020. With 11 years in law enforcement, Brandon applied his Jiu-Jitsu skills in violent encounters, successfully managing resisting suspects, including a remarkable confrontation against three individuals simultaneously. His expertise in fighting techniques and weapons retention is unmatched.
Passionate about teaching, Brandon fosters a supportive environment, offering free Sunday classes for first responders to give back to the community. He specializes in no-gi and MMA-style Jiu-Jitsu, blending striking for practical, real-world application. Off the mats, this Colorado native enjoys fly fishing, weightlifting, and his diverse athletic background in professional road racing, mountain biking, and mountaineering.
Coach John Priest
Striking Coach
Meet John Priest: Your Striking Coach. With over 15 years of experience in combat sports, John Priest is 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. Throughout his career, John has coached numerous top professionals and champions from renowned promotions like the UFC, ONE Championship, Bellator, Mayweather, and Top Rank.
Although his roots are in wrestling, John's passion for striking led him to boxing, where he honed his skills and specialized in striking techniques. His quest for excellence took him to Thailand, where he immersed himself in Muay Thai, training and studying for many years. While in Thailand, he contributed his knowledge and expertise as a coach at the prestigious Tiger Muay Thai and MMA camp.
John's expertise extends beyond striking alone. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a movement analysis specialist. This holistic approach to training enables him to offer comprehensive instruction that encompasses striking techniques, physical conditioning, and movement analysis.
With John Priest as your striking coach, you embark on a journey guided by a true master of the art. His wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for combat sports will inspire and empower you to achieve your goals and reach new heights in your striking abilities. Join John on the path to precision and power and experience the artistry of striking like never before.
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