Train with
purpose
Grow with
confidence
INCLUSIVE CULTURE
✦
PERSONAL GROWTH
✦
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
✦
PROGRESSIVE INNOVATION
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INCLUSIVE CULTURE ✦ PERSONAL GROWTH ✦ TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE ✦ PROGRESSIVE INNOVATION ✦
WHAT IS AVANT-GUARD?
Avant-Guard is a modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Longmont, Colorado, built around a simple idea: world-class training belongs in a place where everyone feels welcome. Founded in 2026 by Brittany Borders — one of Colorado's most respected instructors and competitors — we teach the most effective martial art in the world through a curriculum that's technical, progressive, and constantly evolving.
Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or refining a game you've spent years building, you'll train alongside instructors who care about your growth as much as your technique. This is Jiu-Jitsu without the ego, taught at the highest level, in the cleanest, most welcoming academy in town.
And Why Avant-Guard?
You've probably noticed the spelling. No, it's not a typo.
"Avant-garde" means forward, innovative, ahead of the curve — and that's the Jiu-Jitsu we teach. A curriculum that evolves, techniques refined for how the art is actually played today, instructors who keep learning right alongside you.
Guard is where Jiu-Jitsu lives — the position that makes our art different from every other grappling style, and the part that's evolved the most in the last twenty years. Lapel guards, leg entanglements, modern open guard — the cutting edge of BJJ literally happens from guard.
So the name isn't just a pun. It's the philosophy: we teach Jiu-Jitsu the way it's actually being played at the highest levels today, while making sure you've got the fundamentals to build on.
Avant-Guard. The forward edge of the art that defines our sport.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Brittany Borders, founder of Avant-Guard, and I'm honored to share a bit about who I am and why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became such a meaningful part of my life. I've always been an athlete, competing in softball, volleyball, Division I NCAA rugby, and Olympic weightlifting.
After stepping away from those sports, I began searching for something I could truly commit to — something that would challenge me both physically and mentally. At the time, my now-husband was training BJJ and encouraged me to give Jiu-Jitsu a try. In June 2017, I attended my first Girls in Gis event and immediately felt a connection. Fast forward a few months and you could find me on the mats regularly. The decision to train Jiu-Jitsu changed my path.
I knew I wanted to do more than just train — I wanted to lead, to make an impact and create a space where women and young girls could feel strong, capable, and supported. I've always believed in leading from the front and holding myself to a high standard, both on and off the mats.
While family commitments limited my ability to travel and compete early on, they also grounded my purpose. Now, I have the opportunity to lead right here at home as the founder of the first woman-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Longmont, Colorado.
PROGRAMS
Little Guardians · Ages 4–7 A playful, structured introduction to Jiu-Jitsu. Kids build coordination, body awareness, and core positional concepts through age-appropriate drills, games, and supervised live training with classmates their own size.
Guardians · Ages 8 and up A step up in challenge and depth. Older kids develop more advanced techniques, sharper problem-solving, and the resilience that comes from drilling and sparring in a safe, supportive environment.
What kids gain in both programs:
Confidence and self-discipline
Focus, coordination, and body awareness
Real skills taught in a safe, encouraging setting
A community of teammates and friends
Join us for our 2026 Kids BJJ Summer Camp in Longmont, CO
Three weeks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, character development, fun games, and yoga across June, July, and August — built to grow confident, respectful, capable kids ages 5 to 11.
Learn More →
Foundations The starting point for new students and the tune-up for experienced ones. A broad range of fundamental techniques, reinforced through focused drilling and supervised positional sparring.
Intermediate Deeper positions, more advanced techniques, and full live sparring rounds. This is where good Jiu-Jitsu becomes great.
What you'll find in both programs:
Clear, structured instruction at every level
A mix of drilling and positional sparring
Modern techniques alongside time-tested fundamentals
A welcoming community that trains hard and looks out for each other
INCLUSIVE CULTURE
✦
PERSONAL GROWTH
✦
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
✦
PROGRESSIVE INNOVATION
✦
INCLUSIVE CULTURE ✦ PERSONAL GROWTH ✦ TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE ✦ PROGRESSIVE INNOVATION ✦
My daughter has trained under Professor Brittany and Professor James for over three years. She has learned so much under them and developed incredible confidence in BJJ that spills over into every day life. They have an amazing dynamic that fosters growth and independence. Not only are they skilled and talented coaches, but they’ve built a beautiful community of people that support, inspire, and challenge one another!
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
Schedule
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Inclusive culture
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Personal growth
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Technical Excellence
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Progressive Innovation
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Inclusive culture ✦ Personal growth ✦ Technical Excellence ✦ Progressive Innovation ✦
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? let’s chat.
