Our Instructors

Logo for Avant-Guard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu featuring a black circular brushstroke border with colorful brushstrokes inside. Text in the center reads 'Avant-Guard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu'.

We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for Jiu Jitsu, thoughtful instruction, and real connection.

Brittany began her journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a way to immerse herself in a new passion. What started as a hobby quickly transformed into a love for the sport, propelling her into the competitive arena. Today, Brittany is not only a skilled practitioner but also the Owner and Head Instructor at Avant-Guard BJJ. 

As the Head Instructor for kids’ program, Brittany is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of martial artists. She also passionately leads a women’s class every Sunday, believing in the importance of building confidence, community, and a safe space for women to train and thrive. 

Brittany’s commitment to BJJ has turned her passion into her profession, and she continues to inspire others on and off the mat.


A woman in a black Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi kneeling on the mat with a smile, holding her black belt with a red tab, in front of a black wall.

Brittany Borders

Professor James began training Jiu-Jitsu over ten years ago and quickly developed a deep passion for the art. Shortly after starting, James caught the competition bug, and has since won several local competitions as well as making the podium on the international stage at IBJJF Pans and IBJJF World Masters. 

You can find James on the mats before class starts, drilling the latest K guard techniques and counters to omoplata defenses.


A female referee is raising the arm of a male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor wearing a white gi, black belt, and barefoot, who is celebrating with a clenched fist on a blue and yellow mat at a competition, with spectators and other competitors in the background.

James Borders

Jorge Arias

Jorge has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2002, and received his black belt in 2014 from Professor Vinicius Amaral (Game Fight) in Lima, Peru. 

He considers himself lucky enough to have trained with great teams across different parts of the continent – in Peru, Mexico, Canada, and within the US in San Diego CA and now Longmont CO. 

Since moving to Longmont, Jorge took over the Wednesday evening Intermediate class at Avant-Guard BJJ and enjoys showcasing his style of Jiu-Jitsu and training hard with the team.


A man and woman sitting together on a train, smiling at the camera.
Abstract circular logo with brush strokes in blue, purple, brown, and black

Dan DeGerlia

Charles Yhap has been training martial arts since the 1990s, with experience spanning karate, aikido, silat, escrima, ninjutsu, Muay Thai, and more. That breadth of disciplines gave him a deep appreciation for what the body is capable of — and what it takes to get there. Charles brings that same intensity to conditioning, drawing on firsthand experience to help athletes build strength, durability, and resilience. He is passionate about meeting people where they are and watching them grow into stronger versions of themselves.

Abstract circular logo with brush strokes in blue, purple, brown, and black

Charles Yhap

A man with a beard wearing sunglasses, a black cap, a black T-shirt, and a silver chain necklace, sitting outdoors.

Doug Stone