Our Instructors
Damien Cordova
Owner / Head Instructor
Damien Cordova is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who began training in 2010 at Dark Horse Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Longmont, Colorado. He earned his blue belt from Professor Matthew Jubera followed by his purple belt from Professor Andrew “The Dude” Dudderar. He quickly excelled and within a few years was teaching his own classes, as well as running administrative operations for the gym. In 2015, he moved to Hiroshima Japan, and began training under Sensei Yoshihiro Fujita (Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Yuki Nakai). While in Japan, he also began Cordova Jiu-Jitsu, offering free training and instruction to expats and locals in the Hiroshima Area. In June 2022 he was elevated to black belt by Fujita Sensei before returning to Colorado to launch his own academy.
Jiu-Jitsu aligns with many tenets that Damien already integrates into his life such as mindfulness, respect, and control. He notes that Jiu-Jitsu “puts you in uncomfortable situations and teaches you how to deal with things rationally, not emotionally. It’s all about changing the way you react to a situation in the moment — not as an animal, not instinctually, but logically.”
With compassion and a strong will to guide students on their martial arts journey, Damien enjoys teaching anyone and everyone.
Competition Highlights:
- 2016 Torao Nation State Tournament No-Gi (silver)
- 2016 7th JBJJF Chugoku Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Bronze)
- 2017 Dumau Saga Championship (Gold)
- 2018 JBJJF Hiroshima International Championship (Gold)
Tobin Long
Instructor
Tobin’s Jiu-Jitsu journey began in his hometown of Missoula, MT in 2015. After attending several different academies, he settled in Lafayette, CO and found Chroma Jiu-Jitsu, where Professor Damien Cordova awarded him his brown belt. Tobin is passionate about the problem-solving aspect of Jiu-Jitsu and seeks to instill this knowledge in his teammates. Apart from training and teaching Jiu-Jitsu, he also enjoys drawing and playing music.
Ben Kamphaus
Judo for Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Ben started his Judo journey in fall of 2008 at Kin-Tora in Buffalo, NY. A year and a half later, he began training at the Boulder Judo Training Center. He joined Dark Horse BJJ to cross-train and improve his newaza, then ended up spending several years exclusively focused on BJJ. In BJJ, he received his blue belt from Matt Jubera and purple belt under Andrew Dudderar, and is currently ranked ikkyu in Judo (final degree brown belt). He continues to train at Front Range Judo in addition to Chroma.
Ben has Tourette’s and ADHD, with visual processing and sensorimotor deficits that make learning physical skills like martial arts challenging; but this also turns every grappling position and situation into a delightful analytical puzzle. His greatest joy as a coach is using the insights he’s earned through this process to help people with similar challenges succeed while also elevating the games of his more athletically gifted students.
Alec Manalac-Kwasna
Instructor
Donte Lizotte
Kids Class Instructor
Annika Rosqvist
Kids Class Instructor
I’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu for 4.5 years, and coaching kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 3. I’m also a certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach.
The Jiu-Jitsu community has been so much fun; the environment is welcoming, enriching, and conducive to growth for all walks of life. I’ve made a lot of friends and gained valuable life skills. I started coaching kids as a 3-stripe white belt. My favorite part of teaching Jiu-Jitsu is helping others, and seeing them gain confidence on and off the mats!
Jordan Sundheim
Wrestling for Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Hello there! I’m Jordan, and I teach wrestling for jiu jitsu on Wednesday afternoons, where we focus on grip fighting, takedowns and just standing up. I bring 7 years of Greco-Roman and unconventional freestyle experience. While not at work or rolling, I forge custom straight razors. That, along with some sharp shin bones has earned me the nickname “Razor”. The class is included in your membership so swing by and see if we can elevate your stand up!
Jeremy Carrier
Kids Class Instructor
FREE TRIAL!
If you live in the Lafayette area, come try us out --- on us. No cost nor obligation. We'll provide everything you need.
One of the things that sets Chroma Jiu Jitsu apart is the culture and vibe
- We belive in the power of diversity and inclusion
- Familial, fun, supportive environment
- Focus on being present in the moment
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to each other