About Us
At Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Our school constantly strives to be the best, with hands-on instruction from highly-experienced instructors, a modern training space, and a commitment to the individual improvement of each and every student. We uphold an encouraging and uplifting environment, and above all else, want to see you succeed. If you join Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you’ll not only grow as an athlete, but you’ll grow tremendously as a person.
Contact UsOur Team
Dan Ries
Professor Dan Ries started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2008, and received his black belt and professorship under Paul Tom and the Flavio Behring North American Association in February 2019. Dan has been teaching weekly classes since he was a blue belt, and prides himself in exceptional explanation and attention to detail during his lessons. He spends hours weekly learning new material to share with his students, striving to always be a student himself.
Competition accomplishments:
IBJJF London Open Black Belt Master’s 1 no gi absolute champion
IBJJF Denver Open Black Belt Master’s 1 no gi heavy weight champion
Erin Johnson
Professor Erin Johnson started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2003 as a little kid. She received her black belt under Professor Paul Tom (Flavio Behring lineage) in February 2020. She competes frequently and in all styles, including IBJJF and submission only. Erin loves all opportunities to work with women, and especially loves teaching women’s focused classes. She believes strongly that women deserve a space in the jiu jitsu community, and credits much of her self confidence to training as a little girl and teenager. She works hard to make Iron Roots a welcoming and safe environment for women.
Competition accomplishments:
IBJJF No Gi World Adult Black Belt middle weight bronze medalist
IBJJF Denver Open Adult Black Belt no gi light weight champion
IBJJF Houston Open Adult Black Belt gi middle weight champion
Jordan Titoni
Jordan Titoni is a life-long martial artist and is passionate about coaching. He started wrestling when he was a child and continued wrestling through college. Always an athlete, he was searching for something to keep him physically engaged after college and found MMA through a friend who recommended Factory X in Denver. Jordan began training as an open class student and fell in love with Mixed Martial Arts. He became an MMA fighter and went undefeated as an amateur. During his time at Factory X he completed a 500 hour Muay Thai internship with Coach Marc Montoya and was promoted to Wrestling Coach. As a professional fighter he fought in many regional promotions including LFA and CFFC and retired with a winning record for health and family reasons. Shortly after retiring from fighting he became assistant coach for the Fight Team at Factory X and also ran the open class Kickboxing and BJJ programs. Jordan coached and cornered fighters all the way up to the UFC level and was awarded “Coach of the Year” and the Leadership award for 2021 by Factory X. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping anyone aspiring to learn martial arts.
Hanzo
Possibly the most important member of the Iron Roots team. He’s been essentially raised in a BJJ school since he was 8 weeks old. He has a limitless appetite for friendship, and an extremely limited capacity to remember jiu jitsu. Highly motivated by food. We approximate him to be about blue belt level (due to mat time).
Our Mission
Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Be Dedicated
Make everyone feel welcome
Treat each student with respect
Empower our members
Help members reach their goals
Testimonials
Iron Roots is a great place to train and learn BJJ. I moved to Colorado Springs last year and started training here two weeks after arriving. Dan and Erin are great teachers and supportive to everyone. The school is conveniently located near me on the north side of the Springs. Iron Roots is the best BJJ school in the springs hands down.
Cos S.
Student
Wonderful instructors, great atmosphere, love the vibes, literally learned new things the first day! I would bring my children here anytime and recommend it to anyone. Also a strong diversity in belt ranks amongst the kid's class
James P.
Parent
Excellent instruction from Dan and Erin! Great place to learn self-defense, add to your jiu jitsu game and get in better physical shape. Clean facility and great lighting.
Joshua J.
Student
If you are in search of a BJJ gym in Colorado Springs, this place is it. Such a great place to train! The instruction is just amazing, taught by 2 knowledgeable black belts (Dan and Erin who are the owners) who are the best human beings! Everyone is friendly and welcoming! There are more women at this gym than at the others I’ve been to and they are so supportive. The gym is so chill. Definitely a good place to train if you’re looking for a fun environment/space to learn and grow in Jiu Jitsu.
Erica I.
Student
The women at Iron Roots are AMAZING and they have a Female Black Belt Erin! The type of skills I have learned in a short amount of time has made me feel proud of myself. You really need to have a good teacher to help you develop and the short amount of time I have learned so much with my game. The Black Belt Dan was always helpful and very patient. There are multiple guys in this gym that are always willing to help wherever they can. You are all so amazing! You have so much talent at your school! I recommend this school for anyone who is interested in getting started!
Jade M.
Student
Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Get Started Today
Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has everything…except you! Join our community today and begin your martial arts journey!
