About
Every month in North America, three million children miss school due to fear of bullies. In the Gracie Bullyproof program in Aurora, our goal is to instill in your child unshakable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence. Due to the non-violent nature of the techniqures, CNN, NBC, and Oprah have featured the Gracie Bullyproof program as one of the few effective counter-measures to bullying for children between the ages of 5 and 13.
Reviews
Shane C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We prepare your child to deal with bullies without turning them into one. We emphasize discipline, responsibility, and respect throughout the course, and teach five “Rules of Engagement” to ensure they never abuse their power.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Tony began his journey in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in November 1993 after watching Royce Gracie in UFC 1 defeat all opponents in various fighting disciplines using only Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. After he began training with his dad and fellow wrestlers in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. When he was not in wrestling season during high school and college he was learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. After college he entered the US Army. Tony was eager to learn Army Combatives since it was derived from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with a collaboration of the Gracie Academy and the US Army Rangers. As an enlisted Infantryman Tony learned Army Combatives and later showed his newly acquired skills while at Officer Candidate School during unit competition. After becoming an Officer he continued pursuing the knowledge and became a US Army Combatives Instructor while stationed at FT Benning, GA. During his time in the US Army he pursued competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). After his Army career he continued his study of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and took many trips to the Gracie Academy Headquarters in Torrance, California and eventually became a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. Now that he has returned to his home town Aurora, Colorado he is ready to give back and empower others with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Tony is a Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Grandmaster Rorion Gracie, Master Ryron Gracie, and Master Rener Gracie, the oldest son and the grandsons of the Grandmaster and creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Helio Gracie. Tony’s qualifications include being a recognized Brown Belt under the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SBJJIF). Tony completed the Gracie Academy Instructor Certification Program (ICP) 2014, Gracie Women Empowered ICP 2015, Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Level I 2015 for military and law enforcement, GST Level II 2017 for military and law enforcement. Highest Sport Accomplishments: GI and NOGI New Mexico State Champion 2012, GI and NOGI Brown Belt Colorado State Champion 2015, GI and NOGI Brown Belt SBJJIF World Champion 2016, Professional Jiu-Jitsu: Metamoris and Fight To Win Veteran. Tony also holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo ITF Style, Bachelor of Science from Adams State University and a Master of Science from American Military University. Tony is focused on self-defense first and empowering others. Tony’s mission is to teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a way that is welcoming, safe, and easy for new students, especially those with no previous experience. Tony fosters an environment that is free of politics, egos, and bad attitudes. Just really awesome people training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and having fun. Tony and the instructors at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora’s teaching methods, programs, and welcoming introductory classes allow anyone to experience the magic of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. When you come in you will be welcomed like family.
What types of students have you worked with?
All Ages
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Highest Sport Accomplishments: GI and NOGI New Mexico State Champion 2012, GI and NOGI Brown Belt Colorado State Champion 2015, GI and NOGI Brown Belt SBJJIF World Champion 2016
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Please come observe our classes
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Motivations and goals for doing Jiu Jitsu so that the instructor knows in the beginning what you are working towards / for.