Our Mission
At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, we empower individuals through the art of Jiu Jitsu by fostering discipline, resilience, and community in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We aim to inspire personal transformation by helping students of all levels achieve their goals and reach their highest potential, both on and off the mats. We center growth through dedication, adaptability, and mutual respect, fostering a culture of learning by way of collaboration.
We strive to create a legacy of empowered practitioners who embody respect, perseverance, and a passion for continuous improvement.
At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, OUR WHY is rooted in building lasting relationships and cultivating a strong, values-driven community-centered martial arts environment in Grand Junction, Colorado.
We are committed to human development and personal transformation through Jiu Jitsu. We’re proud to share our experience—not just in Jiu Jitsu training, but in the values shaped by years of service to country and community. OUR PASSION is helping others grow, lead, and evolve through self-improvement and connection.
“Jiu Jitsu brings us together, but it’s the culture and relationships we build off the mat that make us stronger.”
OUR VISION is a vibrant Jiu Jitsu academy where people gather in a clean training facility that feels just as much like home as it does a place to train. We want to create a space where people not only come to improve their skills but also to recharge, connect, and belong. Whether you're dropping in for your first class, exploring youth Jiu Jitsu classes, checking out women’s Jiu Jitsu, or diving deep into our competition training programs, we’re here to support your journey.
Our programs mirror OUR VALUES of relationships, culture, and human development. We believe the ups and downs of Jiu Jitsu mirror the challenges of life. Therefore, Jiu Jitsu is our chosen vehicle for sharing our mission.
Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy is growing in three phases, focused on quality over quantity, driven by community feedback, and always evolving to meet your needs.
We’re more than a place to train - we’re a place to grow.
Cheers! – The Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy Team
A Community Forged in Service on the Mats
our story
Meet Our Jiu Jitsu Instructors
Our instructors include black belts, military veterans, first responders, and dedicated community servants with combined decades of experience both on the mat and in service to others. This shared expertise and leadership make Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy a trusted name for BJJ in Grand Junction.
Justin Branch
Justin (3rd-degree black belt) began training Jiu Jitsu in 2006 at the Texas Self Defense Academy under Orlando Waugh. In 2014, he earned his black belt, which traces through Orlando Waugh to Carlos Machado and the CMBJJ Association—connecting him to one of the most respected lineages in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
For Justin, Jiu Jitsu is not only about competition, but about building people up through the art. He brings a steady, encouraging presence to Elevate, helping students grow in skill, confidence, and character both on and off the mat.
Beyond Jiu Jitsu, Justin is a devoted husband of 18 years, and father of 2 young girls, bringing the same patience, commitment, and care to his family that he brings to his students.
Head Instructor
Joel Arellano
Joel (first-degree black belt), a Grand Junction, Colorado native, brings a wealth of experience both on and off the mats. A Navy veteran and Captain - Firefighter/Paramedic, he has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and personal growth. Joel is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the Grapple Fight Team (GFT) banner and has earned numerous regional victories along with podium finishes at IBJJF national and international competitions, proving himself as a high-level competitor.
Beyond competition, Joel’s true passion lies in teaching. With over 10 years on the mats, he has developed a progressive, mind-mapping approach to Elevate’s curriculum that blends foundational skills with advanced concepts. His method reflects not only technical mastery but also the leadership and discipline cultivated during his military service and years as a first responder. His goal is to help every student unlock confidence, adaptability, and growth - both in training and in life.
Away from the academy, Joel is a loving husband of 28 years, father of 2, and proud grand father of one little ball of sunshine.
Instructor
Shawn Montgomery
Shawn Montgomery brings a unique blend of service, leadership, and technical skill to Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy. A U.S. Army veteran, Shawn served as a Combat Medic with the 1st Infantry Division, deploying to Kosovo and Iraq. Following his military service, Shawn continued to serve his community as a firefighter/paramedic with the Grand Junction Fire Department.
Shawn began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2013, and his passion for the art continues to grow. He currently holds a purple belt and focuses on leading Elevate’s youth and beginner programs. His approach to instruction is centered around structure, encouragement, and building confidence on and off the mats.
Outside the academy, Shawn is a devoted husband of 24 years and father to 3 kids.
Instructor
Hailee Wemple
Hailee was born and raised right here in Grand Junction and has been training Jiu Jitsu for over 11 years. Along the way, she’s also taught kids and adult classes in both Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, and competed in Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. Her diverse martial arts background gives her a unique perspective as a coach and mentor.
What Hailee loves most is making Jiu Jitsu accessible to everyone. She has a gift for connecting with students—whether they’re brand new to the mats, building kids’ confidence, or adults chasing competition goals—and she’s passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive training environment.
When she’s not coaching or training, you’ll most likely find Hailee outdoors with her “pack” of dogs, camping, hiking, or kayaking. For her, Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it’s a way to build resilience, community, and joy both on and off the mats.
Instructor
Matt Galendez
Born and raised on the island of Guam, Matt started Jiu Jitsu young with friends before joining the Army as an Infantryman at 19. After separating, Matt hit some of the hardest struggles of his life until he found his way back to the mats at a friend’s gym. Jiu Jitsu gave him back his health, his purpose, and everything he values most- family, friends, and his faith.
When he’s not training, he loves spending time with his wife and kids off-roading, skateboarding, playing guitar, cooking, doing arts and crafts, and rolling at home.
Matt has been married to Ros for 14 years and they have 3 kids who also train jiu jitsu at Elevate.
Instructor
Ros Galendez
Ros was born in the Philippines and raised in Guam, where she began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2021 after attending a women’s only class. From the start, she was hooked, and training alongside her husband and three children made the experience even more meaningful.
Soon after, she began coaching kids ages 4–7, finding joy in helping them build confidence, discipline, and a love for Jiu Jitsu. Known for her patience, kindness, and positivity, Ros is passionate about creating a supportive space where children can thrive.
When she’s not on the mats, Ros loves nothing more than spending time at home with her husband Matt of 14 years and their kids, who remain her greatest motivation and joy.
Instructor
Bryson Rasmussen
Academy Media/Content Creator
Bryson is a firefighter, husband of 9 years, and dad to one boy who brings his passion for storytelling to Elevate Jiu Jitsu. Through video and photography, he captures authentic moments that showcase the people, spirit, and community that make Elevate Jiu Jitsu special.