Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu
Meet the Team
We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our team of dedicated and Passionate Jiu-Jitsu Coaches.
Learn more about who we are below!
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Owner & Head Instructor
Age: 39 years old
Training Since: 2007
Current Rank: Black BeltCoaching Philosophy: To be the person I needed growing up.
Hello, my name is Jason Elliott, and I am a Black Belt Professor and the proud owner of Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu. I have dedicated my life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007, building upon a foundation in Judo and Wrestling. As a lifelong resident of the Santa Ynez Valley, I am honored to contribute to the community I have called home for 39 years.
Before establishing Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu, I served as a Territory Manager for Aqua Systems Inc., where I managed and nurtured relationships with hundreds of local restaurants and hotels along the coast. Despite my professional commitments, I remained steadfast in my Jiu-Jitsu training, driven by a vision to open a school in my hometown.
Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly shaped my journey, helping me navigate the complexities of young adulthood. My passion for the sport and its transformative power inspired me to create a resource for individuals of all ages seeking personal growth and resilience. With unwavering determination and discipline, I turned my dream into reality, offering a sanctuary for anyone in need of guidance and support.
At Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu, my mission is to mentor and inspire others, fulfilling the role I once needed during my formative years. Join me on the mats and discover the strength and confidence that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can bring to your life.
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Self Defense Instructor and Business Owner
Kat Elliott has been training in Jiu-Jitsu since 2017. She is a dedicated Self Defense Instructor and Business Owner, bringing her expertise and passion to her role as the Owner and Head Instructor for women's self-defense programs. In addition to her leadership in women's self-defense, she also serves as a Youth Coach, Adult Coach, and Program Director at Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu.
Kat's primary goal in coaching is to continue fostering safety within the community and empowering individuals through the practice of Jiu-Jitsu. She believes that Jiu-Jitsu has the power to help people discover their inner strength and potential. Her commitment to her students and her community is evident in her approach to teaching and coaching.
Kat Elliott is known for her all-around badassery, and her dedication to creating a safe and empowering environment for her students is unmatched. Her role at Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu encompasses not only coaching but also inspiring and guiding others to realize their capabilities through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
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Youth Instructor
Chelsea Hewitt began her Jiu-Jitsu training in 2021 and has since become a certified CPR/AED/First Aid instructor. In addition to her role at Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu, she serves as the General Manager of The Good Seed Coffee Boutique and works as a Court Appointed CASA Special Advocate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology from UCSB, bringing a diverse and rich background to her coaching.
Chelsea's athletic achievements are notable. She was the Second Place Overall Masters Female Athlete of the Year at the 2023 CompNet, and she has won gold medals at both the 2023 CompNet Autumn and Summer Championships. Additionally, she earned a silver medal at the 2022 CompNet Autumn Championship. Her athletic career also includes playing basketball and participating in track & field for SBCC.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, Chelsea enjoys hiking, relaxing at the beach, and exploring and supporting local restaurants and shops. These hobbies reflect her love for adventure and community engagement, which she brings into her coaching philosophy.
Chelsea is deeply committed to coaching because she believes it provides a unique opportunity to advocate for and positively influence children. Over the past decade, she has dedicated much of her free time to volunteering with youth in her community. Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu has given her a consistent platform to continue this mission. Chelsea's own experience of being supported by dedicated adults as a child fuels her passion for investing in the lives of her students.
Her primary goal in coaching at Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu is to help students build confidence in themselves and foster a sense of teamwork. Chelsea finds great joy in watching kids discover their voices and become supportive teammates. Her dedication to coaching and her commitment to the youth make her an invaluable asset to the Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu community.
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Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
My journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 2013, and from the very start, I was drawn to the discipline, perseverance, and personal growth that the art fosters. Over the years, my passion for Jiu-Jitsu evolved into a dedication to coaching, eventually leading me to become the head coach of a kids’ program. Teaching young students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey, allowing me to help shape their confidence, discipline, and technical skills both on and off the mats.
Beyond traditional coaching, I have had the privilege of partnering with a nonprofit organization to bring Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense training to underprivileged and at-risk youth. Through this initiative, I have worked with young individuals who may not otherwise have access to martial arts, using Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to teach resilience, self-confidence, and personal empowerment.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport—it’s a way to build character, overcome challenges, and create positive change. My mission is to continue sharing these values with my students, helping them grow into strong, confident individuals ready to take on life’s challenges.
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Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner and Educator for First Responders
Shane Scoggins embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016, building on a strong foundation in Traditional Japanese Arts, Kenpo, and kickboxing. His Jiu-Jitsu influences come from a diverse group of black belts in the 805 area, many of whom trained at the former Goodland Jiu Jitsu.
Professionally, Shane is an educator for first responders, specializing in Ocean Rescue and Emergency Medicine. His commitment to education and training ensures that first responders are well-prepared for critical situations.
Outside of his professional life, Shane is passionate about challenging himself both in the ocean and in the mountains. His dedication to personal growth and adventure is evident in his pursuits and contributions to the community.
Shane Scoggins' expertise in martial arts, coupled with his professional focus on first responder education, highlights his commitment to excellence and service.
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Martial Arts Expert and Renowned Instructor
In 2003, James Driskill embarked on his martial arts journey under the tutelage of the legendary Rickson Gracie at his world-renowned academy in Los Angeles. Over the years, James has expanded his expertise to include wrestling, kickboxing, and judo. While he has achieved numerous competition victories and titles, his true passion lies in teaching.
James has had the privilege of learning from some of the most esteemed minds in martial arts, including Antoni Hardonk, John Danaher, and Lachlan Giles. His commitment to excellence and continuous learning has made him a sought-after instructor, conducting classes and seminars worldwide.
Beyond his professional endeavors, James enjoys a rich personal life. He loves to travel with his wife, surf, play with his two dogs, Peanut and Jelly, and immerse himself in a good book.
James Driskill's dedication to martial arts and his profound passion for teaching make him a valuable mentor and inspiration to our students.