Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu
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Local owners Jason and Kat Elliott opened their doors to the community on December 2, 2019, bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Santa Ynez Valley. From the moment the academy opened, the community embraced it, and Jiu-Jitsu quickly became an integral part of many lives.
On the 100th day of operation, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure. Despite the challenges, the Elliott's were determined to overcome and emerge stronger. Their resilience paid off, and upon reopening, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu once again became a thriving hub for community and personal growth.
In March 2022, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu expanded by acquiring Performance Fitness Center, located next door to the academy. This significant addition transformed Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu into a full family wellness center, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness for all family members. Unlike traditional gyms with daycare facilities, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu offers a place where families can invest in their collective future.
Introducing the "Power Hour" concept, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu provides an opportunity for kids to participate in Jiu-Jitsu or gymnastics while parents utilize the fitness center. This approach allows families to prioritize their health together, demonstrating the importance of wellness to children by setting a positive example.
As the only true full-family wellness center in the area, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu fosters a community that thrives on the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Offering youth, adult, family, fitness, and gymnastics memberships, Allegiant Jiu-Jitsu is committed to helping everyone live their best lives through a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.
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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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.
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Veteran, Real Estate Agent, and Community Leader
Efren Pulido is a dedicated real estate agent and lifelong resident of the Santa Ynez Valley. He shares a joyful life with his wife, Kelley, and their four children: Diego, Mia, Kyra, and Selma.
Efren brings a distinguished military background, having served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in the Marine Corps. He is a combat-decorated veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and played a key role in the humanitarian efforts during Operation Unified Assistance in 2004. His expertise extended to his tenure as an Explosives Specialist with the Department of Homeland Security.
Active within his community, Efren is a committed member of the Santa Ynez Pirate Foundation. He has made significant contributions to local sports, both as a coach and in administrative capacities. His passion for coaching extends to Jiu-Jitsu, which he believes enriches life mentally, physically, and socially.
Efren Pulido's dedication to his profession, his service to his country, and his commitment to community engagement make him a respected and influential figure in the Santa Ynez Valley.
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Student, Athlete, and Aspiring Coach
Bayley Weber began her Jiu-Jitsu training in 2020. She is currently a student at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a Master of Social Work. Her commitment to academics and athletics reflects her dedication to personal and professional growth.
Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Bayley is an accomplished water polo player. She has achieved numerous accolades, including being a 2x FINA World Champion, MPSF Player of the Year, World Aquatics World Cup Champion, NCAA National Champion, and Pan American Champion in water polo. She is also a certified lifeguard with CPR/AED for professional rescuers and first aid.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Bayley enjoys swimming, spending time at the beach, and engaging in volunteer work. She is particularly passionate about using sports as a means to expose youth to higher education, working towards her mission of empowering young people through athletic and academic opportunities.
Bayley's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work, sacrifice, self-discipline, and heart. She aims to be a role model for her students, consistently showing up with a positive attitude and a readiness to tackle any challenge. Her goal is to have a lasting positive influence, empowering and inspiring others through her dedication and example.
Bayley Weber's blend of academic ambition, athletic excellence, and commitment to community service highlights her as a dedicated and inspiring figure, both on and off the mats.
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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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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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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.