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Local man makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt

News Press
February 5, 2009

By Benn Farrell

It takes a while to become a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and now Curtis Hill knows exactly how long that is.

Hill, the owner and head instructor of the only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Castle Rock, and one of only two in Douglas County, recently advanced to the level of black belt in the sport, where such an honor is earned with sweat and bruises.

The instructor opened the school in Castle Rock in 2006, after he was the head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at High Altitude Martial Arts in Aurora.

When someone earns the honor of a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the most common question is, "From who?" The black belt must be awarded by a student’s trainer after the student has been able to prove his or her ability on the mat or in competition.

For Hill, who also carries a black belt in judo and Japanese jujitsu, his black belt comes from Wellington "Megaton" Dias of Team Megaton. In the sport’s hierarchy, Dias earned his black belt status from Royler Gracie, son of the late Helio Gracie, who fathered the Brazilian style of jujitsu. Royler Gracie recently gave a seminar at Hill’s outfit in Castle Rock.

"It took a while, because [Megaton] had to see I could compete with the guys I say that I am," Hill said. "I roll with him a lot and spar with him a lot. Of course, he beats me up, but at least I’m [at that level].

"So, there’s not a set of Kata’s or moves that I have to know to be a black belt. It has to bee seen. It has to be in reality."

Hill’s experience can be see hung on the wall of his office. A series of medals and accolades from several tournaments local, national and worldwide. Among his worldwide accomplishments, Hill is a two-time medalist in the Pan American Championships, informally referred to as the Pan Ams, which is the largest jujitsu tournament in the world, with over 2,000 competitors.

"I’ve won many local championships. It’s just I’m more proud of the Pan Ams, because that’s what these guys do," Hill said referring to recognized competitors who train under Royler Gracie and his brothers. "If I can compete with them, I feel good and accomplished."

Hill said among the people who come to him for training, the majority are looking to be able to defending themselves or get in better shape; however, he does get a significant among of law enforcement interested in developing their hand-to-hand combat skills further. His body of clients have even included air marshals and a Navy seal. When his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu outfit first opened in Castle Rock, Hill had three students. Since then, his schools has grown to 50 students including children.

Among the many philosophies and techniques Hill aspires to share by training others, one aspect he hopes students realize is that a small man can sometimes be the victor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

"All martial arts try to satisfy one question," the now black belt said. "Can a small man beat a big man? And jujitsu answers that question."

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