About Us
At High Country Jiu Jitsu we go beyond demonstration to ensure our students are well-equipped and well-educated. During our martial arts classes, we analyze technique and emphasize specific sections in the learning method. This approach ensures our students won’t get left behind in their training. We are so dedicated to helping our students that we also adapt our training style towards what each individual needs to achieve their goals, whether it’s general fitness or competition.
Contact UsInstructors
Andrew Skaggs
Owner/Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Andrew grew up in South Jersey and spent most of his childhood on the east coast. He grew up with a passion for sports and competition, mainly playing soccer and baseball into High School. While living in the Northern Virginia area, his curiosity for Jiu Jitsu started when a friend of his started training jiu jitsu and convinced him to come try it out. In 2008, Andrew began his journey training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and currently holds a black belt under 3rd degree black belt Steve Toyryla.
Throughout the years, Andrew has had the opportunity to train under some of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors in the world. He has had the opportunity to learn styles and teaching techniques from several different instructors and schools of thought, and has trained all around the US.
After College, Andrew began a career in software development where he currently works for a family medical facility in the Boulder/Denver metro area. Andrew has 3 kids, 3 dogs, and loves spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors in the Rockies. His two oldest kids will be staples of the gym as they have already begun their own Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey and will be around to help other kids their ages have fun.
• Fairfax Jiu Jitsu 2008 – 2009
• 50/50 Jiu Jitsu 2009 – 2015 (Received Blue Belt from Ryan Hall)
• Easton Jiu Jitsu 2015 – 2020 (Received Purple belt and Brown belt from Eliot Marshall)
• 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu 2020 – 2022
Rainer Barnhart
Kids Lead BJJ Instructor: 3 stripe white belt
Rainer is our kid’s lead jiu jitsu instructor with a passion for wellness and adventure. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Rainer’s journey into the world of martial arts began in April of 2023. Before diving into the world of Jiu Jitsu, Rainer honed his skills through competitive sports and later found solace in rock climbing and splitboarding.
Driven to further his knowledge and a commitment to holistic health, Rainer embarked on a transformative journey to Spain in 2023. There, he trained under the guidance of the renowned Wim Hof and Dr. Susanna Soberg, immersing himself in the practices of cold therapy, heat therapy, and breathwork. Equipped with these invaluable tools, Rainer returned to his community in Salida, where he now shares his expertise with others, empowering them to optimize their training and overall well-being.
Christian Blaney
Kids Assistant BJJ Instructor: 3 stripe white belt
Lenny Eckstein
Kids Assistant BJJ Instructor: 3 stripe white belt
Andrew Astor
Asst Striking Instructor
Assistant Coach Andy is a long-time martial arts student and practitioner. He started with Tae Kwon Do as a kid living in Virginia and continued training at U.S. Tae Kwon Do center in Colorado Springs. He began practicing Muay Thai in 2004 at Muay Thai of Colorado under Kru Oscar Martinez. A long time Salida resident, Andy is excited to continue training BJJ and Muay Thai and sharing his passion for martial arts with others.
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Our Mission
High Country Jiu Jitsu
Be Dedicated
Make everyone feel welcome
Treat each student with respect
Empower our members
Help members reach their goals
Testimonials
“Needs 6 stars. Coach Andy runs a tight ship. Everyone gets the individual attention they need which creates a positive learning environment. No egos, pristine facility. I’m happy to be a part of the academy.”
“The superbly named coach (Andy S.) provides phenomenal instruction in an extremely supportive and welcoming environment. If you are thinking about starting your BJJ journey, do it. here. Now.”
“Been going for the past couple weeks and I will say a handstaff the dude is very knowledgeable super easy going and any questions I have he explains fully until I understand and he is really nice.”
High Country Jiu Jitsu
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High Country Jiu Jitsu has everything…except you! Join our community today and begin your martial arts journey!