More Than Fighting

The Chewelah Jiu Jitsu & MMA began as a martial arts program in 2015, and has recently expanded into a training community offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and other disciplines, with multiple new instructors and classes available throughout the week. “What makes our gym unique is how much all of our students call us family,” Owner Kris Rancourt said. Located at Arena Fitness on North Seventh Street in Chewelah, the gym welcomes students of all experience levels, from complete beginners stepping onto the mats for the first time to experienced martial artists with decades of training. “We are very welcoming to all that want to train no matter the skill level,” Rancourt said. “The hardest part of beginning this journey is coming in the first time.

Over the years, the gym has expanded from its early beginnings to include several coaches, morning and evening training sessions, and a growing variety of classes designed to meet different interests and fitness goals. Along with traditional Jiu Jitsu and MMA instruction, the facility offers women’s cardio kickboxing, providing an opportunity for women to improve fitness, coordination, confidence, and self-defense skills. Rancourt, who has 16 years of martial arts experience, founded Chewelah Jiu Jitsu in 2015. A purple belt with a 2-1 MMA record, he has trained at Spokane facilities including Hit Pit MMA, 10th Planet, and Warrior Camp, learning from experienced instructors along the way. He is now joined by a coaching staff that brings a variety of backgrounds and experience to the mats. Coach Pauly Vivas, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and purple belt, began training with Chewelah Jiu Jitsu in 2020 and has competed in numerous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments, earning multiple gold, silver and bronze medals.

Coach Jason Lee brings a law enforcement background to the program, including experience as a defensive tactics instructor. He began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2021 and has progressed to a threestripe blue belt. Coach Takota Ashley has 14 years of wrestling experience and eight years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA training. A blue belt with an undefeated 2-0 MMA record, he brings both grappling and competitive fighting experience to the program. Coach Alicia Flanigan began her martial arts journey in 2015 while training at a UFC gym in Honolulu, Hawaii. With experience in Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she helps lead the gym’s women’s kickboxing classes alongside Rancourt.

“The progress we have seen in our students is that several of them have evolved into coaches themselves,” he said. The gym has also produced competitors who have found success in MMA fights, Jiu Jitsu tournaments, kickboxing, and Muay Thai competitions. While those accomplishments are a source of pride, Rancourt emphasized that competitive fighting is only one part of what the gym offers. The benefits of martial arts, he believes, extend well beyond the training mats. He said students learn discipline, patience, perseverance, and the importance of pushing through challenges. They develop confidence while improving physical conditioning, coordination, and practical self-defense skills. The gym’s philosophy centers on personal improvement rather than comparing one student’s progress to another’s

That atmosphere, Rancourt said, is particularly important for people who may feel intimidated by the idea of walking into an MMA gym. Although the sport is often associated with competition and fighting, he wants students to understand that they don’t have to be athletes or fighters to participate. Looking ahead, Rancourt said he hopes to continue expanding the program while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on safety that have helped the gym grow.

“The next thing for our gym is to keep building and make sure we are always training safe so we can stay on the mats and get better than yesterday everyday,” he said. Chewelah Jiu Jitsu & MMA is located at Arena Fitness, 703B North Seventh St. in Chewelah. For information, contact Rancourt at 509-936- 0578 or visit the gym’s Facebook page, Chewelah Jiu Jitsu.