USA Judo Club Spotlight: Colton Brown Training Center

Two-time Olympian Colton Brown, now owner of the Colton Brown Training Center in Warren, New Jersey, has transitioned from competing globally to shaping the next generation of judoka. His dojo has quickly become one of the fastest-growing judo communities in the United States.

For Colton, the journey from competition to coaching began during a time of uncertainty.

Reflecting on the early days, he shares, “During COVID, there was a ton of uncertainty. Although I was qualified for the Olympics, I had no idea whether they were actually happening. I started teaching private lessons to local judo and BJJ guys throughout New Jersey and realized pretty fast that I loved teaching!”

Even while preparing for what would be his final Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Colton knew he was stepping into his next chapter.

“I wanted to retire on my own terms and still have a lot of love for the sport. My new mission became to leave judo a little bit better than I found it.”

A two-time Olympian and world traveler, Colton’s competitive experiences profoundly shaped the kind of coach and leader he is today.

“I’ve had some incredible experiences, training under world-class coaches, traveling the world, and creating lifelong friendships with teammates and rivals. Those experiences not only helped me compete at two Olympic Games but shaped the person I am today.”

Now, his focus is on giving back what others once gave him.

“I remember people who helped me along the way, whether with encouragement, sponsorship, or guidance. I promised myself I’d strive to have the same impact on the next generation of judoka.”

At the heart of his coaching philosophy are three simple yet powerful values: hard work, perseverance, and kindness.

“I believe those values won’t only help my students in judo, but in life.”

In February 2022, Colton officially opened the doors of the Colton Brown Training Center. Before that, he had been teaching private lessons and running a small judo program out of a local BJJ academy.

“It made my day when students would text me saying I helped them accomplish a goal. Up until that point, I had to be selfish to achieve my own goals. I never realized how fulfilling teaching was.”

Today, CBTC offers a wide range of programs from kids as young as 3 to veterans over 40. The center offers classes in judo, BJJ, and MMA, as well as after-school judo programs in local schools.

“We currently have around 500 active students,” Colton shares. “Although we’ve grown into a big training center, it’s my mission to make sure we keep that family aspect where every member feels seen.”

Starting a dojo came with its challenges.

“One of the biggest hurdles was overcoming the fear of not being successful,” Colton admits. “My whole life as a competitor was about winning. I had to learn that life isn’t all about winning and losing. When you’re passionate and work hard, the rest falls into place.”

That mindset shift redefined what success meant for him.

“At first, I measured success by numbers. After two weeks in business, I changed my focus to providing everyone who walked through our doors the best martial arts experience of their lives.”

Today, what makes him proudest is the community that has grown under his roof.

“We’ve created a huge community of people striving toward a common goal.  Olympic athletes, doctors, CEOs, moms, dads, and grandparents all thriving together. Seeing the smiles when people walk in the door makes me really happy.”

For Colton, culture and community are everything.

“No matter your background or walk of life, you always have a place at CBTC. Some people train to become Olympic champions, others for fitness or mental health. It’s my job to make sure each of them thrives.”

CBTC regularly hosts in-house competitions, game nights, parent-and-child judo events, and large belt ceremonies that bring the whole community together. The club also performs school demonstrations to spread the love of judo locally.

With over 40 athletes on the U.S. national roster, CBTC is already shaping future stars of USA Judo.

“Many of our students dream of competing at the Olympic Games one day. We’re working towards those goals together.”

Among the standouts is Daniel Liubimovski, a two-time Senior National Champion, Senior Pan American Open medalist, and 7th place finisher at the 2025 Junior World Championships. Rising talents like Noran Elmahroukey, Toni Pepia, Anat Tsyrlin, Jayden Sanchez, Mihail Belyakov, and Clara Notopradono are also making waves nationally and internationally.

“I’d love to put a couple of athletes on the 2028 Olympic Team,” Colton says. “But beyond that, our mission stays the same: to positively influence as many people as possible through our wonderful sport.”

Looking ahead, Colton hopes the Colton Brown Training Center becomes synonymous with something greater than medals or rankings.

“I hope people associate CBTC with a place that offers more than just judo, where everyone is welcome and can achieve their goals, whatever they may be. My ultimate goal is to leave this sport a lot greater than I found it. That’s what wakes me up every morning.”