Welcome to the world of New Breed Academy, where you will experience world-class training and instruction from our champion instructors. Whether your goal is high-level competition or enhancing fitness and self-defense abilities, New Breed Academy is the perfect place for you. Come train with the best and be part of the New Breed family. Unlock your full potential and achieve your martial arts dreams with us today!
We specialize in authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on grappling and ground fighting to help you become one of the best fighters in the world. Our organized ranking system and specialized curriculum cater to all levels, ensuring comprehensive development. Join our supportive community and develop physical strength, combat skills, confidence, and discipline.
Meet Coach Johnny Ramirez
Coach Johnny, a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu when he began teaching, founded New Breed in 2001 with a vision of fostering personal growth and inclusivity through martial arts. His innovative approach has created an environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. As our New Breed family continues to expand, we invite you to join us on this enriching martial arts journey, helping students develop resilience, confidence, and camaraderie. Experience the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and be part of our growing family, where every member contributes to a vibrant and supportive community!
Over the years, New Breed has united individuals from diverse cultures, forging lasting connections and friendships.
Why the Community Loves New Breed Academy
Here's what people are saying about their experience at New Breed Academy:
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- April Haro: "Professor Johnny and the New Breed family were all so welcoming and enthusiastic about teaching. They took their time to make sure I understood the techniques. Definitely heading home with so much more experience because of you guys and I look forward to training here again!"
- Ricardo Garcia: "My son loves taking classes at New Breed MMA. All instructors are friendly and work great with children. I only wish they offered Saturday classes for kids."
- Leslie Navarro: "Johnny and Richard were very welcoming since day one. They have helped my son not only improve in martial arts but also have helped him to grow as a person. There is camaraderie at that gym that I had not witnessed in any other gym."
- Edward Lara Jr.: "New Breed certainly gives a family-friendly environment - everyone there will definitely start to become good friends. Jiu-jitsu at New Breed also has been positive for my mental health in ways that I am still grateful for."
- Ramiro Sosa: "I feel like I am developing actual self-defense skills while I stay in shape. I would recommend this gym to anyone who feels like they need to get in shape, or anyone who just wants a place to feel that they belong."
- Zurisaday Sanchez: "I miss the awesome workouts although they kicked my butt every time LOL… left me feeling strong and alive! If New Breed would open a club here, I’d joint it in a heartbeat."
Consistency is obviously key for development. If you stay dedicated, they will definitely provide you with the skills that you need and you will start seeing the benefits from the physical health aspect in addition to becoming a proficient martial artist.
Elevating Jiu-Jitsu Competition
NEWBREED is dedicated to advancing the sport of competitive Jiu-Jitsu. From real-time digital brackets and professional scoreboards to sanitized custom mats and trained referees, every detail is dialed in. Whether it’s your first match or your hundredth, NJJF makes sure every athlete steps onto the mat with confidence, knowing they’re part of a world-class experience built for growth, challenge, and honor.
All Ages, All Skill Levels
What sets NEWBREED apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Our tournaments are open to all-kids, teens, adults, beginners, seasoned grapplers, and everyone in between. With divisions structured by age, skill level, and weight, every competitor gets a fair shot. We offer family discounts and special rates for women, making it easier for entire families to step onto the mat together. It’s not just a tournament-it’s a welcoming community that empowers more people to experience the discipline, confidence, and camaraderie that Jiu Jitsu brings.
Pathway to Elite Recognition
For those chasing greatness, The Ultimate Grappler (TUG) division is the proving ground. This elite No-Gi Advanced Absolute division isn’t for everyone-it’s for warriors who want to test themselves against the best. Competitors earn their spot by qualifying at regional events, leading to a finale where everything’s on the line: a $5,000 cash prize, a custom championship belt, and exclusive NEWBREED gear. TUG isn’t just a match-it’s a stage where serious grapplers step into the spotlight, earn respect, and build a name.
Erik Koch: A Prime Example of the "New Breed"
Erik Koch may be the oldest 25-year-old in mixed martial arts. Not in a ‘he’s got a lot of mileage’ on him way, but in terms of the experience he has and the maturity he’s developed as someone who has already been in this game for nearly a decade. And he’s embracing every minute of it.
“A lot of people come at me with, ‘oh, he’s young,’ but I don’t feel like it in that way,” said Koch. “I’ve been fighting since I was 16, so I’ve been doing it for a minute, and what comes with that is maturity. I have a young body and I can push myself, but I also have the mindset of a veteran that’s been in the game for so long.”
As such, he’s approaching his bouts not as a meeting of two like-minded strikers who are going to throw down until someone gets knocked out, but as an opportunity to get another decisive win in his weight class and move on to even bigger and better things. “No matter what the matchup is, I’m going in to dominate,” said Koch. “Because he’s another striker, people are like ‘oh, it’s going to be a war.’ Well, he’s a striker, but I want to finish him. I want to take him out. I’m not gonna say ‘let’s go in the center and just brawl.’ I’m a smart fighter, and I don’t take punishment if I don’t have to. It’s like those guys that say ‘I want to go out there and get Fight of the Night. No,’ I’m not looking for Fight of the Night; I’m looking for Performance of the Night. It’s going to be an exciting fight just because we’re both exciting fighters, but I go in with the mindset that I’m going to destroy him.”
This mindset has rarely done Koch wrong, and when you add in the fact that he’s got Iowa blood coursing through his veins, it’s clear that he’s got a significant upside in this sport. In fact, having toughness bred in him from an early age in Cedar Rapids has given him something to pull out of his back pocket if he needs it.
“It’s just the Midwest mentality,” he said. “Being an Iowa boy, we’re grinders and we push through it. I think technique first, but if I’m ever in a pickle, I got that hard-nosed Iowa boy to fall back on. I think it’s a big advantage, and I’ve got the best of both worlds. I’m still young, still explosive, still getting stronger, and then I have the mindset that I’m a veteran, I’ve been there a million times, and it all works out well for me.”
In February, Koch fought at lightweight and made short work of his opponent, taking just 84 seconds to score the stoppage win. “I like lightweight way more than featherweight, I’ll tell you that,” he laughs. “It’s way better. It’s a huge relief because now I can think about the fight. I still cut weight, but it’s manageable. It was just ridiculous.”
It’s another step in the maturation of Erik Koch, and at this point, it looks like the sky’s the limit for “New Breed,” who has plenty of big plans as a lightweight. “I’m always excited to fight, no matter who it is,” he said. “I’m super pumped for this fight, and I just want to get a streak going and keep it going. I want to get a lot of fights this year. And like every fight, I want to end it in dominating fashion.”