Manitowoc Jiu Jitsu Academy

Manitowoc Jiu Jitsu Academy is led by Professor Joey Velasques, a black belt who grew up in Manitowoc, WI. Joey began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 while attending UW-Milwaukee, earning his blue belt under Henry Matamoros, Wisconsin’s first BJJ black belt. He later moved to Las Vegas to continue his training at Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu under Sim Go, where he also took over the kids program in 2012 and started teaching adults in 2018. After nearly 15 years on the mats, Joey earned his black belt in 2020 and returned to his hometown to open the academy, bringing his experience from both Wisconsin and Nevada to the local scene. Classes at Manitowoc Jiu Jitsu include gi and no-gi training for adults and kids, with a focus on fundamentals and steady progression. Joey teaches morning gi classes as well as no-gi sessions that include drills and open mat time. The academy also offers a women’s only BJJ class, recognizing the importance of tailored training environments. Assistant instructor Paul Hutterer, a purple belt under Joey, leads kids’ gi classes and helps with adult no-gi sessions. Paul brings a background in multiple martial arts and emphasizes practical self-defense alongside grappling skills. Beyond Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the academy features a kickboxing program led by Corey Franz, a fifth-degree black belt with two decades of martial arts experience. Corey’s striking classes are open to all ages and skill levels, blending fundamentals from several disciplines. The school operates out of an accessible facility on Dewey Street and welcomes drop-ins for most classes and open mats, making it easy for locals to train on their own schedule.

Amenities