INSTRUCTORS

 

Joey Velasques:

Black belt instructor from Cobra Kai in Las Vegas.

 

About Joey

Joey was born and raised in Manitowoc. He went to Roncalli High School and graduated in 2003. He then moved to Milwaukee where he attended UW-Milwaukee. It was here where Joey discovered Jiu Jitsu in 2006. He trained under Wisconsin’s first Jiu Jitsu black belt, Henry “The Don” Matamoros, earning his blue belt from the famed Wisconsin grappler.

Joey moved to Las Vegas in 2010 and started training at Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu under Sim Go. He took over the kids program in 2012 and began teaching adult classes in 2018. After nearly 15 years of training, he was awarded his black belt in December 2020.

Joey’s family owns the Golden Flame Family Restaurant in Manitowoc, WI. He is eager to return to his hometown to start his own business and share his talents with our community with the Manitowoc Jiu Jitsu Academy.

 

What Joey Has Achieved

Joey has over 10 years of experience working with kids in the Physical Education program in Las Vegas schools as well as being the lead instructor for the Kids Program at Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu since 2012. Joey has been active in the competition scene, winning gold at every belt level. His accomplishments include:

  • NAGA Champion

  • Grapplers Quest Champion

  • Five Champion

  • Submission Hunter Pro Winner

  • Multiple time IBJJF Medalist

  • FloGrappling’s WNO Winner

Paul Hutterer

About Paul:

Paul's journey into martial arts began in 1997 at Metz's Martial Arts Academy, where he earned his black belt in Kenpo under Paul Metz's guidance in 2002. Under Metz's mentorship, he explored the intricacies of weapons training, including Bo, Sai, Tonfa, and Nunchaku, enriching his skill set.

Transitioning from stand-up techniques, Paul immersed himself in Jiu-Jitsu within the Hapkido group. The introduction of an MMA curriculum by Paul Metz, with instructors like Jason Mills and Sam Alvey, became a transformative phase, propelling him into the dynamic world of Jiu-Jitsu within mixed martial arts.

After a hiatus, Paul's return to martial arts was fueled by the desire to introduce his son to Jiu-Jitsu, leading him back to Jason Mills. Earning a blue belt, he embraced training at Jason Mills' school in Sheboygan until discovering Manitowoc Jiu-Jitsu's opening in October 22. Since then, Paul has been a dedicated member, achieving a purple belt under the patient guidance of Joey Velasquez.

As an assistant instructor, Paul shapes his teachings around knowledge, self-defense, and practical application. Grateful for Joey's trust, he aspires to be a skilled teacher, finding fulfillment in witnessing students' growth and knowledge-sharing.

For those contemplating the Jiu-Jitsu journey, Paul's message is one of shared challenges and genuine camaraderie within the Jiu-Jitsu community. Reflecting on Jiu-Jitsu as a potent and enduring tool, he emphasizes its ability to provide strength and resilience in real-life situations, making it not just a martial art but a practical and empowering life skill.

In Paul's words, "Realize that even the best person you've seen on the mat has been where you are. Just know that the Jiu-Jitsu journey is not easy. But if you stay focused and determined, it will be incredibly rewarding and empowering." Joining Jiu-Jitsu isn't just about martial arts; it's an invitation to a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Corey Franz: Kickboxing Instructor

Corey started training in Martial Arts in the small town of Manitowoc, WI at the young age of 8! After graduating from Lincoln High School in 2012, he began teaching children and adults full time in Appleton from 2013-2019.

With 20 years of martial arts experience, Corey Franz is a 5th degree black belt and has rank in several striking style martial arts. Corey also played a big roll as a partner in education with the Appleton, Kimberly, Grand Chute, Little Chute and Kaukauna School Districts teaching self defense to over 10,000 children of all ages. He was also instrumental in raising over $100,000 for local schools in the Fox Valley Area.

Bringing the fundamentals from over a dozen striking styles together, Corey is ready to proudly serve the city of Manitowoc by teaching a kickboxing program that the entire family can enjoy!