About
Michigan Institute of Athletics Youth Martial Arts Programs offers youth martial arts training that includes Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu, No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Female Wrestling. The program also connects to related options at the same academy such as Punches & Crunches, an MMA Competition Team, and Master Perez Taekwondo. Families can also access Iron Horse Performance strength training, HIIT classes, personal training, yoga, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling through the same organization.
The instructors and staff for Michigan Institute of Athletics Youth Martial Arts Programs include coaches and trainers with decades of experience in Mixed Martial Arts, traditional martial arts, fitness training, yoga, and nutritional guidance. Named staff members include Brian Fornasiero, a Jiu Jitsu Coach and BJJ Black Belt; Tim Farr, an MMA Coach and Pro Athlete; and Danny Berry, an MMA and Jiu Jitsu Coach, Pro Athlete, and BJJ Black Belt. Additional coaches include Tristin Canada, Head Coach for Scorpion Boxing; Beau Turnblom, a Youth MMA and Jiu Jitsu Coach and MMA Fighter; Zoe Nowicki, a Female Wrestling Coach, Pro Athlete, and NCAA Champion; and Natalie Kutzli, an Iron Horse Performance Personal Trainer, MMA Fighter, and Private Lesson Coach. The leadership team includes James David Gray, Owner and Head Coach of Scorpion Fighting System and Pro Athlete; Juan Perez, Owner and Head Instructor of Master Perez Taekwondo; Andrew Estrada, Owner and Head Trainer of Iron Horse Performance; and Lily Hall, Owner and Massage Therapist with Midwest Massage Co. The stated mission of the organization is to inspire and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to lead healthier, more confident lives through exceptional programs, expert coaching, and a supportive environment. The academy describes itself as offering world-class Mixed Martial Arts instruction for all skill levels, fitness and wellness programs for adults, kids, fighters, and families, and state-of-the-art equipment with personalized training, and notes that all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcome. The youth programs are described as being designed to build discipline, confidence, and healthy habits in kids, and the organization states that it values respect, discipline, and personal growth. The program notes that SFS Elite MMA has produced competitors who have competed in organizations such as the UFC, Invicta, Rizin, and Bellator, and that a free week trial is available. Testimonials from members describe the environment as comfortable, friendly, and welcoming, and describe the coaches as knowledgeable, professional, and focused on helping members improve.
Last updated January 25, 2026.
The instructors and staff for Michigan Institute of Athletics Youth Martial Arts Programs include coaches and trainers with decades of experience in Mixed Martial Arts, traditional martial arts, fitness training, yoga, and nutritional guidance. Named staff members include Brian Fornasiero, a Jiu Jitsu Coach and BJJ Black Belt; Tim Farr, an MMA Coach and Pro Athlete; and Danny Berry, an MMA and Jiu Jitsu Coach, Pro Athlete, and BJJ Black Belt. Additional coaches include Tristin Canada, Head Coach for Scorpion Boxing; Beau Turnblom, a Youth MMA and Jiu Jitsu Coach and MMA Fighter; Zoe Nowicki, a Female Wrestling Coach, Pro Athlete, and NCAA Champion; and Natalie Kutzli, an Iron Horse Performance Personal Trainer, MMA Fighter, and Private Lesson Coach. The leadership team includes James David Gray, Owner and Head Coach of Scorpion Fighting System and Pro Athlete; Juan Perez, Owner and Head Instructor of Master Perez Taekwondo; Andrew Estrada, Owner and Head Trainer of Iron Horse Performance; and Lily Hall, Owner and Massage Therapist with Midwest Massage Co. The stated mission of the organization is to inspire and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to lead healthier, more confident lives through exceptional programs, expert coaching, and a supportive environment. The academy describes itself as offering world-class Mixed Martial Arts instruction for all skill levels, fitness and wellness programs for adults, kids, fighters, and families, and state-of-the-art equipment with personalized training, and notes that all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcome. The youth programs are described as being designed to build discipline, confidence, and healthy habits in kids, and the organization states that it values respect, discipline, and personal growth. The program notes that SFS Elite MMA has produced competitors who have competed in organizations such as the UFC, Invicta, Rizin, and Bellator, and that a free week trial is available. Testimonials from members describe the environment as comfortable, friendly, and welcoming, and describe the coaches as knowledgeable, professional, and focused on helping members improve.
Last updated January 25, 2026.
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