KAPA‘A — Family, respect and honor are not the first words many would associate with mixed martial arts, however New Breed Academy in Kapa‘a follows a philosophy that creates a welcoming atmosphere for anyone interested in MMA or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
KAPA‘A — Family, respect and honor are not the first words many would associate with mixed martial arts, however New Breed Academy in Kapa‘a follows a philosophy that creates a welcoming atmosphere for anyone interested in MMA or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“We started teaching people, and you get a great sense of pride and honor,” said Kaeo Lopez, who along with his brother Kaleo make up the two main trainers at the academy. “Not just the martial arts aspect, but the fitness aspect, and after awhile, we really started making change in the community.”
Both Kaleo and Kaeo are lifeguards on Kaua‘i and have spent most of their adult lives either competing or training — both are black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although they have created a serious training regiment and host some of the best fighters on the island, they are adamant about the academy being for everyone and developing family relationships.
“To me, jiu-jitsu is a way of life,” Kaleo said. “It means a lot to me to help individuals and have a positive impact on their life — I have been training for about 16 or 17 years, and over the time with my journey, I have learned a lot about myself and I just want to give back and help individuals become better people.”
New Breed offers jiu-jitsu classes for beginners, advanced students and children (ages 5 to 14), to go along with the jiu-jitsu classes is boxing, kickboxing and woman’s jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.
Lea Young was the first female to get involved with New Breed and now resides in the advanced jiu-jitsu class with many of the academy’s top fighters. She now handles the woman’s classes for both kickboxing and jiu-jitsu.
“It is a friendly environment. Everyone is like family.” Young said. “Even though I am the only girl in the advanced class, they are like my brothers. They push me to be better and stronger.”
Not only has Young helped create a serious training gym, but she has also helped open the door for women to train in a positive learning environment.
“The school pretty much sells itself, the biggest hurdle is getting someone to try a class.” Young said. “I think what sets us apart is our training curriculum. For new people to come in to this environment and work on their cardio and get their sweat going while they’re learning, and build upon what they are learning, that is what draws them back every week.”
Luis Soltren has been like a father to many of the fighters and helps with everything from sponsors to training, to nutrition. Being a black belt in karate, Soltren provides yet another experienced set of hands for fighters to trust in at New Breed.
“I feel like these guys are my sons,” Soltren said. “Me, as the father, I make sure their home life is good, because to me, my instructors did that for me and you can’t be good at nothing if the home life is not right.”
Soltren takes a vested interested in everyone that trains at New Breed and even works as the cutman at many of the sanctioned fights on the island.
Nalu Hawelu knows how important it is to have someone like Soltren in his corner during a fight. Hawelu is coming off of a 145-pound amateur fight at the Mayhem at the Mansion, where he walked away with a win by TKO in the first round.
“Being with these guys is like being with family,” Hawelu said. “They take care of me, Kaeo and Kaleo are like my big brothers, they make sure I am properly trained and nourished.”
Hawelu started as a white belt six years ago and has been in love with the sport ever sense.
“If you are thinking about it or are hesitant about it, you never know until you try,” Hawelu said. “It might look hard or rough, but once you start doing it you might love it and you might be the next champ. You never know.”
New Breed Academy is located in Kapa‘a on the third floor of the Dragon Building. The academy currently resides in an approximately 1,000 square foot facility that it is quickly outgrowing, and the group is looking to relocate. For more information call 220-3842 or visit www.newbreedkauai.com.
