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about

Jason "Jamaica Funk" Downer

Owner / Head MMA Trainer

ABOUT ME

Born in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, Jason specializes in teaching MMA at Funk Fighting Academy. From a young age, Jason was passionate about sports, excelling in track and field and football, where he earned the nickname “Jamaica Funk.” After stepping away from competitive sports in high school, he sought a new way to stay active — and that's when he discovered MMA. It quickly became a lifelong passion.

In 2016, Jason began training in Kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu, eventually transitioning fully into MMA. His dedication was immediate and intense — training seven days a week with a relentless drive to succeed. Jason competed in both kickboxing and MMA events, but soon realized that his true calling was coaching.

In 2018, Jason began coaching students of all ages, teaching boxing, kickboxing, and MMA classes. He later expanded his offerings to include personalized 1-on-1 training. In 2020, he founded TrainedbyFunk Personal Training, helping numerous athletes win state championships, regional pro titles, and amateur championships.

In 2023, Jason fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Funk Fighting Academy, a premier training facility offering a wide range of MMA classes and customized 1-on-1 coaching. Today, Jason continues to inspire, train, and lead the next generation of fighters with the same passion and commitment that fueled his own journey.

about

STEVE ROTHMAN

NOGI Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

ABOUT ME

Steve is an excellent Jiu-Jitsu coach, known for his exceptional attention to detail and deep technical knowledge of the sport. As an active competitor, he consistently finishes at the top of his class, bringing firsthand experience and competitive insight to every session. His passion for Jiu-Jitsu is evident in his teaching style, where he focuses on refining technique, building strong fundamentals, and helping each student reach their full potential. Whether you're new to Jiu-Jitsu or an experienced athlete, Steve’s coaching provides the perfect balance of discipline, encouragement, and high-level training.

about

BRANDON ONE'LL

Wresting / Kickboxing Instructor

ABOUT ME

Brandon is an outstanding wrestler and kickboxer, known for his athleticism, technical skill, and competitive spirit. As an active competitor in kickboxing, he brings real-world experience and a high level of intensity to both his training and coaching. His background in wrestling has given him a strong foundation in balance, control, and grappling techniques, which perfectly complement his striking abilities in kickboxing. Brandon is passionate about helping others grow in the sport, focusing on building solid fundamentals, conditioning, and mental toughness. Whether preparing for competition or just training for fitness and skill, Brandon’s experience and dedication make him an exceptional coach and role model for athletes of all levels.

about

JUSTIN MARINO

BJJ / Boxing / Kids Instructor

ABOUT ME

Justin is highly skilled in both striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), making him a well-rounded and versatile mixed martial artist. His ability to seamlessly blend stand-up techniques with ground fighting sets him apart as both a competitor and a coach. In addition to his martial arts expertise, Justin is a certified personal trainer, bringing a strong background in fitness, conditioning, and athletic performance to his training programs. His approach focuses on developing technical precision, strength, and endurance, tailored to each individual's goals. Whether you're looking to compete, improve your fitness, or sharpen your skills, Justin’s experience, knowledge, and dedication provide the perfect foundation for success.

about

MANNY HERNANDEZ

Kickboxing / Kids Instructor

ABOUT ME

Manny is an active kickboxer with years of coaching experience and a strong background in wrestling. A lifelong martial artist, Manny has dedicated himself to mastering multiple disciplines, blending striking and grappling into a well-rounded and effective fighting style. His passion for martial arts extends beyond his own training — he is deeply committed to helping others grow, improve, and achieve their goals. Manny brings energy, expertise, and a student-first mindset to every class and training session. With a long-term vision of coaching and mentoring the next generation of fighters, Manny continues to inspire through his dedication, knowledge, and love for the art.

about

Chuck

Kids Instructor

ABOUT ME

Chuck is an MMA fighter and a new coach who's great with kids. He's committed to pursuing a long-term career in professional fighting.