# Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu > Newport News, United States ## Overview **Name:** Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Newport News, Virginia, serving the Hampton Roads area. The gym offers comprehensive training in BJJ, No-Gi grappling, and Judo for students of all ages and experience levels. Founded with a mission to provide high-quality martial arts instruction in a welcoming environment, Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu focuses on building both physical skills and mental discipline. The academy emphasizes practical self-defense techniques while fostering a supportive community atmosphere where students can grow at their own pace. The coaching staff brings extensive experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and related grappling arts. The gym offers specialized programs for both kids and adults, with classes structured to accommodate beginners through advanced practitioners. Their signature 6-week intro program provides an excellent entry point for those new to the martial art. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 11861 Canon Blvd F Newport News, VA 23606, United States **Phone:** +1 757-798-3380 **Email:** breakawayjiujitsu@gmail.com **Website:** https://www.breakawayjiujitsu.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakawayjits/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakawayjiujitsu ## Instructors ### Brendon Walzak - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Brendon Walzak is the Co-owner of Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu. A Virginia native, he served in the Army Infantry with deployment to Iraq, then worked as a Newport News Police Officer for ten years (academy instructor, SWAT medic, Senior Combatives Instructor) before transitioning to the Fire department as a paramedic. Brendon began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2005, earning his blue belt from Royce Gracie in 2009 and his Black Belt from Rob Murianka and Allan Merullo in 2021. ### Adam Frankow - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Adam is a black belt under Professor Ishmael Bentley and Professor Pedro Sauer. He began training in martial arts in 2002 with Muay Thai before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From 2015-2020, Adam lived in NYC and trained with arguably the greatest competitor of all time, Marcelo Garcia. He has a degree in Economics and works in finance and wealth management. ### Adam Stephens - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Adam Stephens has been training Jiu-Jitsu since 2016. He achieved his blue belt from Diego Bispo in 2018, and his Purple and Brown Belts from Breakaway in 2021 and 2024. Adam has been a Police Officer since 2012. He specializes in teaching the intro program and self defense classes. ### Brandon Stover - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brandon is a Black Belt originally from Modesto, California but has been a Virginia Resident for 17 years. He served four years in the Army as an MP with a deployment to Afghanistan. Brandon began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2007 and received his Black Belt from Diego Bispo in February 2018. His passion lies with the self defense aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. ### Carey Barber - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Carey began training BJJ in 2019 when he joined Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu and is currently a purple belt. Carey has been involved with the Kids Class for several years. He is a Newport News native, working at Ferguson Enterprises and serving as an Adjunct Instructor at CNU. ### Jay Burke - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Jay Burke has been training in Jiu-Jitsu since 1998. He received his blue belt from legendary master Pedro Sauer and his purple belt from Senior Pedro Sauer Black belt Frank Cucci. He received his Brown, Black, and first and second degrees from Ben Eaton, Saulo Ribeiro, and Xande Ribeiro. He also holds rank in Judo, Muay Thai, TKD, and JKD. ### Kevin Barto - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Kevin Barto is a native of Virginia and has been living in the Hampton Roads area since 1992. Kevin began training Jiu Jitsu in 2019 as a way to get healthy. He received his Blue Belt in August 2020 and his purple belt in January 2023 from Breakaway Jiu Jitsu. Kevin regularly competes and travels across America to broaden his knowledge by training at other gyms. ### Shawna Barrow - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Originally from Butte Falls, OR, Shawna served in the Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst for four years and is currently a DOD employee. She began training Jiu Jitsu in 2016 at Whiteman AFB under Professor Marvin 'Moe' Morris through Veneration Jiu Jitsu. She received her Brown belt in 2024 from Brendon Walzak. She is an avid competitor having competed in local, IBJJF, and super fight circuits. ### Thorfinr Baumgartner - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** N. Thorfinr Baumgartner is a retired veteran of the US Navy and lifelong student of martial arts, studying HEMA for nearly 20 years as well as Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Thorfinr began his jiu jitsu journey in 2018 in Baltimore, MD receiving his Blue Belt from Gary Berger in 2020. He received his Purple Belt from Brendon Walzak in 2024. ## Programs ### Kids Program **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program designed specifically for children, focusing on discipline, respect, and fundamental techniques in a fun and safe environment. ### Adults Program **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Our adult classes cater to everyone's needs. Whether your goals are to lose weight and get in better shape, or compete at a high level, we have classes for you! **Classes:** ### Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques and fundamentals **Classes:** ### No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Grappling without the gi, similar to MMA training ### Adults Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques and principles. Perfect for those new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ### No-Gi Grappling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Grappling without the traditional gi, focusing on wrestling and submission techniques similar to MMA training. ### Judo **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Judo training focusing on throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/virginia/newport-news/breakaway-jiu-jitsu)