FREE TRIAL CLASS
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SOMA Academy
Dedicated to helping students build lasting confidence, self-respect, and the tools to walk boldly through life with their heads held high.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF SOMA Academy
Grants Pass Martial Arts
Where Confidence Meets Capability
SOMA Academy is more than a martial arts school. It is a place where students of all ages build lasting confidence, develop real self-respect, and gain the skills to walk through life with their heads held high.
Head Instructor Jesse Newell leads with experience and passion. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Fabio Leopoldo, a SafeSport Certified coach, and an active competitor, he brings elite-level knowledge to every class. Students train in Brazilian Jiujitsu, Wrestling, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA within a positive, supportive environment rooted in Southern Oregon.
Qualified Coaching
At SOMA Academy, our students train under highly qualified coaches with real-world experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Wrestling, and Boxing. Led by The Ultimate Fighter contestant and BJJ Black Belt Jesse Newell, our team focuses on safe, effective training for beginners and advanced students alike. With certified instruction and a positive learning environment, students build real skills, stay motivated, and grow stronger, on and off the mat.
Personalized Private
Training Programs
SOMA Academy offers private martial arts training tailored to your goals, skill level, and schedule. Whether you're preparing for competition, building confidence as a beginner, or looking to sharpen specific techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or MMA, our one-on-one sessions provide focused attention and faster results. Led by experienced coaches, including The Ultimate Fighter contestant Jesse Newell, each private training program is designed to help you grow with expert guidance and real progress.
Smaller Class Sizes
At SOMA Academy, we keep our class sizes smaller so every student gets the attention they deserve. With fewer students per session, our coaches can give more personalized feedback, correct technique, and help you improve faster. Whether you're training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, or Wrestling, smaller classes create a safer, more focused environment where learning and confidence grow together.
PRIVATE LESSONS
GROUP TRAINING
About SOMA Academy
With over 30 years of experience in combat sports, Jesse Newell is the head instructor at SOMA Academy, where he leads with a deep passion for martial arts and personal growth. Specializing in Brazilian Jiujitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and self-defense, Jesse offers high-level instruction for children, teens, and adults at every stage of their martial arts journey.
Jesse holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Fabio Leopoldo and began his path in combat sports at just six years old, when he first stepped onto the wrestling mat. At 18, he fell in love with boxing, and by age 20, he was stepping into the cage for his first professional MMA fight. Jesse went on to compete in 11 professional MMA bouts, proudly maintaining a 100% finish rate, and is an alumnus of UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter Season 14.
Certified by SafeSport and with nearly two decades of coaching experience, Jesse brings not only elite-level skill but also a heart-centered teaching philosophy. His goal is to help each student grow into the strongest version of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether teaching young children self-confidence, guiding teens through discipline, or helping adults reclaim their power, Jesse creates a space where every student feels safe, seen, respected, and valued.
At SOMA Academy, Jesse’s mission goes beyond the mat. He’s dedicated to helping his students build lasting confidence, self-respect, and the tools to walk boldly through life with their heads held high.
Hear what our students have to say!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I'm just a beginner, can I still come?
Yes absolutely! Everyone starts off as a beginner and our FREE TRIAL CLASS is perfect way to start.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes absolutely, we highly recommend private lessons along with a customized training program to fit your schedule and goals. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
How do I start?
Visit the "Contact Us" or "Home" page and fill out our free trial form! OR use our chat widget to ask any questions you might have.
