About Us

Owner & Head Instructor

Devin Turner

Hello and thanks for swinging by! I am the owner and head instructor at Midwest Martial Arts Academy. I am a seasoned Thai boxing coach and competitor as well as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under world-renowned coach and leading expert Roy Dean.

With over 15 years of martial arts experience, my approach to teaching is both traditional and dynamic. I instruct basic and advanced concepts, all centered around the same fundamental techniques. No matter the skill level, there is something for everyone to learn and build from.

Before opening a martial arts gym, I competed in MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai throughout the tri-state area. That experience in the cage and on the mats allows me to teach techniques that work, whether you want to compete or simply feel more confident.

Favorite SubmissionKimura

Favorite Muay Thai TechniqueSweeps

Watch Devin's Black Belt Exam

Assistant BJJ Instructor

Austin Fox

My wife and I relocated to the Mount Rushmore State from Florida in 2021, and we have never looked back. We have enjoyed living in the Midwest, despite the thrilling winters.

I have had the opportunity to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu all around the United States, and I obtained my brown belt from Nader Snober of Devine Jiu Jitsu Jacksonville in 2022. I have been training BJJ for a total of 11 years.

Outside of jiu jitsu, Austin is a CRNA at Avera.

Favorite SubmissionLoop choke

Experience11 years in BJJ

Kids BJJ Instructor

Jake Nicks

I am a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I grew up in Denver, Colorado, and came to Sioux Falls in January 2023. I have over 6 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I have competed in BJJ events in various states, including Submission Challenge, Fight2Win, Grappling Industries, and many others. I have also competed at the professional level of grappling with Shoot Pro Wrestling and am still undefeated. I have always liked horror films, professional wrestling, and tattoos.

You can find Jake teaching our kids classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Favorite SubmissionChokes. All of them.

ClassesKids BJJ

Watch Jake's Purple Test

Assistant Muay Thai Instructor

Michael “Masa” Nelson

Sioux Falls native, born and raised. I signed up for my first Muay Thai class back in October 2008 and have been a practitioner ever since.

I had my fun competing in TBA, with a couple of other Muay Thai and kickboxing events under my belt, but now I continue my training simply for the love of the art, to help friends and newcomers learn and sharpen their Muay Thai techniques, and to maintain my physical health.

Favorite StrikesAll the kicks and elbows

Started TrainingOctober 2008

Assistant Muay Thai Instructor

Brandon Villanueva

I grew up in Sioux Falls and began training as a teenager with a heavy focus on Muay Thai. I stay up-to-date on the latest techniques

I have competed in numerous TBA events, US MTO, and kickboxing/grappling competitions in the tri-state area. I am also currently a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Brandon teaches the Wednesday Muay Thai class and occasionally assists in the Kids BJJ classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ClassesWednesday Muay Thai

ExperienceOver a decade striking

Judo Instructor

Matt Johnson

I am a South Dakota native and have lived in Sioux Falls 1999. I began wrestling in grade school and went on to place multiple times at the state and national level.

My introduction to Eastern martial arts was through taekwondo where I hold a second degree black belt in. I then went to on to pursue judo and achieved shodan or first degree black belt.

I am also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You may find me assisting in those classes in addition to leading the Judo program.

ClassesTuesday Judo

Favorite ThrowHari goshi