CCA Instructors
Combat Concepts Academy (CCA) came together with like-minded individuals wishing to bring high-level and competitive martial arts instructors to Central Arkansas while providing a safe and non-threatening environment for all students. We are the only World Champion Rafael Lovato Jr. Jiu-Jitsu affiliate in Arkansas and students get access to this systematic learning strategy on the first day. We are also the only US Judo Association Charter Club with a Certified US Judo Association Coach in the region. Our instructors have a variety of expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, MMA, Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai, Fitness, and Nutrition. We strive to cultivate a welcoming and comfortable learning environment for all skill levels and ages and we have a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment of any kind.
Our Philosophy
Through proper methodology and studies, continuous research, and fine-tuning through practice, we will share with you all our knowledge. We are guided by tested curriculums and knowledge from world-champion programs. Our goal is to help students build their self-confidence and life skill sets. Whether we are developing champions from within or in the competition arena, our utmost goal is to develop their skills to succeed in life.
Our Students
CCA can be rewarding and challenging through any of the separate programs we teach. However, students at CCA have the option and are encouraged to cross-train in as many as the programs as they wish. We strive to bring the most up-to-date and effective training practices to our students. We pledge that we will not become complacent and ask our students to accept only excellence. From day 1 each student will have the guide to progress. There are no hidden fees and students are not charged for ranks or testing.
Meet the CCA Instructors
Highly ranked and genuine, are dedicated to your success. Whether you aim to become a fighter, champion, or simply improve fitness and confidence, we’re here to help. With global training experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, we deliver the most effective instruction. Ego-free, our academy fosters a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Our goal: to keep you motivated, engaged, and progressing towards your goals every day.
Garret Andrews
Lead Instructor
Black Belt BJJ & Judo; Certified Rafael Lovato, Jr Jiu-Jitsu Curriculum Instructor; Certified United States Judo Association Coach; Fitness & Conditioning Coach; 2 x US National Judo & President’s Cup Gold Medalist; IBJJF American Nationals Medalist; Multiple IBJJF Open Gold Medalist; Fight2Win veteran; Fuji World Pro veteran; Respect Pro veteran; Subversiv team grappling veteran.
Asia Brashear
Assistant Youth Jiu-Jitsu & Judo Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt, Judo Brown Belt, 2022 US Judo Nationally Ranked Competitor.
James Short
Youth Jiu Jitsu and Judo Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt, Judo Brown Belt, Kickboxing Instructor.
Multiple MMA fights. Multiple US Judo and IBJJF tournament medalist. United States Marine Corp Veteran.
Ian Cooper
Assistant Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt and Judo Green Belt. No GI grappling and ankle lock enthusiast.
Krystal Andrews
Assistant Judo and Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Judo Black Belt, BJJ Brown Belt, Striking Coach.
Veteran MMA fighter, a former top ranked amateur mid-south female fighter. Multiple US Judo and IBJJF medalist. Boxing enthusiast. United States Air Force combat Veteran.
Richard Thompson
Assistant Judo Instructor
Judo Black Belt and competitor.
Jared Friemel
Assistant Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt, Judo Brown Belt, Freestyle Judo National Gold Medalist, and NAGA Champion. Grappling Superfight veteran, Fuji World Pro veteran. Avid runner with multiple completed marathons and super marathons.
Andrew Healy
Wrestling Coach
BJJ Brown Belt, Current High School Wrestling Coach.
He was previously a varsity wrestler, winning the team state championship in 2009. He placed 2nd in state that year. He holds a brown belt in jiu jitsu and has competed in a number of tournaments earning medals in both gi and no gi divisions.
He is currently the head wrestling coach for Jacksonville High School.