Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Brinnand
Hi Jacob , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Sifu Jacob A. Brinnand, and I’ve dedicated my life to the art of martial arts, founding my school in 2011 with a mission to promote Traditional Martial Arts Culture, including Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian, and Thai disciplines. My journey began at a young age, but I was restless, often moving between gyms as I searched for deeper knowledge and a sense of belonging. I had a lot of energy and spirit, but without the right direction, I found myself getting into trouble. A defining moment came when I was jumped by six men and left with a broken nose. This life-altering experience pushed me to seek change, and I found it under the guidance of my mentor, Grandmaster YC Wong in Chinatown, San Francisco, who taught me that martial arts is about much more than physical strength—it’s a path to building character, discipline, and a righteous life.
When I opened my first gym, the road to success was far from easy. People see where we are today and often assume it was a quick rise, but it took over a decade of hard work, learning, and adapting. I trained students wherever I could—parks, garages, rented rooms—and formed partnerships, advertising relentlessly to build a student base. Over time, I developed a teaching style, grading system, and business model that allowed my school to grow. It wasn’t just about teaching martial arts techniques; it was about instilling values like respect, perseverance, and self-discipline, the same values that had transformed my own life.
Today, our gym is home to over 200 students, and we’ve earned State titles in Continuous Sparring, Weapons, and Traditional Forms. As we prepare for the National Championship at the San Luis Convention Center in Galveston, TX, where 20 of our fighters will compete, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. This success, however, is built on more than just physical skill; it’s the result of years of hard work and dedication from both myself and my students. Together, we’ve built a community that values not just winning but personal growth, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that martial arts is a lifelong journey. In my book The Golden Thread, Universal Principles Unraveled Across Warrior Arts, I explore how martial arts can guide us toward self-improvement, resilience, and higher purpose. My experiences, both as a student and teacher, have taught me that the most important battles we face are the ones within ourselves, and the true measure of success is how we grow as individuals and how we positively impact the world around us
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success has been anything but smooth. In my experience, it’s never a straight line from point A to point B; it’s all the challenges in between that shape you. A lot of what I learned over the years came from figuring out what not to do—whether in my own actions or in how I approached teaching. One of the biggest lessons was understanding the nuances of how different age groups absorb material. When you’re working with kids, for example, you quickly realize that each age group processes information differently, and part of the struggle has been figuring out how to reach each new generation of students in a meaningful way.
My biggest challenges were always centered around how to influence the world of martial arts and make my teachings universally understandable. I spent years training under highly accomplished masters, and following in their footsteps was no easy task. Teaching a class of 30 to 40 kids at a school was vastly different from providing one-on-one private lessons, where I had to tailor my approach to the individual. I had to constantly adapt—knowing when to push forward and when to scale back—and honestly, I’m still learning every day. Growth doesn’t stop, and neither does my desire to become a better teacher.
Where I am now, my teaching style has become my brand. It took years of trial and error, observing what worked and what didn’t, and refining my methods. This brand is more than just a collection of techniques; it’s a reflection of my personality, my philosophy, and the way I engage with my students. While I might tweak certain things from time to time, everything I’ve learned and all my experiences have culminated into a system—a method—that I now confidently push into the world.
Ultimately, the struggles along the way have been invaluable. They’ve shaped not just how I teach, but how I approach life. Every challenge has added another layer to my understanding, making me a better instructor and a more well-rounded martial artist. It’s the continuous learning, adapting, and refining that have made me who I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My focus lies in teaching both traditional martial arts and fighting disciplines. I specialize in various styles, including Chinese (Hung Gar), Indonesian (Pencak Silat), Filipino (Balintawak Eskrima), and a combination of Thai and Mixed techniques (Kickboxing & MMA). Along with my work as an instructor, I’m also the author of The Golden Thread: Universal Principles Unraveled Across Warrior Arts, which is available on Amazon. The book delves into the foundational aspects of martial arts, offering insight into the core principles that guide a martial artist’s journey.
At this stage in my career, I’m most proud of my children and the influence I’ve had on the next generation of martial artists. Seeing the growth, progress, and absorption of knowledge in my young students brings me immense pride. Watching them overcome fears, rise to challenges, and become confident warriors has been deeply fulfilling. Their success, in many ways, mirrors my own, and it brings me joy to witness their dreams unfold.
What sets my school apart from many others is the seamless integration of traditional and modern martial arts. I’ve always believed in the value of a comprehensive approach. While I train and teach MMA, I also emphasize the importance of traditional weapons and martial arts from China and the Philippines. This blend of ancient Eastern teachings with modern combat techniques creates a unique learning environment where students gain a holistic view of martial arts.
In the end, my goal is not just to teach fighting techniques but to instill the values, discipline, and philosophy that come with martial arts. I want my students to develop into well-rounded individuals—strong in both body and spirit—who can carry these lessons into all aspects of life.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the major risks I took in my life was moving from California to Houston, Texas, to carve out a better life and become a full-time martial arts instructor. Growing up in California, I lived all over the state, from Northern to Southern California, but the cost of living became a burden. Rent, housing, and daily expenses were too high, and I knew I needed a change. That’s when I made the bold decision to move to Texas, open a gym, and share my martial arts knowledge with the world.
It wasn’t easy. I faced tough decisions—like whether to buy a home or invest in my gym. I poured thousands of dollars into making my dream a reality in a city where I was still new, unfamiliar with the local scene, and just getting started. It was a major risk, but I willed it into existence. I adopted a mindset of absolute determination, telling myself that I wouldn’t move from my goal, my mindset, or my place in life until I became successful in martial arts.
That stubborn determination led me to make connections, build partnerships with a local gym owner, and eventually craft a future for myself. The journey was tough, but that relentless drive allowed me to grow and succeed in a new city, proving that sometimes, taking big risks is the only way to create lasting rewards.
Pricing:
- $175 Monthly Black Belt Team
- $150 Monthly Registration
- $200 Private Lessons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ironwiremartialarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironwiremartialarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IronWireMartialArts
- Twitter: IronWireMartialArts @IWMAOfficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IronWireMartialArts
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ironwiremartialarts
