About the Academy

At TKO we believe that all people can benefit from martial arts.  The martial art we focus on is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is predominantly a grappling art, however we believe that all students should know basic stand up defenses and attacks.  At TKO our students learn a comprehensive system of self-defense principles starting on the feet and ultimately ending in a grappling range.  We do not believe in looking for confrontations, in fact we teach our students to avoid them at all costs, but we ensure that our students are capable of defending themselves should they be put in that situation.    

At TKO Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.  In addition to providing our students with self-defense techniques we have integrated general fitness into our curriculum.  Our students attend highly programmed classes designed to increase their overall health and fitness.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to exercise by increasing your cardiovascular output, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, dexterity, and mental acuity.  

In addition to offering self-defense and fitness, TKO also has a competition team.  Our students that are looking to test themselves against others have the opportunity to join our competitive team.  Professor Kriebel has competed against the best grapplers in the World.  He has also trained and coached other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors to success.  In 2017 his students brought home two Worlds Bronze medals in their division at the World Championships.  Professor Kriebel is looking forward to building a strong competitive team at TKO Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

At TKO we believe that even though Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, we know each individual has their own learning style and limitations.  The TKO curriculum was developed around building a comprehensive knowledge of the art with the most practical application of the techniques.  Our instructors provide additional differentiated instruction to our students to optimize the efficiency of their technique.  In addition, our unique training system allows the student to monitor their training progress in order to know exactly where they are in their journey though the belt ranks.  Our instructors will provide constant feedback both in person and through our training management software. 

Professor Kriebel is a second degree Black Belt under Nova Uniao and registered under the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation as a Black Belt since 2013.  At TKO we follow and adhere to all of the federations rules and guidelines for belt promotions.  When you receive a belt rank from TKO you will have the opportunity to register your rank with the international federation and compete in their events under Nova Uniao Ohio.        

Nova Uniao Team Kriebel Ohio Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is owned and operated by Annette Nowak and Christopher Kriebel.  The academy was established in 2021, naming Professor Kriebel, a third-degree Black Belt under Nova Uniao as the lead instructor.  Professor Kriebel received his Black Belt from Professor Eduardo "Dudu" Barros.  Professor Barros received his Black Belt from Nova Uniao founder Professor Andre "Dede" Pederneiras.  Professor Pederneiras received his Black Belt from legendary Master Carlson Gracie, Sr. 

Nova Uniao was founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Nova Uniao is a legendary team in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, being the home of multiple World Champions and UFC Champions.  In addition to the teams competitive success the team is known for its charitable works giving back to the impoverished communities in Brazil.    

Before Class

1. Shoes must not be worn in the training area unless approved by the instructor. 

2. Shoes must be worn at all times when students are not in the training area.

3. Students must change in the designated changing areas and be in full attire prior to entering the training area. 

4. Students should ensure that their training uniform is clean.

5. Students should make sure their nails are trimmed and without sharp edges. 

6. Students should not train if they are feeling sick or currently experiencing symptoms that indicate they are contagious. 

7. Students must sign in to each class prior to the start.

During the Class 

1. Students must bow when entering the training area.

2. Students will line up facing the flags by rank.

3. Class will begin with a mutual bow at the waist, as a show of respect between the students and instructor. 

4. If a student is late to class they must line up at the edge of the training area and wait for the instructor to give them permission to enter. 

5. When the instructor is demonstrating the technique or addressing the class the students must stand or sit maintaining a good posture. 

6. Once the instructor has demonstrated the technique they will ask the students if they have any questions.  Students are encouraged to ask questions once the instructor has indicated it is time for questions. 

7. Talking during class should be kept at a minimum and should relate to the technique being shown or the current situation.

8. Should a student need to leave the training area they should ask permission.

9. Cell phones must be on silent and put away.

10. Students must bow when exiting the training area. 

11. Class ends with students lining up by rank facing the flags.  There will be a mutual bow to show respect and gratitude for the opportunity to train.  The instructor will shake everyones hand in the class and thank them for the training, each student will follow behind the instructor and shake the hands of the other students to thank them for the training session.  

During Randori (Sparring) 

1. Sparring begins with a mutual handshake that indicates both parties agree to spar with respect and control. 

2. Students are encouraged to train with all students in the class. (Remember part of your progress through the belt ranks is your ability to demonstrate control when training with all different levels of students). 

3. When executing a technique students must show control.  This is mandatory and students that cannot use control may be asked to sit out of sparring until they are able to demonstrate this ability.   

4. When going for a submission make sure that it is an approved submission, and execute it with control.  The submission should be applied slowly.  If the opponent is not tapping, move onto another technique.  (Remember no belts are given out during sparring and your instructor will be watching to see the level of control you have when sparring.)

5. When you have been caught in a submission you must tap hard three times and you should also indicate this with a verbal “tap” to ensure that your opponent is aware of your submission.  Do not wait till the last second to tap this is how injuries occur and if the instructor sees this they may ask you to sit out of sparring. 

6. Students should be aware of your surroundings when sparring, stop before you encounter a wall or another group and reset yourself in the center of the training space.  (Remember this is what will happen in competition as well). 

7. Sparring ends with a mutual handshake showing respect and appreciation for the opportunity and lessons learned. 

Additional Training Etiquette 

1. Keep all foul language out of the Academy.  

2.  Black Belts will be addressed with the title of professor.

3. Instructors that do not hold the rank of Black Belt will be addressed as coach. 

4. Please stay off the training area when there's another class in session.