Jamaica could be on the verge of adding mixed martial arts (MMA) to its growing list of sporting successes, as UFC welterweight Randy “Rudeboy” Brown and former MMA fighter Kyle “The Mighty” Chin officially launched Rude Academy to the public on Tuesday, August 25.

The gym, co-owned by Brown and Chin, is aimed at providing young Jamaicans with access to quality MMA training, mentorship and opportunities to pursue careers in combat sports.

The two men arrived at martial arts through very different paths but share a vision of developing world-class fighters on home soil.

Brown, who was born in the United States to Jamaican parents, spent part of his childhood growing up in Thetford, Old Harbour, before returning to the US as a teenager. There, he discovered MMA and eventually built a successful professional career, compiling a 20-8 UFC record while representing Jamaica.

For Brown, Rude Academy is an extension of his work through the Randy Brown Foundation and a chance to give young people the opportunities he believes martial arts gave him.

“It feels good to know that a passion project of mine has officially come to life,” Brown said. “Through the Randy Brown Foundation we are able to help grow the sport in Jamaica and the Caribbean and give youths the opportunity to do mixed martial arts and opportunities to go abroad and do professional sports.”

He added: “I can truly say that martial arts has saved my life and I want to extend that and pay it forward to a next person and help them find their purpose.”

Chin, a former member of Jamaica’s national squash team, transitioned into kickboxing and MMA, retiring undefeated. He also recorded what has been described as the fastest knockout in Caribbean MMA history, stopping an opponent in two seconds.

Now a managing partner of RFL MMA, Chin has helped develop competitive MMA across the Caribbean and sees Rude Academy as an important step in building the sport locally.

“This proves that what we thought could happen is happening,” Chin said. “Since July 1st, we have had full classes, we’ve had foreign fighters come down and all kinds of collaborations happening.”

But Chin believes the academy’s impact should go beyond producing fighters. He sees martial arts as a tool for helping young people develop discipline, emotional control and resilience.

“Martial arts teaches you mood regulation and impulse control,” he said. “In martial arts you learn that no matter how frustrated you get, it never gets you to where you want to go.”

For Brown and Chin, the fight is therefore bigger than the cage. Through Rude Academy, they hope to create a pathway for Jamaican talent to develop at home and eventually compete on the regional and international stages.

Randy ‘Rudeboy’ Brown (left), Cristina Edwards and Kyle Chin.

Fighters sparring at the Rude Boy gym.