Jake Bower

Jake Bower

Co-Owner & Head Grappling Coach

The Architect of the Mats

Jake Bower is the foundational pillar of grappling at Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy. As the original founder of the gym (formerly Myriad Submission Fighting) and its current Co-Owner and Manager, Jake has helped build the Ames jiu-jitsu and combat sports scene from the ground up. Combining the technical intricacies of submission grappling with the grit of professional MMA, he brings a highly practical, battle-tested approach to the mats.

Grappling & MMA Experience

Jake’s grappling expertise emphasizes heavy pressure, relentless scrambling, and aggressive submission hunting. He is a highly active competitor who consistently tests his skills on the national grappling circuit, competing at high-level events like No-Gi Worlds and the Sub Spectrum Championships.

Beyond the grappling mats, Jake is a professional Mixed Martial Artist in the lightweight division. Having fought in regional promotions like Caged Aggression, Absolute Combat League, and North Iowa Fights, he knows exactly what it takes to adapt pure jiu-jitsu for the cage. His MMA experience ensures that his grappling curriculum isn’t just about scoring tournament points—it’s designed for real-world application, positional dominance, and finishing fights.

Resilience & Community Building

Jake’s journey as a gym owner is a perfect testament to the exact kind of mental toughness he teaches his students. In early 2024, a devastating flood completely leveled his original gym, destroying the mats, walls, and equipment. Instead of walking away from his dream, Jake viewed the disaster as an opportunity for rebirth. He partnered with NCAA National Champion Kyven Gadson to rebuild, rebrand, and ultimately create the powerhouse facility that is Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy today.

As a coach, Jake is known for his welcoming, community-first mindset. Whether you are a professional fighter preparing for a cage debut or a hobbyist stepping onto the mats for the very first time, Jake is dedicated to providing immense value to the Ames community and fostering an environment where everyone can grow.

Quick Facts:

 * Specialties: No-Gi Submission Grappling, MMA Ground Game, Cage Control, and Submissions.

 * Background: Founder of Myriad Submission Fighting; Pro MMA Lightweight Fighter; Active national grappling competitor.

 * Vibe: Resilient, highly technical, and passionately dedicated to building the local combat sports community.