About New Breed Life Arts Association
New Breed Life Arts Association is a Harlem institution dedicated to developing discipline, confidence, leadership, and cultural pride through martial arts, boxing, education, and creative arts. For over four decades, the dojo has shaped generations of youth and adults — producing champions in life, film, and martial arts.
Our Story
Founded by Grand Master Kushinda Lamarr Thornton, New Breed Life Arts began as a martial arts school committed to strengthening Harlem’s youth through discipline, structure, and cultural awareness. Over the years, it evolved into a full community organization offering:
- Karate & Kushinda Ryu Martial Arts
- Boxing & conditioning
- Self‑defense & personal protection
- Youth development & leadership
- Cultural arts & community programs
The dojo’s mission has always been the same: Build strong minds, strong bodies, and strong futures.
Our Mission
New Breed Life Arts exists to:
- Empower youth and families
- Provide safe, structured training
- Preserve martial arts culture
- Build discipline and confidence
- Offer creative and educational opportunities
- Strengthen Harlem through community programs
Every class, workshop, and program is designed to uplift, educate, and inspire.
Our Founder: Grand Master Kushinda Lamarr Thornton
Grand Master Thornton is a lifelong martial artist, educator, and community leader with over 44 years of experience. His achievements include:
- Founder of Kushinda Ryu Martial Arts Systems
- 9th Dan Shotokan Karate
- Multi‑discipline black belt
- Hall of Fame inductee
- Former Chief Instructor at the Harlem YMCA
- Founder & Chairman of New Breed Life Arts Programs
His teaching blends discipline, cultural pride, mental development, and physical mastery — shaping students into leaders.
Film & Media Training (New Breed × FASS Films LLP)
New Breed Life Arts partners with FASS Films LLP, a Harlem‑based production company, to offer a full Film & Media Academy. Students train in:
- Acting for film
- Stunt choreography & action scenes
- Directing & cinematography
- Scriptwriting & storytelling
- Animation & visual effects
- Pre‑production & post‑production
- Camera operation & lighting
- Editing & studio workflow
This program gives youth and adults a pathway into media careers, film production, and creative storytelling.
Harlem Legends & Dojo‑Born Talent
New Breed Life Arts stands in the same Harlem martial arts lineage that helped shape world‑renowned martial artists and actors, including:
- Wesley Snipes — Actor, martial artist (Blade)
- Michael Jai White — Actor, director, martial artist (Spawn, Undisputed)
Their success reflects the strength of Harlem’s martial arts culture — the same culture New Breed continues to build today.
Youth Development
New Breed Life Arts is committed to guiding Harlem youth through:
- Martial arts discipline
- Boxing & fitness
- Film & media training
- Cultural education
- Leadership development
- Mentorship & positive role models
Students gain confidence, structure, and life skills that prepare them for school, work, and adulthood.
📍 Our Home in Harlem
233 West 135th Street, Basement New York, NY 10030
New Breed Life Arts is deeply rooted in Harlem’s history, culture, and community — serving families for over 30 years.
📞 Join the Movement
Call or text: