You dont need brakes.
Ive jumped my bike plenty of times and I've never fallen due to the lack of brakes. You can use your body to reposition your bike in the air via leaning, tucking, and/or use of your arms.

As for manuals, I can out manual everyone i know, and they all run straight cable brake systems. If you know how to ride a manual you tend not to loop out. Weight shifting, pumping, and good technique also lets you do keep a manual from looping out.