TEAM - COMMUNITY - FAMILY

Owner & Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Ryan has been a dedicated BJJ practitioner for more than a decade, he received his Black Belt from Professor Jorge Britto within the Ribeiro lineage. Ryan is one of the lucky few to have had full time Black Belt instruction for his entire career. Only made possible through managing and instructing at Canada`s largest and most highly accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy – Toronto BJJ. Ryan’s teaching style focuses upon the fundamental techniques needed for having a solid, well rounded BJJ game. He will ensure your basics are strong enough to allow your progression into a more advanced style. Making sure that you are taught exactly what you need to learn and progress. Through his position at Toronto BJJ Ryan was able to train with some of the best martial artists in Canada. While BJJ was always his main focus and passion, he also consistently trained Judo under Robert Currie (Multiple time Canadian Champion), Wrestling under Ainsley Robinson (1996 Olympian), MMA and Muay Thai under Mauricio Veio and Andre Dida (of team Chute Boxe), and various other specialists. As one of the most experienced and well rounded competitors and instructors at Toronto BJJ, Ryan was a key training partner for the professional MMA fighters of the gym. Ryan has also trained, coached and cornered multiple amateur and professional mixed martial artists for their endeavors in the ring. So whether your goals are fitness and health, or eventually competing. He will help you fulfill them.

Head Boxing Coach & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor With over 18 years of coaching experience with both youth and adults, over a decade involved in the sport of Boxing, a LEO defensive tactics instructor and an active Purple Belt under Ryan O’shea, Josh is extremely passionate about passing along his knowledge and love for Boxing, Jiu Jitsu and self defence. Josh trains under one of the top boxing coaches in the country in Stevie Bailey. Acting as both coach and mentor to Josh since 2013 Stevie has instilled the basics and fundamental concepts behind his unique style of Boxing developed as an Irish National. With an amateur career spanning over 5 years and victories in the provinces top tournaments including the Brampton Cup and Silver Gloves championships, Josh has now leaned heavily into the coaching side of the sport. Josh’s combination of Boxing and Jiu Jitsu knowledge has led to him assisting and working multiple professional corners that include cards on DAZN, UFC fight pass and a world WBC title eliminator. Josh has a passion for coaching, boxing, Jiu Jitsu as well as self defence taking pride in passing along that knowledge to members at Stratford BJJ and assisting Boxers, Jiu Jitsu competitors and MMA fighters in sharpening their applicable skills.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Greg has been a member of Stratford BJJ since its inception. There has been no student more consistent or dedicated. A high level Brown Belt who is also one of the top competitors at the academy it has been a dream to add him to the teaching staff. You can find Greg coaching a few mornings a week as well as our Monday afternoon class.

Manager & Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Coach Jax has been a member of Stratford BJJ for several years. She first focussed on our Kickboxing program before trying and falling in love with Jiu-Jitsu. Jax has travelled all over the world taking part in seminars, Jiu-Jitsu camps and competitions. Now a Purple Belt we are so happy to have her in charge of the growing community of ladies here at the academy.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Coach Kris got his start in Karate. After receiving his Brown Belt he decided to give BJJ a try and quickly fell in love with the art. Kris’ acumen was instantly recognized, progressing faster than most students Professor Ryan has taught. A Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kris has also made his way into the sport of MMA, currently fighting as a professional after an outstanding run as an amateur, all while continuing his competitive BJJ career.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Coach Ian is an instructor for our morning BJJ program and has been one of it’s most dedicated members for several years. Professor Ryan awarded him his Brown Belt in early 2022. Always a lifelong fan of combat sports, he used his training to transform his sedentary life into one that is healthy and very active. Ian trained at various gyms in London taking classes in Boxing, Muay Thai and grappling alongside his own strength and conditioning work. Finding his home at Stratford BJJ, Ian took to Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instantly. Starting with Stratford BJJ’s youth programs, Ian quickly has shown a natural ability to lead and instruct all types of classes at our Academy. While specializing in BJJ, he consistently trains in MMA and Boxing. Besides continuing to develop the competitive side of his resume, he is looking forward to teaching the ever growing student body of Stratford BJJ. If you haven’t tried one of Ian’s classes yet you are missing out. He blends a unique mix of Yoga and Ginastica Natural movements into his warm up and always has stretching as part of his cool down. All this on top of a technical teaching style leads to a very enjoyable morning class.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Sam Claveau is a brown belt at our Academy, having trained for over 18 years. His unique style and experience brings for a highly active, yet thought provoking class. Sam also assists in our Tots program when he isn't coaching our Monday night Basics class.

BJJ Instructor & Assistant Boxing Coach Jacob got his start as a teenager in our kickboxing program at our original location. Having studied and trained extensively in striking, Jacob can assist in breaking down technique for beginners or advanced strikers in both boxing and kickboxing. Jacob has also received in blue belt under Professor Ryan and assists all our Youth programs. Coach Jacob also provides our new BJJ members with introductory lessons on their first day alongside our other assistant instructors. Stay tuned for more classes with Coach Jacob.

Yoga Instructor Stephanie brings over 14 years of experience as a yoga teacher specializing in hatha, vinyasa, Iyengar, restorative, and therapeutic yoga. Her classes are open to all levels and health conditions, as she adapts yoga to meet the needs of her students. Guided by a solid foundation of anatomy and alignment, Stephanie's teachings combine intelligent adjustments, healthy breath, and settling the nervous system all within a therapeutic perspective. Her classes are safe, explorative, and detailed, allowing students to gain insight and understanding of postures. This foundational approach helps to deepen the yoga practice. You will gain strength, balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Her teachings go beyond the physical, embracing mindfulness and self-kindness, nurturing an environment that supports personal growth and transformation. Stephanie has extensive training under her teacher Hart Lazer, who is an international teacher of incredible depth and insight. She trained with him for many years in Montreal, as well as with his teacher Ramanand Patel who is a main student of BKS lyengar. With completion of Advanced Teacher Training and Therapeutic Training, her credentials show her passion and commitment to understanding the art and science of yoga. Beyond her experience of yoga, Stephanie is a holistic nutritionist with a passion for helping people overcome chronic disease, reclaim their health, and cultivate lasting energy and well-being. Stephanie aims to enrich the lives of her students both on and off the mat. Visit her website at www.stephanieholliday.com