TEAM - COMMUNITY - FAMILY

3rd Degree Black Belt | Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Ryan O'Shea has been a dedicated BJJ practitioner for over two decades, receiving his Black Belt from Professor Jorge Britto within the Ribeiro lineage. He has benefited from full-time Black Belt instruction throughout his career, thanks to his role at Toronto BJJ, Canada’s largest accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Ryan's teaching style emphasizes fundamental techniques to ensure students build a solid BJJ foundation for advanced progression. His diverse training includes Judo under multiple-time Canadian Champion Robert Currie, Wrestling under Olympian Ainsley Robinson, and MMA and Muay Thai under Mauricio Veio and Andre Dida of Team Chute Boxe. As a well-rounded competitor and instructor, Ryan has fought professionally in mixed martial arts and has been a key training partner for professional MMA fighters. He has also coached and cornered multiple amateur and professional fighters. Whether your goals are fitness, health, or competition, Ryan is committed to helping you achieve them.

Black Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Greg has been a member of Stratford BJJ since its inception. There has been no student more consistent or dedicated. Our Academy's first Black 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.

Brown Belt 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.

Brown Belt BJJ & Level 1 Boxing Ontario Coach with professional MMA experience 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, fighting as a professional after an outstanding run as an amateur, all while continuing his competitive BJJ career.

Brown Belt 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.

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