TEAM - COMMUNITY - FAMILY
Facta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words
Stratford BJJ was founded in December 2013 by Ryan and Alexandra O’Shea.
Both born and raised in downtown Toronto, they sought a different life for their family. Frequenting Stratford due to Alex’s Grandparent’s farm being nearby, they quickly fell in love with the town and area at large. The slower pace, food community and strong martial arts heritage made the choice to leave Toronto an easy one.
Our academy strives to provide the highest level of instruction, within a beautiful, modern and clean facility. We aim to constantly evolve and improve, both in classes and amenities offered.
Our goal is simple… To provide an all inclusive environment without compromising on the effectiveness of our art.
In addition to our regular Adult co-ed BJJ classes, we offer Kids programs for different age groups, women’s only and a multitude of supplementary programs to round out our schedule. You’re sure to find something here that you love.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
PROFESSOR RYAN O'SHEA
-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.
COACH JOSH FERGUSON
-HEAD BOXING INSTRUCTOR
-BJJ 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.
_edited.jpg)
COACH JAX BALFOUR
-WOMEN'S ONLY 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.
COACH GREG NEEB
-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.
COACH KRIS ALLARD
-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.
COACH IAN CLARK
-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.
-1.jpg)
JIU-JITSU FOR LIFE TEAM
Stratford BJJ is a proud member of the Jiu-Jitsu For Life Team. Whose goal it is to grow the sport and martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a positive way.
We “Promote the positive practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”!