Our story

I started my journey in 2006 while I was living in the city. Like a lot of practitioners, I fell in love with BJJ in the 90’s watching Royce Gracie dominate his opponents in the early UFC championships. By 2008 I had moved to the suburbs to raise a family. I trained on and off for nearly 5 years. In 2013, I returned to regular training and by 2014 I started to compete, ending the year with a provincial championship plus a promotion to blue belt.

In 2015, I started coaching kids. I LOVE TO TEACH. I find great learning in teaching and I enjoy creating structure for kids on the mats. Our kids started to compete and the vast majority of them started to WIN. 2015-17 were memorable years for my growth as a coach, but also as a person. I learned through some of my biggest failures during these years. 

As I started to grow as a BJJ practitioner, so too did my 4 children. Today, they are integral contributors to our brand and are all high level champions. I am so proud of how they’ve grown to love Jiu Jitsu as a part of our lifestyle and am so happy that they enjoy helping others. They are awesome team players!

In May 2018, I joined Team Academix and my life had changed. Later that year, I won the gold medal at the IBJJF World Master Championship and was awarded my Brown Belt on the podium - my 2nd, but most unforgettable world championship win. 

My time with Team Academix started a chain of events that led me to open my own private studio and help people of all ages live an active, healthy lifestyle, attain improved mobility and most importantly - learn valuable life skills through the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

In 2019, I had the honour of representing Canada and winning the silver medal at the JJIF World Championships in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Today I am a 2-Time Canadian National Team Member, assistant coach and 2-Time JJIF World Silver medalist!

 In July of 2021, I was awarded my Black Belt from Professor Daniel Hale - who taught me the very best of my Jiu Jitsu and helped complete my journey from Purple to Black Belt. I would not be the teacher that I am today without his guidance and support. 

In September of 2021, I founded NEO Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and opened my first location in Brampton, Ontario.

In Brampton, we flourished. Students from all across the GTA joined the team. We even started a kids program. Our students started to compete and WIN.

In November 2023, we will expand with our 3rd location. We’re looking forward to opening our headquarters in Vaughan, Ontario (Canada)! 

In 2014 I ended my year as an Ontario Provincial Champion. 9 years since I decided to build my career as a competitor, 2023 has ended with my first black belt World Championship gold medal with the Canadian National Team. Our family has an amazing community following our lead. This is our story and it has only just begun. Thank you for being a part of our journey. See you on the mats!