Adults ~ Teens ~ Youth ~ Kids
BJJ ~ Muay Thai ~ Fitness
I was born and raised in Taber
In June of 1999 I moved to
I received my First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo in November of 2003. I began my role as an instructor after years spent as an assistant instructor. I further dedicated myself to martial arts by beginning studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mike Yackulic in June of 2004. Due to my interest in Mixed Martial Arts, I started training Shoot Wrestling in addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. During this time, I underwent Olympic Team Training in Taekwondo.
In March of 2006 I was awarded my Second Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by Master Simon Chung. In December of 2008 I received my Black Rank in Shoot Wrestling from Professor Mike Yackulic. In April of 2013 I was awarded my Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Mestre Sylvio Behring.
After 8 years of instructing, over a decade of training, and competing in many local/provincial/national tournaments I committed myself further to martial arts by opening my own dojo. On May 29, 2009, I co-opened Arashi-Do Martial Arts West Edmonton, which went on to be awarded:
- Best Martial Arts Studio - Vue Weekly (September 2012)
- Best Martial Arts Studio - Vue Weekly (September 2013)
- Best Martial Arts School - Top Choice Award (May 2014)
- Best Martial Arts Studio - Vue Weekly (September 2014)
- Best Martial Arts Studio - Vue Weekly (September 2016)
I received my Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation in July of 2015. In November 2016, our team expanded to new location which is known as Arashi Do West Edmonton: Mayfield. April 2017 saw me promoted to First Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Mestre Sylvio Behring. I strive to continue my own growth and learning as a martial artist and person.
- Started training Taekwondo under Master Simon Chung (June 1999)
- First Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (November 2003)
- Started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mike Yackulic (June 2004)
- Started training Shoot Wrestling under Professor Mike Yackulic (June 2004)
- Second Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (March 2006)
- Black Rank: Fighter Level, Shoot Wrestling (December 2008)
- Co-Opened Arashi-Do Martial Arts, West Edmonton (May 2009)
- Coaches Cup: Mind Body Soul – Alberta Open (June 2012)
- Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (April 2013)
- Coaches Cup: Mind Body Soul – Alberta Open (June 2013)
- Professor Stripes presented by Mestre Sylvio da Matta Behring (April 2014)
- Opened Arashi-Do Martial Arts, West Edmonton: Mayfield (November 2016)
- 1st Degree Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (April 2017)
I started martial arts back in October 2006, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mike Yackulic. After six months of training, I decided to give Muay Thai a go and after a sweat soaked first lesson I haven’t looked back. My martial arts journey has taken me through 12, (and counting) Muay Thai ring fights, one mixed martial arts match, 2 trips to Thailand, fighting in Thailand, training at the WMC (World Muay Thai Council)-Lamai camp on Koh Samui, Thailand, and many training sessions that pushed me beyond my physical and mental limits.
I am currently a Fighters black belt in Muay Thai under the supervision of Khru-Yai Chris Bonde and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the supervision of Mestre Sylvio Behring, of Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I have also started Shotokan karate and have wrestled with the University of Alberta Golden Bears for one season.
Although I think Muay Thai is a great way for people to get into shape, I believe that people will get the full physical and mental benefits of Muay Thai by preparing for a fight and then stepping in the ring. My greatest accomplishment to this day has been all the ring fights that I have ever had. Each training camp for those fights taught me something new, pushed me beyond my comfort zone and win or lose, I was a changed person at the end of each fight.
As an instructor, I believe that the best way to get into shape is by training hard and preparing like a fighter and I try to bring fight training elements with me in my teaching. Although I am not a full time fighter or instructor, the lessons I have learned through martial arts continue to serve me throughout my professional and personal life.