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Arashi-Do Edmonton West - Mayfield

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BJJ ~ Muay Thai ~ Fitness

Our Instructors

I was born and raised in Taber Alberta.  When I was seventeen I moved to Lethbridge to attend college and university.  Here I began to dabble in martial arts by sporadically training boxing and wrestling while completing my degree in business. 

In June of 1999 I moved to Edmonton to pursue my accounting designation.  I started training in Taekwondo under Master Simon Chung and began devoting myself to martial arts.  I completed my designation of accounting and became a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in August of 2002. 

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.