Meet the Instructors

Chief Instructor Joel Gerson, BA Hon:
An expert hand to hand combat and mixed martial arts instructor with 20 years experience and Black Belts in various martial arts; 5 Time Canadian Jiu Jitsu Champion (including Open Weight Class Champion) and founder of 6th Gear Jiu Jitsu; 3 Time Ontario Judo Champion, North American Fearless Fighting Champion; trained for one year with Canadian Olympic Judo Team; in his professional debut became the first and only person to defeat one of the best pound for pound no holds barred fighters in the world, former Champion and Japanese Shoot Fighting legend, Rumina Sato by arm bar submission in the first round.

For almost two decades, Joel was the top student of Israeli Commando Krav Maga/Combat Survival founder and Coach of the Ultimate Fighting Champion Carlos Newton, Moni Aizik.  Martial Arts Expert for CTV’s Balance with Dr. Marla Shapiro, regular guest on TSN’s Off The Record, with Michael Landsberg. Graduated with Distinction from the University of Toronto. Joel's family has slept better at night since he's changed his focus from competing, to making Revolution the top pound for pound MMA facility in the GTA.

Matt Soroka:
15 years experience, started training in Judo at the age of 6; personal student of Joel’s. 3 time Ontario Judo Champion, Silver Medal 2005 Joslin’s Jiu Jitsu Championships, Bronze Medal Canadian Jiu Jitsu Championships (juniors). Has successfully talked his way out of over 500 street fights.

Hovig Tchaderian:
9 years intensive experience in Muay Thai . Experienced in punching, kicking, kneeing, and elbowing as it applies to MMA, street survival, and grappling. A ready smile, Hovig is friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable. Just don’t let him kick your legs. Ever.

Fernando "Gringo" Zulick:
Fernando "Gringo" Zulick: Brown Belt with over 8 years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  A native of Brazil, he started his training in Sao Paulo and then continued to study intensively when he moved to Toronto (for the amazing weather).  Fernando has been a prolific medalist in the advanced divisions of the tournament scene across Ontario and as a beginner in Brazil. 

Igor Skalazky:
13 years experience in Wu Shu and Tai Chi, 5 years in Muay Thai, Instructor's Certification in Loong-Chao-Mae-Kemthong Thai Boxing School (Under control of the Ministry of Education of Thailand). One of the leading Kick Boxing instructors in Israel, Igor's students have a long record of Gold Medal wins at the National Level from as young as 5 years of age. Igor can kick butt in Russian or Hebrew, and he'll teach you to do the same.

Jamie Lippiatt:
Over 9 years martial arts experience, 7 intense years as Revolution founder Joel
Gerson’s personal student. 2007 Canadian Jiu Jitsu Champion (CJA). Gold Medalist at both the Ontario Open Judo Championships as well as Toronto Schools and Toronto Regional Wrestling Championships. In an effort to satiate his hunger for knowledge, Jamie has also trained Muay Thai in Thailand and Jiu Jitsu in Japan. In his travels, few language barriers were met, as his skills did most of the talking.

Talal Sirajeldine:
Amateur fighter with a record of 11 and 2 with 2 Kos. 7 years experience in Muay Thai/ Kick Boxing, second place in the USKBA World Championships. Personal trainer specializing in core strength and overall combat fitness. 3 years training under Pride Fighting striking coach Paul Minhas. Unlike most fighters, Talal has the rare ability to train, teach, and still wake up before the sun.

Avner Sela:
11 years experience. Gold Medal 2002 Junior Judo Olympics, Ontario Championships 2004, 2005; Silver Medal Canadian Jr. Judo Novice Championships 2002 and AM-CAN Championships 2003. Bronze Medal Canadian Championships, 2004, 2005. Personal student of Joel’s. If he starts drinking milk, will some day be able to throw his big brother, Sam.

Sam Sela:
13+ years experience in Judo, 5 years in Karate and Tae Kwon Do.
2002 International Judo Championships/Canada Cup 2nd place; 2 Time Gold Medal Junior Olympics, 2 Time Member Ontario Judo Team. Personal student of Joel’s. Got as good as he is by practicing on his little Brother, Avner.