Os an expert hand to hand combat and MMA instructor with 25 years experience and Black Belts in Judo and Jiu Jitsu. With over 10,000 hours of teaching experience, he is a 5 Time Canadian Jiu Jitsu Champion (including Open Weight Class Champion); 3 Time Ontario Judo Champion, and North American Fearless Fighting Champion. Joel trained for one year with the Canadian Olympic Judo Team and in his professional MMA debut became the first and only person to defeat one of the best pound for pound no holds barred fighters in the world, former Shooto Champion and Japanese fighting legend, Rumina Sato by arm bar submission in the first round. Joel is one of only a few Canadians also certified as an MMA judge under “Big” John McCarthy. He has been called upon as an industry expert for The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The TorontoSun, The National Post, The CBC, The National, CTV News, The Fight Network, The Sports Network, Sportsnet, and many other leading media outlets.
HHaving fought MMA professionally since he was 19, Carlos is the first Canadian to become UFC Champion. Newton is a UFC and Pride FC fighting legend and a 5 Time Canadian JJ Champion, including Open Weight Champ. One of the highest ranking BJJ Black Belts in Canada, he is a 3rd degree black belt under Renzo Gracie and also holds a Black Belt under the legendary Machado family. His graceful, exciting, and intelligent fighting style made him a favorite among serious MMA fans. His fight with Sakuraba is considered a classic, and his highlight reel is filled with clips from legendary battles against the sport’s legends: Matt Hughes, Pat Miletich, Pele, Dan Henderson, MattLindland, Anderson Silva, and Renzo Gracie, to name a few. Carlos lists Batman among his heroes. And oh yeah, Batman lists Carlos among his.
With over 30 years of boxing experience, “Coach E” is one of the most accomplished and respected boxing trainers that Canada has ever produced. He has trained many big names in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. As an amateur boxing standout, “Ev” holds the Canadian amateur record for having the most knockout victories (87 KOs). He also enjoyed a successful pro career as a middleweight, fighting out of Arizona, and having served as a sparring partner to several legendary champions. He is also a world-class cut man, often sought out by top fighters to work their corner. McEwan has also enjoyed a career in Hollywood, having had roles in two feature films; Cinderella Man (2005) and Against the Ropes (2004).
George Hewson
A 6th degree black belt, George Hewson is one of the highest ranking Aikido instructors in Canada. Practicing since 1975, he has been active in Aikido for 36 years. He received his shodan(first degree black belt) in 1980 while training in Japan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the Meiji Jingu Shiseikan. The late Yukio Kawahara Shihan recommended him for rokudan (6th degree black belt) in 2006. A teacher at the Royal Ontario Museum, George specializes in East Asian culture topics such as the influence of Chinese philosophy on the Japanese samurai. He is presently preparing to write the Japanese government’s language proficiency test. For George Aikido practice begins with the physical and martial aspects, and then moves to the spiritual dimension. For over thirty years George has shared his life in Aikido with his wife Gerry (nee Nishimura), who is herself a yodn (4th degree black belt)..
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Nir Maman
The #1 Krav Maga instructor in Canada, Nir served in the Israeli Special Forces Counter Terror Unit and Counter Terror and Special Operations School as a Section Commander, Lead Counter Terror and Krav Maga Instructor and an Operational Team Leader. Nir has 30 years of Martial Arts and unarmed combat experience in Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, Hap Ki Do and WTF Tae Kwon Do.
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Jamie Lippiatt
15 years martial arts experience, trained intensively for 7 years as Rev MMA founder Joel Gerson’s personal student. 2007 Canadian Jiu Jitsu Champion (CJA). Gold Medalist at both the Ontario Open Judo Championships and Toronto Schools and Toronto Regional Wrestling Championships. Certified under Nir Maman, 707 Israeli Special Forces Krav Maga instructor. 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.
Noel Clubb
15 years boxing experience, including 11 years coaching pros and amateurs at the provincial/national level, as well as regular Joes at the recreational level. 49-8 record with 15 KOs, 95 and 97 Ontario Champion, 2 time Michigan State Gold Gloves Champion, Certified Boxing Coach (CCCP).
Matt Soroka
5 years experience, started training in Judo at the age of 6 under Joel Gerson. 3 time Ontario Judo Champion, Silver Medal 2005 Joslin’s Jiu Jitsu Championships, Bronze Medal Canadian Jiu Jitsu Championships (juniors). Lived in Brazil for 6 months to train BJJ and discuss political history with girls on the beach. Has successfully talked his way out of over 500 street fights, though we suspect that number is higher since his trip.
Neelan “The Havoc” Hordatt
Gifted Level 4 Muay Thai Fighter from the legendary Sityodtong Team (professional 15-0 in Thailand, 2-0 in MMA). Gold medalist at the 2011 Singapore Wrestling Nationals and Blue belt in BJJ under Renzo Gracie. Has trained extensively with a veritable who’s who of martial arts including world famous Kru Toy Sidyodtong.
Hovig Tchaderian
9 years intensive experience in Muay Thai. Experienced in striking for MMA, street survival, and grappling. Famous in local circles as the new face of the UFC’s opening PPV sequence. A ready smile, Hovig is friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable. Just don’t let him kick your legs. Ever.
Gil Katz
With over 13 years experience and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, Gil is a former paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces and a certified Instructor from the Wingate Institute in Israel.
Peter Wiltshire
7 years experience in muay thai, boxing, and jiu jitsu. Certified MMA Judge under “Big” John McCarthy. Certified Fitness Instructor. Silver medalist North American Muay Thai Classic. While sparring, has the uncanny ability to wipe the smile off your face as fast as he can put it on.
Richard Pigat
Has 10 years experience and a Black Belt in Karate, purple belt in BJJ/Jiu Jitsu.With his solid competition record and recent mention in the world famous Gracie Magazine, Richard is proof that nice guys do finish first.
Roman Sherman
9 years experience, Black Belt in Karate, purple belt in Jiu Jitsu under Chief Instructor Joel Gerson. Roman is our resident Bully-Proofing specialist.
Tony Manoharan
7 years Muay Thai experience. Actively competing with over 20 fights under his belt. The 2009 and 2010 TBA Lightweight Tournament Champion. Trained extensively in Thailand and competed throughout local stadiums. His classes focus on traditional Muay Thai technique, with dynamic conditioning integrated into the workout.
James Arvanitopoulos
Over 12 years experience, brown belt in MMA and Jiu Jitsu. Professional MMA fighter with boxing, wrestling, and BJJ competition experience; 2006 Ontario Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion (gi/nogi), 2008 Salvosa Open Advanced Gi Champ. Trained intensively for 2 years with Toronto IFL Dragons and for 6 years with UFC legend Carlos Newton, the latter of which would test anyone’s limitations.
Santo “Fear” Chiappetta
Technical boxer with 17 amateur bouts, 3 time Golden Gloves Champion and Summerhayes Champion. Personal student of Canadian boxing legend Everton McEwan. Succesfully balancing his boxing career with his full-time studies, the only thing Santo hits harder than the bag are his physiology books during exam time. He is proof of the rule that sometimes “fear” is a good thing.
