JUNCTION ACADEMY BJJ
TORONTOβS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ACADEMY WITH WRESTLING AND FITNESS
Fun. Community. Training for all.
Whether youβre a beginner or an advanced martial artist, we take pride in providing a beginner, family friendly, and inclusive gym that fosters high-level training.
SAFE, FUN, AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS
Join us in Toronto for exceptional training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi/No Gi), wrestling, and strength & conditioning. With classes for Kids, Teens, Women, Men, Private Lessons, and Self Defense, we cater to all levels and goals. Whether you're training for fun, competition, or fitness, experience the best in martial arts with us today!
WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?
martial art
competitive sport
physical fitness
self-defence system
discipline
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often simply called BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and grappling. Originating from Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century. It emphasizes technique and leverage, allowing a smaller person to defend against and overcome a larger adversary through the use of joint locks and chokeholds.
BJJ is not only a practical self-defense system but also a competitive sport with tournaments worldwide. It's known for its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) and is widely respected as a discipline that promotes physical fitness, mental acuity, and personal growth. BJJ offers a unique approach to martial arts by combining physical skill with strategic thinking, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of people, regardless of size or strength
GREAT PERKS!
GYM
Kettle-bells, barbells, pull-up bar, squat rack, and other equipment are available to help students increase their strength and stamina.
PARKING
Street parking and nearby parking lots are abundant and uncomplicated
SHOWER
The reward for hard training, for some, might very well be the shower that plays an essential role in ensuring cleanliness and well-being
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Keele and Dundas bus lines are right at our doorstep, along with the St. Clair streetcars and Bloor subway line down the street.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Our prime spot in the Junction places you just a short stroll from a variety of fine eateries, coffee shops, and grocery stores for your nutritional needs after a hard training session.
Wi-Fi
Junction Academy members have access to complimentary wireless internet access
Fun. Postive. Community.
Meet the Team
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Justin Lau
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Justin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Michael Aviado/Professor Marco Costa. Justin is passionate about combat sports and often competes in Jiu-Jitsu. Justin leads the BJJ Program at Junction Academy. He is an ADCC and OJA Certified Referee. He has won his division at Canadian National Championship (2024 - Masters), Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Championship (2022 - Masters), and IBJJF No Gi Pans (2017 - Masters). Justin holds a bachelorβs degree in economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
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Annie Le
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Annie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt instructor under Professor Aviado. Passionate about teaching the sport as well as self-defense, Annie is the head of the Youth BJJ program and leads the Women Only BJJ classes at Junction Academy. Annie has achieved 2022 Godai Open - Double Gold (Weight & Absolute), Next Gen Toronto Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2022), Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2021), and is a 3X Canada National Pro Gold Medalist (2018, 2019, 2020). Annie holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, masterβs in digital media, and is a PhD Candidate in Computer Science (working on using predictive modeling to forecast injuries in pediatric athletes)
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Reagan Tshibangu
Wrestling, Submission Grappling
Reagan is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt under Professor Marco Costa. With over 15 years of experience in both wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Reagan Tshibangu brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Junction Academy team. As head of the wrestling program, Reagan's journey is marked by dedication to excellence; he competed in NCAA Division III wrestling for Minnesota State University after studying at Bethany Lutheran College. A Minnesota state champion in the 100-meter dash and relay, his athletic prowess extends to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where he's a decorated competitor, holding titles such as ADCC Montreal Champion 2024, Ontario Open Champion (2019, 2022), and Canada Nationals Champion 2021. Beyond the mats, Reagan is a cybersecurity engineer who enjoys cooking, reading, and learning new languages.
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Morgan Ceh
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Morgan is Junction Academyβs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt. Morgan fell in love with martial arts early in life and is passionate about passing on his knowledge. He is a frequent competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and finds that it is a great way to improve his knowledge, confidence, and technical skills. Morgan is an active competitor and is a Grappling Industries Toronto Medalist (2022). Morgan assists with the Kids BJJ Program at Junction Academy.
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Alistair Clark
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Alistair is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and former international rugby player for Canada. He took up jiujitsu after retiring from rugby and loves the challenge and humility that come from being a beginner again. Alistair occasionally competes but most enjoys the camaraderie, learning, and fun of training at Junction Academy. Alistair received his Masters of Data Science from The University of British Columbia and his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Queenβs University.
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Kyla Welcher
Barazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Kyla is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt instructor under Professor Marco Costa. Kyla's dedication to BJJ shines through in her commitment to both personal development and fostering a love for the sport in others, bringing a unique blend of athleticism, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of youth coaching to every class. Kyla has been an active competitor since 2016, and brings 9 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and competing, and 600 hours of coaching youth in martial arts. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University.
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Shahin Safakhoo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Shahin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt instructor under Professor Lin. Shahin is energized by the exploration of the mind-body connection through martial arts and taking a strategic & thoughtful approach to martial arts practice. Shahin is a hobbyist, an active instructor and has competed at every belt level. Shahin holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and an MBA with a specialization in strategic management.
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Sam DiFabio
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Sam Di Fabio is a compassionate Youth Development Professional and Educational Assistant at Junction Academy, uniquely blending roles as a counselor and assistant to our coaches. With a background in mental health support and recreational programming, Sam is dedicated to empowering children with diverse needs, fostering a positive and nurturing environment where she engages with parents and addresses individual student needs. Her presence ensures every young athlete can thrive, focus, and reach their full potential while our youth coaches effectively teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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