Our Team

Instructors

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. Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Justin is an active coach, competitor, and referee where he achieved:

  • ADCC Certified Referee

  • Canadian National Championship Champion (2024 - Masters)

  • Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Championship Champion (2022 - Masters)

  • IBJJF No Gi Pans Champion (2017 - Masters)

  • OJA Certifed Referee

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 holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, master’s in digital media, and is a PhD Candidate in Computer Science (working on using predictive modeling to forecast injuries in pediatric athletes)

Annie has been an active competitor since 2017, where she achieved the following successes:

  • 2022 Godai Open - Double Gold (Weight & Absolute)

  • Next Gen Toronto Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2022)

  • Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2021)

  • 3X Canada National Pro Gold Medalist (2018, 2019, 2020)

Reagan Tshibangu

Wrestling, Submission Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts

With over 15 years of experience in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Reagan Tshibangu brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Junction Academy team. Reagan is the head of the wrestling program at Junction. He studied at Bethany Lutheran College before competing in NCAA Division III wrestling for Minnesota State University, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the sport. A Minnesota state champion in the 100-meter dash and relay, Reagan’s dedication to excellence have been cornerstones of his journey. He’s also a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, earning titles such as:

  • ADCC Montreal Champion 2024

  • Ontario Open Champion 2019, 2022

  • Canada Nationals Champion 2021

You may have seen Reagan coaching young athletes in class or supporting them at tournaments. Outside the academy, Reagan is a cybersecurity engineer who loves to cook, read, and learn new languages.

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 Master of Data Science from The University of British Columbia and his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University.

Morgan Ceh

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Morgan is Junction Academy’s 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 assists with the Kids BJJ Program at Junction Academy. 

Morgan is an active competitor and is a Grappling Industries Toronto Medalist (2022)

Kyla Welcher

Barazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling

Kyla is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue 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 is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University.

Kyla has been an active competitor since 2016, and brings 9 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and competing, 600 hours of coaching youth in martial arts and was a standout on the Martingrove Collegiate wrestling team.

Shahin Safakhoo

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling

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 holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and an MBA with a specialization in strategic management.

Shahin is a hobbyist, an active instructor and has competed at every belt level.

Sam DiFabio

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Sam Di Fabio is a compassionate and dedicated Youth Development Professional with extensive experience supporting children with diverse needs. Her background in mental health support and recreational programming demonstrates a commitment to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

As an Educational Assistant at Junction Academy, Sam fills a unique role that sets our program apart. Acting as both a counselor and an assistant to our coaches, she focuses on fostering a positive and nurturing environment for our young athletes. Sam engages with parents, addresses the individual needs of each child, and creates a supportive atmosphere that allows our youth coaches to effectively teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Her presence ensures that every child can thrive, focus, and reach their full potential.

Operation Guru’s

Callum Bridges

Events Coordinator

Callum is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White Belt at Junction Academy who has been training under Justin and Annie for the past year. He grew up playing a variety of sports, including competitive hockey and rugby, as well as being an avid fan of camping and hiking. Callum handles the Events Coordination at Junction Academy and would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or inquiries. Callum holds a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Business and a Master’s in Sustainability Management at the University of Waterloo. Callum can be reached at cbridges@junctionacademy.ca.

Callum’s Achievements:

-        Employee of the Month (August and September 2023)

Pika

Academy Vibe Coordinator

Pika is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White Belt at Junction Academy who has been training for the past three years. He grew up playing a variety of games, including fetch and find the mud pond, as well as being an avid fan of camping and swimming. Pika handles bringing positive vibes to Junction Academy MMA and would be happy to hear about your day or play soccer with you. Pika is pursing a bachelor’s degree in Ball Retrieval at Stan-fur-d University.

Pika’s Achievements:

-        Employee of the Month (July 2023)

Join us at Junction Academy