Mike is our head instructor, and is responsible for teaching all Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and self defense classes. Mike began training in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo under Sensei Todd Hodder in Gander in 1995 and currently hold a 3rd degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, awarded in 2004 by 7th danProfessor Gerry Marshall in Ottawa.
Recently Mike has been promoted to Blue Belt under Jeff joslin & Alliance BJJ.
Also being a very active competitor in Judo throughout high school and university, Mike has multiple provincial and Atlantic Canadian titles to his credit and has had the opportunity to attend training camps with former Judo Olympians such as JP Cantin and Phil Hatashita.
Mike also holds a degree in Kinesiology and is currently working towards a Master of science in kinesiology at Memorial University, along with being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist®. This background in sport science and athletic conditioning adds a whole new element to Mikes classes and gives students instant access to expert advice in fitness and athletic conditioning.
Blair has been involved in Judo for many years and holds the grade of Sandan (third degree black belt). He is also a nationally certified NCCP Level III coach and National "C" referee. He is a past president of Judo Newfoundland and Labrador and a former Vice-President of Judo Canada.
Judo, meaning "gentle way" is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport. The object is to throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent through a grappling maneuver or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke.
Judo offers a belt ranking system that is universally accepted as well as regular local, provincial and national level competitions where students can test their skill.
Boxing - Jason Hayward
Jim Geddes - MMA & Women's Cardio Kickboxing
Jim Geddes is our MMA Cardio & MMA Coach. Jim has been training for 4 years under Mike Samson. In Dec 2008 Jim had his first Pro fight in King Of The Cage in Edmonton.
Matt Patey - Wrestling/Take Down
'Matthew Patey is our Wrestling/Takedown Coach. He is a freestyle wrestler, wrestling with MUN for 4 years; where he has competed across Canada. Matthew placed 1st in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) in 2007 which qualified him to compete in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships where he placed 7th. Matthew has also competed in several provincial and local tournaments in Wrestling and Submission Grappling and has never placed less then a silver medal.'
