Classes at Gracie Barra Manotick are led by Coach Panda Dave and a coaching team who our members name by name in their reviews. Many of the team are competitors and role models the younger students look up to.
Coach Panda Dave is the coach members mention most often by name. He leads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes for kids and adults, and students describe his classes as technical, motivating and genuinely fun, whether they are working striking or jiu-jitsu fundamentals.
Disciplined, and still welcoming.
How members describe the roomThe best way to meet him is on the mats. Book a free trial, or read what to expect at your first class.
Alongside Coach Panda Dave, our jiu-jitsu classes are led by two experienced professors who bring years of training and a genuine love of teaching to every session.
Professor Jeff has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2008, starting in Ottawa before spending five years training in Miami, and he grew up wrestling. He is known for taking the time to dig into the body mechanics behind every movement, so students understand not just what to do but why it works. He teaches our No-Gi jiu-jitsu classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Born and raised in Manotick, Professor Chris is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has trained since 2009, including time in Miami training under Cyborg. He brings experience and heart to the mats, and his classes are built on community, growth and a genuine passion for helping people improve.
A team of assistant coaches keeps our kids programs running, many of them competitors who lead by example for the younger students.
Coach Diego brings serious competition experience to the mats. He leads our Tinies BJJ, Kids BJJ and Competition Team, and steps in on Adult Muay Thai. A WAKO National Champion and TBA Champion who has also competed in MMA, he helps students sharpen both their technique and their competitive mindset.
If you have watched a kids class, you have probably seen Coach Nathan. A Gracie Barra blue belt who has trained for four years, he teaches both our Kids BJJ and Kids Muay Thai classes and keeps them fun while making sure everyone is learning.
Coach Giuseppe assists our Kids BJJ classes, encouraging students and making every class a positive experience. He recently earned his Gracie Barra blue belt and has represented the academy in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions with great sportsmanship.
Coach Dereck is always one of the first to lend a hand in our Kids BJJ classes. A Gracie Barra blue belt, he leads by example through his consistency, and he shares jiu-jitsu with his family, with both of his children training at the academy.
Coach Shatil has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for four years and brings enthusiasm and patience to every class. Assisting our Kids Jiu-Jitsu program, he enjoys helping students learn new techniques and have fun on the mats.
Coach Emilia assists our Tinies BJJ, Kids BJJ and competition classes. She is a strong role model for the young women in the program, showing them the resilience that comes from training and competing, and that girls can be strong, capable and confident.
Coach Nicholas has trained Muay Thai for around five years and is a great role model for our younger athletes. He assists our kids classes, building a positive environment while helping each student grow their skills and confidence.
At fourteen, Coach Noel is already a role model for our younger athletes. He has trained Muay Thai for four years and competed widely, earning Provincial Champion, gold at the Ontario Winter Games and a place representing the team at WAKO Nationals.
Coach Sienna brings passion and a positive attitude to our Kids Muay Thai program, helping young athletes build confidence and strong fundamentals. She trains at a high level herself and is preparing for competition, and loves sharing what she learns with the next generation.
Coach Anas brings real passion for Muay Thai to every class he teaches through the week, building a fun, supportive room where young athletes grow their confidence. He has competed nationally at the WAKO Nationals, and shares that experience to inspire students to work hard and enjoy the journey.
Coach Dom assists our Kids Jiu Jitsu, Kids Muay Thai and competition classes through the week, bringing leadership to every session. A dedicated competitor and a role model for our younger athletes, he leads by example and keeps the mats a positive place to train.
Coach Panda creates an environment that's both disciplined and welcoming, and the entire staff is supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do.
We've learned a ton from him in just a few sessions and always left smiling.
Come meet the coaches. See if it fits.
The hardest part is walking through the door. Book a free trial, meet a coach, and get a feel for the mats before you decide anything.
