MMA Instructors
Kalsamrit Instructors
List of Instructors & Staff Members at Kalsamrit Martial Arts
Kru Brendan Kalijundic is the owner and head instructor of Kalsamrit Martial Arts, where he shares his passion for martial arts with students of all ages. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and former professional Muay Thai and MMA athlete, Brendan brings years of experience and dedication to his coaching.
In addition to his role at Kalsamrit, Brendan is the founder and CEO of the Hearts for Martial Arts foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting kids in the martial arts community. His commitment to both his students and the community at large makes him a respected leader in the martial arts world.
Meet Heather Hicks! Heather is the Gym Manager and proud Part-Owner of Kalsamrit Martial Arts, bringing her passion and dedication to every aspect of the gym. As a registered Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years of experience, Heather has a natural talent for supporting children’s growth and development in fun and engaging ways.
Her journey at Kalsamrit began several years ago in the Ladies' kickboxing program, and she’s since embraced training in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. For Heather, martial arts isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about building mental strength, confidence, and a sense of community.
Now, she’s thrilled to share that passion with the next generation at Kalsamrit, helping kids grow stronger, more confident, and ready to take on new challenges in a positive and supportive environment.
Heather can’t wait to continue her journey with the Kalsamrit family and looks forward to seeing your kids thrive on and off the mats!
Meet Professor Justin Bruckmann, a true Canadian MMA legend and an inspiring mentor in the martial arts world! With an impressive career in the Lightweight division, Justin has faced off against some of the sport's greatest athletes, including UFC icons like David Louiseau and Georges St-Pierre, a history-making champion ranked among the best pound-for-pound fighters ever.
As a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Judo, Justin brings unmatched skill, experience, and passion to every aspect of martial arts. With a 7-3 professional MMA record and recognition from The Fight Network as one of the most influential figures in Canadian MMA, he’s a role model for fighters and fans alike.
Justin is also a proud board member and inspirational guest speaker for Hearts for Martial Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting kids in the martial arts community.
Whether he’s teaching, mentoring, or speaking, Professor Justin is all about sharing his love for martial arts and helping others grow both on and off the mats. Get ready to be inspired and learn from one of the best!
Coach Matt Embree, a world-class Muay Thai fighter with an impressive career spanning 16 years. With 7 professional belts and titles under his belt, Matt has competed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including Glory Kickboxing, Lumpinee Stadium, and Top King Fighting Championship.
Boasting an outstanding record of 43-8, Matt brings his wealth of experience and passion to our gym. He leads our adult Muay Thai and sparring classes, while also dedicating his time to training and cornering both amateur and professional fighters on our team. Whether you're just starting your Muay Thai journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, Coach Matt is here to guide and inspire you every step of the way!
Professor Bill Boland is a dedicated martial artist with over 30 years of experience in various disciplines. He holds a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has an impressive undefeated record in MMA.
Not only is Bill a certified kickboxing coach through WAKO and a certified powerlifting coach he is also a retired Police Officer with a wealth of experience. Passionate about sharing his knowledge.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Bill creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone to grow and succeed!
Coach Bubba Picard has been a part of the Kalsamrit family since he was a kid, and his journey here has been nothing short of inspiring. He started out by helping with our kids' classes, after-school programs, and summer camps, and it wasn’t long before he took the lead in our kids’ Muay Thai program. Coach Bubba has a special way of connecting with young athletes, motivating them to be their best both inside and outside the gym. His positive influence helps shape the next generation of champions!
As an aspiring pro fighter with multiple world champion titles in the amateur divisions, Coach Bubba is dedicated to growing as a martial artist and continues to inspire everyone around him. His passion, commitment, and energy make him a role model for our students, and he’s excited to help them reach their full potential, just as he’s doing with his own career.
Meet Professor Kevin Kireluk has been passionate about Jiu Jitsu for over 13 years and earned his black belt in 2019 under the guidance of Professors David Dominy and Justin Bruckmann. As the head of our teen Jiu Jitsu program, Kevin leads with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Throughout his journey, Kevin has had the privilege of learning from some of Canada’s top black belts, including Justin Bruckmann, Antonio Carvalho, and Richard “Monkey” Nancoo, to name just a few. His experience and dedication to the art make him a fantastic teacher, committed to helping students of all levels grow and reach their potential on and off the mats.
Meet Coach Larissa D'Alleva, a passionate wrestling and little ninjas coach and summer camp manager with over a decade of experience in the sport. Larissa’s journey in wrestling began in high school, and her talent quickly earned her a spot on the varsity team at Western University, where she competed at the national level for several years.
Alongside her athletic career, Larissa pursued her academic interests with dedication, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her curiosity for health and wellness led her to further her studies with a diploma in Natural Nutrition.
Always looking to expand her knowledge, Larissa recently completed her Yoga Teacher certification, blending her expertise in physical fitness, nutrition, and holistic well-being. She is excited to inspire others through coaching, teaching, and creating a positive, supportive environment.
Coach Josh Pistritto is a dedicated and inspiring leader on our team! He plays a key role in our Kids Jiu Jitsu Programs and helps guide our young athletes on the Kids Competition Team. Josh is not only an excellent instructor, but he also leads by example, competing at top-level events across Canada as a Purple Belt. His passion for Jiu Jitsu and commitment to his students make him an invaluable part of our team!
Coach Alaina Weeks, one of Kalsamrit’s amazing boxing coaches and a dedicated mom of three! With over 15 years of experience in the ring, Alaina’s passion for boxing started young. Known for her powerful punches and signature peek-a-boo style, she’s competed and perfected her craft, turning her focus to helping others succeed.
Alaina works with both beginner and intermediate boxers, making sure everyone feels confident and supported as they master their technique. Her coaching is all about empowering her students to build skills, confidence, and mental toughness—all while having a blast in the gym!
As a mom, Alaina balances family life and coaching, inspiring her kids (and her students) with her dedication, resilience, and hard work. With her fun, personalized approach, she proves that with passion and determination, you can accomplish anything. Come train with Alaina and see for yourself!
Meet Coach Aimee Small! Aimee is a passionate and dedicated kickboxing coach with 4 years of Muay Thai experience under her belt. Her love for the "art of eight limbs" shines through in her coaching as she helps students of all levels unlock their potential and crush their fitness and martial arts goals.
Whether you're just starting out, looking to boost your fitness, wanting to learn self-defense, or aiming to compete at a higher level, Aimee is here to guide and support you every step of the way. She tailors her training to fit your needs, creating a welcoming and empowering environment for everyone.
Aimee lives by the motto:
“If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way.” – Napoleon Hill
Come join Aimee on the mats and take the first step toward your personal best!
Meet Coach Steve Wilson! With over 20 years of boxing experience, Steve’s love for the sport began at just 14 years old. He trained extensively at Tillers Boxing, competed at Motor City Boxing, and has honed his skills over the years to become a certified Level 1 Boxing Ontario coach.
Steve is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping others reach their full potential in the ring. Whether you’re stepping into boxing for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, Steve is here to guide, motivate, and support you every step of the way.
Come train with Steve and see how boxing can build strength, confidence, and resilience—both inside and outside the ring!
Coach Liam Walker brings years of striking experience to Kalsamrit Gym, where he leads our Kids Muay Thai programs with passion and dedication. As an active MMA competitor, Liam balances his own athletic pursuits while giving back daily to the kids, helping them build confidence, discipline, and skills both on and off the mats.
Coach Jake Gilmore exemplifies the values of hard work, dedication, and balance. As a Bruckmann Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Jake brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to Kalsamrit Gym. Training with the team five days a week, he leads by example, showing what it means to stay committed while also running his own business—just like many of our hardworking members.
Jake’s Friday Night classes are known for their fun, laid-back atmosphere, but don’t let that fool you—his sessions are packed with passion, teamwork, and camaraderie. A devoted family man, Jake loves sharing his enthusiasm for Jiu Jitsu and giving back to the community every week, making him an integral part of the Kalsamrit family.
Coach Nathan Olsen is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt who plays a vital role in our Kids BJJ and Little Ninjas programs. A hardworking student with aspirations of becoming a firefighter, Nathan is known for his enthusiasm and high-energy approach to teaching. His positive attitude and sense of humor bring joy and laughter to every class, making him a favorite among the kids he works with. We’re lucky to have Nathan as part of our team – his passion for both Jiu Jitsu and helping others is truly inspiring!
Coach Mitch Short is a cornerstone of Kalsamrit Gym and a true example of dedication, leadership, and family values. A Canadian Military Veteran, Mitch has proudly served our country overseas, bringing that same discipline and commitment to the gym. As one of the original coaches from Kalsamrit’s earliest days, Mitch has played a vital role in shaping our community and inspiring others.
With over 20 Muay Thai fights under his belt, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, and certifications as a personal trainer and powerlifter, Mitch brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every class he leads. Whether it’s running our 9:00 AM Strength and Conditioning sessions or coaching our Monday Night Adult Muay Thai class, Mitch’s passion for fitness and martial arts is evident.
As a proud father, Mitch trains alongside his sons, showcasing how Kalsamrit truly is a family gym. His commitment to building a supportive and inclusive environment makes him an exceptional role model for everyone who steps through our doors.
Coach Dylan Majeste has been a part of the Kalsamrit family since he was just 6 years old and has grown into one of the top MMA prospects in Canada. With his well-rounded expertise in all areas of martial arts, Dylan is a true testament to the values and training Kalsamrit Gym instills in its athletes.
Now giving back to the next generation, Dylan leads our Kids Muay Thai, Little Ninjas, and Kids BJJ classes. His passion for teaching, coupled with his wealth of experience, makes him an inspiring mentor for young students, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a love for martial arts.
Coach Adalyn Parker is a shining example of what Kalsamrit Gym strives to achieve—building strong, confident, and accomplished individuals. Starting her journey with Kalsamrit at just 4 years old, Adalyn has grown up through our Kids Programs, including BJJ, Muay Thai, and all our summer and performance camps. Her dedication and passion have taken her to competitions around the world, earning her an impressive 4 Canadian National Titles.
As a positive female role model, Adalyn inspires younger girls at Kalsamrit to dream big and work hard. Now a Junior Young Leader, she gives back by guiding and supporting the next generation of students, proving that with commitment and perseverance, anything is possible.
Coach Tom Stefani is a 1st-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with a deep passion for sharing his knowledge and love for the art. A former police officer, Tom brings a unique perspective and unmatched attention to detail to every class he leads.
As the instructor for our afternoon BJJ classes, Tom creates an engaging and supportive environment where students of all levels can grow and thrive. His dedication to the craft and his ability to break down techniques with precision make him a valued member of the Kalsamrit team and a trusted mentor for our students.
Coach Brad Langlois is a Judo Black Belt and a vital part of the Kalsamrit team, specializing in helping our BJJ athletes refine their takedowns and throws. With years of experience competing internationally as a member of the Canadian National Judo Team, Brad brings world-class knowledge and expertise to every session.
Now focused on coaching, Brad is passionate about supporting our BJJ athletes, blending his Judo background with a dedication to their growth and success. His technical precision and commitment make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their takedown game.
Coach Austin Joel has been part of the Kalsamrit family since 2011. After competing in the Amateur Kickboxing and Muay Thai circuits, he transitioned to professional boxing, where he remains undefeated and holds a professional title under TMC Promotions.
Austin is passionate about giving back to the community and now leads our Teens Boxing Program, inspiring the next generation of athletes with his expertise and dedication.
Meet Coach Bob McLean, a personal trainer with over a decade of experience in Muay Thai and boxing. With a passion for fitness and a knack for connecting with people of all ages, Bob is dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time or looking to refine your skills in the ring, Bob’s expertise and patience make every session approachable and engaging. His deep understanding of martial arts and fitness allows him to tailor workouts that challenge you while keeping things fun and accessible.
Known for his upbeat personality and infectious energy, Bob brings a motivating and encouraging presence to every training session. He’s not just a coach but a cheerleader, mentor, and motivator, celebrating every milestone—big or small—along the way. With Bob, fitness is more than just a goal; it’s a journey filled with high-fives, laughter, and personal victories. Whether you're looking to improve your strength, boost your confidence, or simply have fun while getting fit, Bob McLean is the coach who will help you enjoy every step of the process.