Club Spotlight with The Halifax BJJ Society / Nova Scotia / Club Spotlight / Blog

(15 Questions)

1. Club name (if applicable, affiliation and the history on the partnership, why, advantages, etc..)

The Halifax Jiujitsu Society, training under Multiple time World Champion Jon Thomas.

We've been working with Jon on bringing something special to Halifax for a few years working together to provide the highest level of Jiujitsu training possible to our students and community.

2. Owner name (s)/About:

We are a non profit organization with several instructors from a wide range of backgrounds with international success in BJJ.

We have multiple time IBJJF medalists, Joel Jacquard and Josh Whalen to Master Worlds Absolute Champion, Christine Fader.

We have Several black belt instructors, some with over twenty years experience. Native Brazilians with a long lifetime of experience like Markus Rosa and Carlos Cesar Nunes. Leading our MMA program is the Number one ranked Canadian Flyweight, Chris Kelades Fighting under M1 Global

We welcome high level talent to our team.

3. Location (address):

North end of Halifax NS,

3600 Kempt Road

4. When did you open your club?

HFX BJJ first opened its doors November of 2017

5. What made you decide to open your own club and why you chose your current location?

We wanted to depart from the typical jiujitsu gym, To have a clean inclusive space where all would feel welcome. Where there'd be lots of classes so you could train multiple times a day. Where the purpose of the gym wasn't to inflate the instructors ego. This attitude has encouraged many high level practitioners to work together under one roof.

6. What is the main purpose/focus for your club?(i.e. mission statement/what you want to offer members/a type of experience/an atmosphere etc..)

To be an ego free gym where the best in the area can come to train together. To be a welcome environment where anyone can join in and feel a part of the team. Help your teammates to get better and we all get better together!

7. Programs available. Is your BJJ focused on a self defense model? Sport only? For hobbyist or perhaps a mix?

Morning, Noon and Night Classes. We have training available with packed mats all day, everyday of the week.

Introductory classes for those new to the sport. Fundamentals classes for the basics and Advanced classes geared towards high level students. We also offer striking and grappling with an MMA focus for fighters. A women's team for females, and a Masters program for those over 40. Kids classes for all age ranges. There's something for everyone of any level at HFXBJJ.

More details and schedule online at www.halifaxbjj.ca

8. Gi versus no GI split on class offering? Demand changing to one or the other?

We do both. With a focus on upcoming competitions.

9. Has your club grown or expanded since opening? (membership base all experienced only or do you see a influx of new beginners?)

We started as a small group and in five short years grown into Atlantic Canada's largest martial arts club! Growing larger everyday!

10. Future plans for your club? (short term/long term goals)

We just rolled out our Introductory classes for those new to the sport. We also have a women's team training every week.

Follow us on Instagram to keep informed on all the latest news!!

11. Do you ever host or offer seminars? If so, some past examples of participants and future events. Open to all or exclusive to membership?

Regular Seminars with the biggest names in the sport. Lucas Lepri and Jon Thomas visit multiple times a year.

Seminar with Espen Mathiesen and Jon Thomas this month then a visit from Paulo Miyao and Omar Kadi soon after.

We usually offer first dibs to our students then open to public if there's still room.

12. Advice to anyone who may be contemplating joining a BJJ club? In particular, those that may have a preconception of the art/sport and their biggest hurdle is walking in the door for the first time.

Just drop in to see a class that's running. You're free to hang out in our lounge. We have wifi and drinks. Your first class is free. Once you decide to participate, you can do as much or little as you like. Consistency trumps Intensity.

Keep an eye on our Instagram page for monthly specials!

13. Does your gym offer any other amenities for members? (i.e. showers, weight room, cardio equipment, sauna, etc..)

Lounge.New tile and glass Showers, weight area, dumbbells kettlebells club bells. Olympic bumpers and power rack. cardio equipment on site.+

14. Your definition or concept as to what is or makes a "BJJ Community"

Well you just need a few people to train with to start a community. But to make a good community you want a group that is interested in helping each other get better. You can't train jiujitsu alone.

15. Thoughts or opinion on the growth of the sport/art in Atlantic Canada? Anything you would like to see happen in the region for BJJ?

Love to see the growth of the sport! Gyms opening up left and right! We would like to see the community work together to elevate the level of Jiujitsu in the Maritimes! That's why we started the Bjj Society. Like minded individuals that just want to train hard and have a good time!