Our head instructor, Professor Robert, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA instructor who has trained with some of the best BJJ practitioners and MMA fighters in the world.

Prior to arriving in Nanaimo he had the opportunity to learn from innovative top level competitor Ryan Hall, as well as Marcelo Garcia, arguably the finest grappler on the planet, in addition to regularly training with American Top Team, one of the premier mixed martial arts camps in North America and home to countless UFC fighters, where he received his black belt from former UFC fighter Charles McCarthy. He has taught seminars in Canada and the United States for various clubs where he is known for combining cutting edge information with cerebral yet light-hearted instruction. The unique curriculum he has developed attracts students from cities as far flung as Toronto, Ft. Lauderdale, and Seattle, who, despite having access to established, legit BJJ programs, will travel hundreds, even thousands of miles, to experience the Island Top Team difference!

Though not a big believer in the necessity of competition, he has coached our competition team to a remarkable record, creating 9 BJJ champions in just our first year, and we have earned gold medals in every local tournament we have entered. Our competitors have reached the quarterfinals at the World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2 years running, brought back Nanaimo's first ever worlds medal in 2014, and Robert himself won his Expert No Gi and Black Belt Gi divisions at the 2013 Washington State Grappling Championships, finishing all his matches by submission.

With over a decade of experience in No Gi grappling, MMA, and BJJ, as well as more than 20 years of overall martial arts training, Robert possesses a detail oriented, principle based teaching style, striving to convey not just the how, but the why of techniques and the concept behind their application. Besides his focus on highly technical instruction, he strongly believes in fostering a friendly class environment, providing students with a safe, fun experience while they acquire the most effective, proven self-defense skills available. Robert is awesome, you should totally train with him!