Our head coach Zack first started his martial arts journey in early 2010 training with professional MMA fighter Baz Cunningham of Campbell River. Zack started out training NoGi grappling and Muay Thai competing in amateur MMA fights, with a record of 2-1. After losing his third fight via submission, Zack decided to focus primarily on improving his BJJ and once he started training in a GI there was no looking back for him. His experience in both gi and NoGi is equal, training consistently for over 10 years in Campbell River, Fort Mcmurray and Edmonton.
Before becoming a special needs father Zack competed frequently throughout Alberta collecting many medals and trophies along the way. In 2014 Zack became a father and then began to set his focus on teaching jiujitsu and helping others prepare for competition. Zack attended the 2015 IBJFF pan American games in San Diego and had some good matches, eventually losing via single elimination. Zack’s love and passion for BJJ is immense and very motivating for others around him. If he’s not out on the mats training, he is studying technique videos or recent competition. Zack is a fierce competitor when life allows him to travel and test himself, but a kind and empathetic person that is a great coach and is able to find motivation tailored to fit his student’s own personal needs and goals. Zack strongly believes in competition but also is very passionate about how BJJ can help you in other areas of life. (Giving someone with low self-esteem more confidence, or serving a slice of humble pie when necessary.)
Zack is very open about how he has struggled with his mental health fathering a child with complex special needs and chronic health issues. BJJ has helped him stay positive, physically fit and has given him a good healthy outlet in life when times have been the toughest.
Our assistant head coach Sarah has been training BJJ since late 2012 and has since developed into a formidable competitor and has served as an inspiration to many up-and-coming women in our BJJ community. In 2014, Sarah put aside her career as a practical nurse when she and Zack were blessed with their son Zacky who was unexpectedly born with complex special needs. Despite the never-ending paperwork, hospital stays appointments and stress that accompany raising a child with such complex needs Sarah has maintained a consistent level of training throughout.
Sarah is a fierce competitor and has won many tournaments in Alberta as she was going up through the ranks and has even competed(and made the podium) versus men when her woman’s division was cancelled.
Sarah’s skill set, mentality and genuine personality always boost the spirits of everyone in the training room. Her fierceness is offset by the caring and nurturing woman she is both on and off the mats earning her the nickname “Mama Z”.
Our MMA instructor Baz Cunningham has been training and competing in martial arts for over 20 years. Baz’s aggressive fighting style and well-rounded skillset led him to personal success in the regional fighting scene as well as inspiring many students to pursue their own martial arts careers.
Baz is truly the epitome of a mixed martial artist holding a blackbelt in Chinese Kenpo Karate, a Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as having trained in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and jeet kun do.
80 Hilchey rd
Campbell River, BC
(780)881-8328
