Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts | Instructor Profiles
Head Instructor: Prof. Thomas Armstrong
Belt: Black Belt 2nd Deg. under Master Julio Cesar Pereira (BB since Mar 2017 - IBJJF Cert.)
Started Training: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioner since Mar. 2007 and Muay Thai Sept. 2009
Personal Summary:
Over the years I have had the opportunity to train with some of the best teachers and athletes in the world; Prof. Fateh Belkalem (many time international Judo champion, Judo Black belt
as well as BJJ Black belt), Prof. Bruno Fernandes (most popular for giving Georges St. Pierre his Black Belt in BJJ and multiple time BJJ Champion), Prof. Rafael Lovato Jr.
and Canadian Legend Jake Mackenzie.
One of the things that really attracted me to BJJ is the ability to remain mobile while working off the back. The facts say that 90% of fights go to the ground, so for self defense or competition purposes it is a good idea to know how to get around on the ground weather you want to get back to your feet or not.
There is no other workout quite the same; learning to control your breathing, remaining calm in dire situations and mastering a game based on your own body type.
I have been honoured to have such great students over the years who have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined.
Proud to have coached students to National, International and World Jiu Jitsu Championships as well as many MMA fighters amateur and professional.
Qualifications/ Achievements: (Since Black Belt)
- 36X IBJJF Medalist (Gi & Nogi) Competing in Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Indianapolis IN, Secaucus NJ, Fredericksburg VA, Chicago IL, Kissimmee FL,
Toronto ON, Altanta GA, Las Vegas NV, Dallas TX
- 2024 Finished season top 10 ranked in the world IBJJF Nogi
- Certified Yoga + Yin Instructor - Yoga Alliance
- Certified Level 1 National Coach - Ontario Kickboxing (WAKO)
- IBJJF Rules Certification
- Certified Newaza (BJJ) Canadian Jiu Jitsu Association (OJA/IJJF) Referee
BJJ/No-Gi Instructor: Chadd Murphy
Belt: Black Belt under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2010
Personal Summary:
As an athlete in multiple sports, took up Jiu Jitsu as method of being able to stay in shape and remain competitive.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2022 Police / Fire Games Submission Grappling - Bronze - Open Belt
- 2019 IBJJF Toronto International Open - Silver Gi - Purple Belt
- 2016 OJA Provincial Championships - Bronze NoGi - Blue Belt
- 2016 Niagara Open - Bronze Gi - White Belt
- 2015 GTA Classic - Gold Gi - White Belt
BJJ/No-Gi Instructor: Rain Pfaff
Belt: BJJ Black Belt under Prof Thomas Armstrong, Orange Belt Judo
Started Training: Martial Arts 2005, BJJ 2016
Personal Summary:
As a women, I feel the practical self defence skills that Jiu Jitsu teaches you is the absolute best you can get for real world situations!
It teaches you how to protect yourself when pinned on the ground in various position; How to escape grabs & holds using your leverage; And, how to move yourself around bigger & stronger opponents. This is originally
what drew me to the sport, and is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of confidence since my first day at the Academy. It has truly changed my life for the better!
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2024 IBJJF NoGi Pan Championships (Texas - USA) - Gold - Brown Belt
- 2024 JJIF World Championships (Heraklion, Greece) - Gold NoGi - Bronze Gi
- 2024 IBJJF Jiu Jitsu CON (Las Vegas - USA) - 4 Gold Gi/Nogi and Absolutes - Brown Belt
- 2023 IBJJF NoGi World Championships (Las Vegas - USA) - Bronze - Brown Belt
- 2023 Ontario International Open Nogi - Gold Div / Gold Absolute - Brown/Black Belt
- 2023 JJIF World Championships (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) - Gold
- 2023 Ontario International Open Gi - Gold + Absolute Silver - Brown/Black Belt
- 2023 Canadian National Championships - Gold - (Won spot on JJIF Team Canada)
- 2023 IBJJF Pan Championships (Florida - USA) - Bronze - Brown Belt
- 2022 JJIF World Championships (Abu Dhabi - UAE) - Gold
- 2022 Canadian National Championships - Gold (Won spot on JJIF Team Canada)
- 2022 Ontario International Open - Double Gold, BJJ + Absolute - Purple Belt
- 2021 Ontario Open - Gold BJJ + Gold Absolute - Purple Belt
- 2017 2nd Deg Black Belt American Kenpo Karate
BJJ Instructor: Derek Vankoughnett
Belt: Black Belt under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2011
Personal Summary: N/A
Qualifications/ Achievements: N/A
BJJ Instructor: River Pfaff
Belt: Brown Belt under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: Martial Arts 2005, BJJ 2016
Personal Summary:
Jiu Jitsu is a fun / social way to keep active and stay in shape.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2017 2nd Deg. Black Belt Kenpo Karate
BJJ Instructor: Francis Yanga
Belt: Brown Belt 2nd degree under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2014
Personal Summary:
From my very first Jiu Jitsu class, I was hooked. I told myself that I would work hard and be consistent all the way towards a blackbelt. I find the mental game and strategy element very intriguing.
It's a sport where learning never stops, egos are smashed and respect is earned. I was very fortunate to be trained under Professor Fateh Belkalem at Gracie Barra London Ontario. He is a BJJ black belt,
Judo black belt, and multiple international Judo Champion with a wealth of knowledge. Now training under Professor Thomas Armstrong who is a 2nd-degree black belt under Master Julio Cesar Pereira.
I did my first competition 2 months after my first class and enjoyed competing ever since. Not only does it elevate your game, but it also gives you the opportunity to face your biggest fears and nerves.
My goals are to earn my black belt, continue to be a student of the art, share the knowledge that I've learned over the years, and motivate people in their jiu-jitsu journey.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2022 London Open - Gold - Purple Belt
- 2022 Ontario International Open - Silver BJJ - Purple Belt
- 2022 NextGen Niagara - Silver BJJ - Purple Belt
- 2019 London Open - Silver BJJ - Purple Belt
- 2019 IBJJF Worlds BJJ Championship Los Angeles Blue Belt Competitor
- 2018 IBJJF Worlds BJJ Championship Los Angeles Blue Belt Competitor
- 2018 Ontario Provincials - Bronze BJJ, Gold Absolute Division - Blue Belt
- 2015 Ascension | Bronze Gi - White Belt
- 2015 Grappling Industry - Gold BJJ - White Belt
- 2015 Grappling Industry - Silver BJJ - White Belt
- 2014 Ontario Provincials - Bronze BJJ - White Belt
BJJ Instructor: Jason Cooper
Belt: Purple Belt 3rd stripe under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2016
Personal Summary:
I have been practising Jiu-jitsu since 2016 at 36 years old, along with my two boys. My jiu-jitsu goal is to be doing bjj until I die!
Longevity is the name of my game! I love the fact that every-time you step on the mats you learn something new. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first day or if
you are a black belt a humble attitude pays dividends at every level.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
N/A
BJJ Instructor: Aaron Campbell
Belt: Brown Belt under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2016
Personal Summary:
I started jiujitsu as a way to stay in shape and challenge myself. I have found that in addition to staying in shape it has helped me to step out of my comfort zone,
and relieve everyday stress. I can’t imagine my life without it now and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2023 OJA Provincial Championships - Bronze Gi - Purple Belt
- 2023 Ontario International Open Gi - Bronze + Absolute Bronze - Purple Belt
- 2022 Great Lakes BJJ Open - Silver - Purple Belt
- 2022 Ontario International Open NoGi - Gold - Purple Belt
- 2021 Ontario Open - Silver BJJ - Blue Belt
BJJ Instructor: Rob Rankin
Belt: Purple Belt 1st stripe under Prof Thomas Armstrong
Started Training: 2016
Personal Summary:
I was born and raised in the Chatham area, on a farm in Dover. I’m happily married and I have two kids. I work at a local elementary school and in my
spare time I love to train in Jiu Jitsu along with some other fitness related activities. I’ve been doing something active since my teenage years but did not
discover Jiu Jitsu until later in life. Now I can’t imagine my life without Jiu Jitsu. I am currently a three strip blue belt and plan on continuing on this
adventure until my body throws in the towel. I look forward to trying my hand at some teaching in the academy.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
- 2022 London Open - Gold - Blue Belt
- 2019 London Open - Gold BJJ - Blue Belt
- 2018 Ontario Open - Bronze BJJ - Blue Belt
- 2017 Ontario Open - Bronze BJJ - White Belt
Kickboxing Instructor: Jay Hallatt
Started Training: n/a
Personal Summary: n/a
Qualifications/ Achievements:n/a
Kickboxing Instructor: Josh Regan
Started Training: N/A
Personal Summary:
N/A Details to come.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
Kickboxing Instructor: Chris Lapp
Started Training: N/A
Personal Summary:
N/A Details to come.
Qualifications/ Achievements:
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