Instructors
Quality over Quantity
Jason Gagnon - Owner and Head Instructor
The head instructor of Genesis Martial Arts, Jason is one of the few BJJ black belts under the legendary Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles. 2 x World Bronze medalist at the black belt level (IBJJF - Master 1), European Champion, 2 X American National Champion, and Asian Open Champion (to name a few of Jasons titles) - Jason is considered one of the top Canadians on the international BJJ scene and is still actively competing on the world stage. Jason is a passionate, experienced and technical instructor. He regularly gives seminars around the world when he not training and teaching full time at Genesis.
More Info on Jason: BJJ Heroes
Follow Jason on Instagram
Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles - Affiliation Chief Instructor
Considered the best featherweight in the decade and to be among the best pound for pound jiu-jitsu competitors in the world. Cobrinha is a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fernando “Terere” Augusto and a member of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu. Cobrinha has won a total of nine world championship titles in Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a black belt in the featherweight (or lightweight) category. He started training BJJ in 2000, received his black belt in 2005, and has since won nearly every World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in which he has competed – a total of eight. He is known for his attacking style of jiu-jitsu and, in particular, for his guard. His guard was voted the best Guard of the Decade by fellow World Champions in Gracie Magazine. Cobrinha is also a 3 x ADCC Champion, and recently became the first man to complete the "Super" Grand Slam (Conquering gold medals at all 5 major tournaments in a single year.)
More info on Cobrinha: BJJ Heroes
Follow Cobrinha on Instagram
Lloyd Handy - Owner/Instructor
Lloyd Handy is a BJJ brown belt under Jason Gagnon and Cobrinha. An avid competitor, with multiple IBJJF Titles and medals from prestigious tournaments like Europeans and American Nationals. Lloyd is very technical BJJ player, and foundation of our club.
Follow Lloyd on Instagram
Jesse Bird
Jesse kickboxing at the age of 16. By age 17 he was already teaching regular classes in the gym and after amassing a large amateur experience he went pro at the age of 19. Soon after, he moved to Thailand to fully immerse himself in the culture and lifestyle of Muay Thai. His dedication and hard work allowed him to win his first 10 fights all by knockout, fight in one of the biggest stadiums in Thailand, Rajadamnern Stadium, and capture both the Z1 85kg World Title and the WMF Pro World Title. Jesse is patient, easy-going, and cares about his students and their goals. He actively works with troubled youth to teach them an alternative lifestyle and that the values taught through boxing can be transferred into every day life. He wishes to one day have his gym become a staple in the community.
Follow Jesse on Instagram
Colton Bird
Colton has been training martial arts since the age of 14. He has always had a passion for training, hard work, and traveling. His journey started in Abbotsford, BC training locally, teaching, and having amateur fights. Eventually Colton wanted to take on the international community and started traveling to Thailand to fight and train professionally. His dedication and hard work allowed him to fight at the world famous Lumpinee Stadium and win the 72kg Max Muay Thai World Title. Colton has always been a role model for the people in the gym as he never misses training and always has a smile on his face (except for his photo here). Colton has trained in Thailand at Attachai Gym in Bangkok and is available for private lessons.
