our instructors
Professor Ioannis – Black Belt, 1st Degree
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2006, when my brother took me to Kimura in our hometown of Natal–RN, Brazil. I was 14 years old—full of energy but lacking direction. Jiu-Jitsu came into my life as a true school of values, teaching me respect, hierarchy, discipline, and resilience.
Throughout my journey in the colored belts, I competed in many important tournaments. I experienced victories that pushed me forward and losses that taught me to never give up and always keep improving, both on and off the mats.
Today, as a black belt 1st degree, my focus is to pass on everything I’ve learned—and continue to learn—to children, teens, and adults. More than just a martial art, Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle that transforms, strengthens, and connects people.
Coach Theodoros – Brown Belt
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 1996 when I was only 11 years old, under Professor Jean Kleber—who, at the time, was a 4-stripe purple belt. Just five months into training, I competed for the first time and won against a well-known yellow belt with three stripes. That victory earned me my own yellow belt, and it marked the beginning of a deep passion for the sport.
I trained consistently for seven years, earning my blue belt at the age of 16. In 2003, I moved away from Brazil and spent the following years living in Germany, Switzerland, and Greece. At that time, Jiu-Jitsu was not widely known in Europe, and the idea of becoming a Jiu-Jitsu instructor wasn’t financially viable. So I paused my journey on the mats to focus on building a life.
After settling in Canada years later, I brought my eldest son—then 11 years old—to try Jiu-Jitsu. At first, he wasn’t motivated, so I decided to train with him. That decision reignited my own journey. I got back in shape, returned to training, and my son followed the same path. We’ve been training together since 2021.
Today, I hold a brown belt and have accumulated approximately 11 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience. I speak Portuguese, Greek, German, and English. In addition to being a coach at Kimura BJJ Canada, I also run a family-owned restaurant in Winnipeg.
Kimura BJJ Canada is the first Kimura branch in the country, established under Professor Jean Kleber. It’s a true honor to follow the same methodology that shaped me as a young athlete—and more importantly, as a person. Jiu-Jitsu taught me values that go far beyond the mats, and I strongly believe that having the right guidance and coaching is essential, especially for children beginning their martial arts journey.