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Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy proudly serving Kanata since 2001
Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy has Classes in Kanata, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened in 2001, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Stephane D'Amour - Head Instructor
With a profound grappling legacy that began back in 1974, Stephane D’Amour has established himself as a venerable martial artist and an esteemed instructor across multiple disciplines. His initial voyage into combat sports commenced with Judo, followed by traditional Jiu-Jitsu and the dynamic realm of Kickboxing.
In his emotional quest for martial arts mastery, D’Amour embraced the ancient wisdom of Kung Fu during his teens. After a rigorous 15-year odyssey, he ascended to the esteemed Black Sash and was bestowed with the title of Sifu, marking his transition from student to revered instructor.
The turn of the millennium witnessed D’Amour’s commitment to share his expertise, catalyzing his foray into coaching. What began as weekly sessions in Kanata’s Roland Michener Public School soon blossomed into a thriving practice, necessitating the establishment of a dedicated training ground in 2001 at 1120 March Rd, which remains his teaching headquarters.
Stephane D’Amour’s pursuit of excellence led him to the renowned American Top Team Headquarters in 2010. Under the tutelage of Master Ricardo Liborio, he emerged as Canada’s sole certified Level 3 MMA Instructor, a testament to his exemplary skillset and knowledge.
His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, under the wing of Master Marcos Da Matta, culminated in him earning the distinguished rank of Brown Belt with four stripes. D’Amour proudly embodies his BJJ lineage, tracing to the legendary Carlson Gracie.
A life enriched by cross-training with striking virtuosos such as John Hackleman and Duke Roufus, D’Amour is not just a certified Black Belt in Kung-Fu and an accredited Black Belt in Roufusport Muay Thai/Kickboxing; he is an ambassador for the diverse spectrums of martial arts.
Certifications and achievements that distinguish Stephane D’Amour include:
Black Belt in Kung-Fu & attain Sifu Level
Black Belt in Roufusport Muay Thai / Kickboxing, under Duke Roufus
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Brown Belt / 4th Stripe, under Marcos “Parrumpinha” DaMatta
BJJ Lineage: Carlson Gracie – Marcos Da Matta – Stephane D’Amour
1st Only Certified Canadian ATT Level 3 MMA Instructor, under Ricardo Liborio
1st Only Certified Canadian Pit Instructor, under John Hackleman
Certified Pro Strength & Conditioning ATT Coach, under Stefane Dias
Andrew Hart - Program Director
Andrew Hart, a revered coach at Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy for the past decade, has a storied career that epitomizes service, discipline, and community empowerment. A galvanizer since high school, Hart has cultivated a profound impact within the Kanata / Stittsville areas, not only as a mentor but as a beacon of inspiration and community strength.
Post-high school, his initial foray into community service saw him assisting the elderly with compassion and empathy, heightening his lifelong dedication to uplifting others. His subsequent military tenure is marked by rigorous leadership training, a testament to his commitment to resilience and guidance. Hart extended these values into the educational realm, where his innovative teaching at Westboro Montessori School propelled preschoolers to achieve academic excellence well beyond their years.
In 2014, Hart began his formal odyssey in MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, guided by Head Coach Stephane D’Amour. This venture refined his combative artistry and amplified his mentoring acumen. Training with MMA luminaries like Marcos Da Matta, Ricardo Liborio, and others, Hart earned his stripes—both literally and figuratively—as a Level 11 MMAFA/ATT Instructor and a third-stripe purple belt in BJJ, tracing his lineage to the venerable Carlson Gracie tradition.
Hart’s profound influence in the gym extends beyond technique, shaping lives through the tenets of hard work and persistence. His leadership legacy continues reverberating through the local community, where he fosters an environment of health, well-being, and collective betterment. His disciplined yet nurturing approach resonates with youth and adults, fostering an inclusive culture that champions personal growth and mutual support.
Andrew Hart’s life story is one of relentless pursuit—of excellence, community betterment, and the indomitable spirit of martial arts. This multifaceted impact, rooted in unwavering service and leadership, uplifts and transforms the communities he so passionately serves.
Certifications
MMAFA / ATT – Level 11 Instructor
BJJ – Purple Belt / 4th Stripe
BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour
Mak Love - School Director
Mak Love stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts, serving as the dedicated School Director and an esteemed instructor at the Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Academy (MMAFA). Embarking on his martial arts voyage at the tender age of four under Head Coach Stephane D’Amour, he has since ascended to impressive ranks—a Purple / Brown Stripe in MMAFA’s MMA Program and a Blue Belt with a 1st Stripe in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His expertise is not innate but forged through rigorous training and the honour of being mentored by luminaries of the sport, including Master Marcos Da Matta, Ricardo Liborio, and Duke Roufus.
Within the hallowed walls of MMAFA, Love imparts more than just techniques; he instills the martial ethos of discipline, respect, and the pursuit of excellence. With a teaching canvas that ranges from demystifying the foundational elements to navigating the complexities of advanced maneuvers, he ensures that learning is incremental, comprehensive, and, above all, tailored to the dynamics of individual progress. His technical understanding and a unique blend of strategy and motivation create a nurturing atmosphere for students to thrive—one strike, grapple, and dodge at a time.
At the core of Mak Love’s philosophy lies a commitment to fostering personal growth and fitness, making MMAFA a sanctuary for skill enhancement and self-discovery. Under his stewardship, the academy emerges as a beacon for aspiring fighters and hobbyists, distinguished by its all-encompassing programs, world-class facilities, and a legacy of nurturing champions. Mak Love doesn’t only teach Mixed Martial Arts; he embodies its finest qualities, inspiring a generation of students to embody the discipline’s integrity with every jab, kick, and submission hold.
Certifications
MMAFA / ATT – Purple / Browm Stripe
BJJ – Blue Belt / 1st Stripe
BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour