Who we Are And why You Should Train Here

Since we’ve opened, 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

coach

Stephane D'Amour

Owner / Head Coach

Certifications:

Black Belt in Kung-Fu & attain Sifu Level

Black Belt in Roufusport Muay Thai / Kickboxing, under Duke Roufus

IBJJF Certified Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, under Marcos “Parrumpa” 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

Stephane D’Amour began his martial arts journey in 1974 with Judo and soon expanded into Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Kung Fu. After 15 years of Kung Fu training, he earned his Black Sash and the title of Sifu.

In 2001, he opened his academy at 1120 March Rd in Kanata, where he continues to teach. His pursuit of excellence led him to American Top Team, where under Master Ricardo Liborio, he became Canada’s only Level 3 Certified MMA Instructor. He also holds a BJJ Black Belt under Master Marcos Da Matta, with lineage to Carlson Gracie.

D’Amour is also a certified Black Belt in Roufusport Muay Thai and has trained with striking legends like John Hackleman and Duke Roufus. He is a true ambassador of martial arts.

 
Andrew

Andrew Hart

Assistant Head Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Brown / Black Belt

BJJ – Brown Belt / 1st Stripe

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

 

Gold – 2019 Sub X Grappling Select

Bronze – 2022 April ASG Open – Featherweight

Silver – 2022 April ASG Open – Featherweight

Gold – 2022 Ontario Sub. Series – Ottawa

Bronze – 2022 Ottawa BJJ Open

Gold – 2022 November SAU – No Gi

Silver – 2022 November SAU – Gi

Gold – 2023 Ontario Sub. Series

Silver – 2024 Canadian Nationals

Gold – 2024 Ontario Provincials

 Silver – 2025 Canadian Nationals

 

Andrew Hart has been a cornerstone of the Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy for over a decade. A former military leader and educator, he’s dedicated his life to service, mentorship, and community empowerment. His teaching background and compassionate nature were first nurtured through work with seniors and preschoolers.

Since 2014, Hart has trained in MMA, Muay Thai, and BJJ under Head Coach Stephane D’Amour, earning a BJJ Brown Belt and Level 11 MMAFA/ATT Instructor certification. He’s studied with icons like Marcos Da Matta and Ricardo Liborio, proudly continuing the Carlson Gracie lineage.

Hart’s impact goes beyond martial arts—he inspires through discipline, resilience, and care, fostering a culture of growth and inclusion that empowers students of all ages.

mak

Mak Love

Kids Program Coordinatior

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Purple / Red Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt / 3rd Stripe

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

 

woodsey

David Woods

Adult MMA & Muay Thai Coordinator

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Brown / Black Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt / 2nd Stripe

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

vicki

Victoria McQuade

Girls & Ladies BJJ Coordinator

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Green / Purple Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt / 3rd Stripe

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

jacob

Jacob Gordon

Kids BJJ & MMA Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Brown / Black Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt / 2nd Stripe

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

Silver – 2022 Ontario Sub. Series – Ottawa

Bronze – 2022 Ontario BJJ Open

Bronze – 2023 Ontario Sub. Series – Ottawa

Silver – 2023 Ottawa Open – Gi Division

Silver – 2024 March ASG Open

Bronze – 2024 – Ontario Provincial Champ.

Katie

Katie Snider

Kids MMA & BJJ Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Purple Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

Bronze – 2022 Ontario Sub. Series – Ottawa

Silver – 2022 Ottawa BJJ Open

tanner

Tanner Longworth

Front Desk & Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Yellow Belt

BJJ – Green Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

stevez

Steven Zabourdaev

Kids MMA Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Green Belt / Purple

BJJ – Yellow / Black Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

Alex Walker

Alex Walker

Kids MMA & BJJ Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Purple / Red Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

matthewk

Matthew Kingston

Kids MMA Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Green Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

jaydena

Jayden Andruss

Kids MMA Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Blue / Green Belt

BJJ – Green / White Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

Silver Medal – 2023 Ottawa BJJ Open

Gold Medal – 2023 Ontario Sub Series – Ottawa

Gold Medal – 2023 Ottawa Open Gi Division

Gold Medal – 2024 Ontario Sub Series – Ottawa

Silver Medal – 2024 – Ottawa BJJ Fall Open

Silver Medal – 2025 – Oshawa BJJ Open

About Us | MMA & Fitness Academy Kanata

Alex Matsypura

Kids MMA Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Blue Belt

BJJ – Blue Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

cameronl

Cameron Lussier

Kids MMA Assistant Coach

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Orange / Blue Belt

BJJ – White Belt

BJJ Lineage – Carlson Gracie / Marcos Da Matta / Stephane D’Amour

jayden

Jayden Chen

Kids MMA Volunteer

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Blue Belt

Shuleen

Shuleen Ramsahaye

Kids MMA Volunteer

Certifications

MMAFA / ATT – Blue Belt

Get in the best shape of your life while learning self-defense

We specialize in beginners!