One of the most exciting benefits of moving into our own space is the opportunity to expand our program offerings based on feedback from our community. With that in mind, we’re very excited to announce the launch of three new programs at Eastside Jiu-Jitsu Club and to shout out to another.
New Programs
Kickboxing / Muay Thai
Coach Paula Vaz will lead our kids and adult kickboxing program on Thursdays and Saturdays. Paula has trained in martial arts for over 20 years, has black belts across multiple disciplines, is a women’s self-defence instructor, and is a certified Kids Trainer in addition to many other certifications. Paula has represented Team Canada at the World Kickboxing Association and is currently an active Crossfit competitor and coach.
Joining Paula to round out our striking program is Abderrahmane “Abdi” Daghefali. Abdi will be teaching kids and adult Muay Thai on Tuesdays. The key distinction between kickboxing and Muay Thai is that kickboxing focuses on kicks and punches whereas Muay Thai incorporates kicks, punches, elbows, and knees. Abdi is an experienced martial artist and has over eight years of Muay Thai experience. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt.
Paula and Abdi are both exceptional instructors and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the team!
Yoga
Lianna MacDonald will be leading our yoga program on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Lianna is a certified meditation, yoga instructor, and life coach. Lianna has over 300 hours of yoga training, including specializations in Hatha and Yin yoga. She has taught at studios in Ottawa and Toronto, including Rama Lotus, The Peace Room, Where I Thrive, and various gyms across the city. She currently helps corporate clients through yoga and mindfulness and runs Lianna Michelle Life Coaching.
Whether you’re a competitor looking to improve your recovery, relieve your day-to-day stress or find out how using your breath can increase your stamina on the mats, we’re very excited for all of our members to experience the benefits of yoga at EJC.
Eastside Strong
Matt McKay will be leading our Eastside Strong program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Matt is a co-founder of Eastside Jiu-Jitsu Club, our head BJJ instructor, a high-level, brown belt competitor, AND a certified personal trainer. Leveraging all of his experience, Matt will program strength and conditioning circuits that are accessible and challenging for beginners and experienced members.
If you want to lose weight, gain strength, and/or improve conditioning while having fun with great members of our community, join us for Eastside Strong!
Honourable Mention
Women’s Jiu-Jitsu
Coach Rachael Daniels continues to lead the only Women’s Only BJJ program in Orleans. Women are one of the fastest-growing demographics in martial arts and Rachael creates an accessible (and fun!) entry point for all women, at any fitness level, looking to experience the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to give Coach Rachael’s class a try!
We’ve already shared the benefits of martial arts training for adults and children so what are you waiting for? Click here to join the amazing community at Eastside Jiu-Jitsu Club!
See you on the mats.