Expert Instructors

Meet our team

Meet our dedicated team of martial arts instructors! Each member of our staff brings a unique set of skills and a deep passion for martial arts, committed to providing exceptional training and fostering a supportive, empowering community for all our students.

John Nicolichuk
Owner & Head Instructor

Certifications

Awarded Black Belt following approval from Jiu-Jitsu legend Cobrinha; the most decorated Black Belt in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Competed in over 30 events locally and internationally, placing within the top 3 in most of them.

Masterful ability to teach, communicate and guide children with over ten years of experience.

Bio

I started martial arts in 2005 to compete in MMA. After having two bouts cancel last minute, I ended those aspirations and placed my focus solely on Jiu-Jitsu because of how much I enjoyed the community, the grind, and the feeling that came with improving.

I would exceed what was possible for me in Regina, and traveled regularly to train with Jason Gagnon, an active competitor making waves in competition throughout the world. My exposure to him and his team brought my desire and understanding of Jiu-Jitsu to the next level. Now obsessed, I would repeatedly quit working for several months at a time to train and drill technique upwards of 40 hours a week.

I reached a crossroads in 2015 and opened a facility to provide what I knew was missing in Regina. I have since been fortunate to travel the world to train and compete, befriending and training with many world champions. To cap off over a decade of perseverance and dedication by receiving my black belt from Jason alongside Cobrinha was a dream come true.

Having reached a pinnacle, my focus is now solely on the students— selflessly investing into them and providing a school that stays true to it’s roots, operating the way I wish one did as I was progressing in my own Jiu-Jitsu journey.

I believe in selfless service, being simple, authentic and honest, and getting out of the way so students have the unbound freedom to enjoy their own journey of discovery in the brilliant art and science of Jiu Jitsu.

Jason Burns
Black Belt

Jason has been training for 10 years, is a local tattoo artist and a compassionate human being who loves Jiu Jitsu. He received his black belt in 2024 from Jason Gagnon.

Chaun McCurdy
Black Belt

Chaun has been training Jiu-Jitsu for 9 years, teaches our morning and lunch classes, is a fitness enthusiast and family man.

Tan Singh
Brown Belt

Tan is an engineer and former center for the University of Saskatoon’s basketball team. He achieved the rank of brown belt in just 3 years (less than half the time of an average student) due to his attention to detail, passion, athletic ability and analytic mind.