Coaches

Geoff Griplas -  Boxing Coach   Geoff is a world class trainer with more than a decade of experience in the sports and fitness industry. He has studied physiology, kinesiology, and is a certified fitness coach. His training methods and professional techniques are designed to optimize your potential. Geoff is a former rugby captain and decorated wrestler and after reconstructive knee surgery in 1999 he began boxing. A few years later he won the silver medal at the Ontario Provincial Boxing Championships for his category. Geoff is now a certified boxing coach and has been working his craft with up and coming boxers the last several years. Geoff is the only coach in Ontario who is certified in both boxing and wrestling. Geoff, alongside his brother Marc coach the Canterbury Chargers wrestling team and since their inaugural season in 2006 they have become a force on the Ottawa wrestling scene. Geoff is also the President of the National Capital Boxing Club which is located at Algonquin College. Please visit: www.FightTeam.ca

email: geoff@FightTeam.ca
phone:613.983.1662

Jamie Helmer  -  Thai Boxing Coach Jamie Helmer’s journey in Muay Thai Boxing, as a practitioner and instructor, has taken more than a decade.  He has trained at a number of different gyms in a number of different cities: Ottawa, Toronto, Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Ko Samui.  He was accredited with a certification as a “Kru" (instructor) of Muay Thai Boxing under Ajarn (master) Suchart Yodkerepauprai of Siam #1 in 2005.  While this accreditation means a lot to him, it is also important that he has competed and has had students compete in Muay Thai Boxing. This means a lot of what you will learn is not only based on theory, but also on proven techniques that have been successfully used in the ring. Lastly, he would like to give you his assurance that you will receive the same quality of care from him, and his instructors, that have made the students at Ronin MMA successful for more than 7 years!

Brock Williams - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach Brock Williams is a  fourth year student at the University of Ottawa. he is studying for his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He began his grapplingcareer in Toronto and has been involved with different forms of it since 15 years old.  He currently has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has been heavily involved with the sport for close to 6 years. He moved to Ottawa in 2007 and began training with Ronin MMA. Since then,  has competed in various tournaments including the 2009 FILA Grappling World Team Trials, 2010 Abu Dhabi North American Pro Cup, won the 2007 Joslin's Canadian Open and placed 3rd at the 2011 Abu Dhabi North American Pro Cup.

Terry Rea - Mixed Martial Arts Coach  Terry got into combat sports at a young age training in boxing and kickboxing. He competed in wrestling while in high school then started his journey into the world of BJJ, submission grappling and Muay Thai. he has competed many  times over the years in both GI and no GI tournaments. he has competed professionally in MMA and will continue to be an active competitor in both MMA and Grappling. he is a certified personal trainer with many years of experience working in the fitness industry. There is nothing he is more passionate about than training and teaching and hopes to it have as part of his life for many years to come.

Ben Sayah- Wrestling  Coach Ben is a competetive freestyle wrestler who lives and breathes fitness. With over 7 years  of on the mat experience and over 10 years weight training Ben will help guide those willing to learn to a new, competetive, level. Ben strongly believes in developing solid fundamentals before jumping to advanced techniques and is both patient and passionate about teaching them. Several of his achievements include 2010 University National Gold, 2007 Olympic Trials Gold and two time Ottawa Sports Award winner. Ben is also a NCCP level 1 coach and has 2 years of Kinesiology education.

  MICHELE O’LEARY-Kickboxing Coach Michèle’s passion for fitness and martial arts started at a very young age when she joined Karate at the age of 8. She attained her Second Degree Black Belt.Years later, Michèle trained in Kickboxing and Boxing. She won the Kickboxing Gold Medal at the 2009 WKC World Championships in Dublin Ireland.She has a continued desire to improve her skills and broaden her experience. Michèle is currently studying Muay Thai and recently returned from a trip to Thailand where she studied Thai Boxing at Sasiprapa gym in Bangkok.Michèle loves to encourage and push others to be the best they can be.  She is now running her own small business, STRIVE.STRIVE offers personal training, martial arts and fitness classes for both children and adults.  For more information please e-mail Michèle at striveottawa@gmail.com

Wayne Boucher-Krav Maga Instructor.Wayne Boucher discovered a love for the Martial arts at a young age. He began his training in Goju Ryu Karate, Kung fu and then spent twelve years kickboxing. As he pursued a career in law enforcement he moved from the combative to more use of force training and control tactics.  After an introduction to Krav Maga through seminars and private lessons, Wayne pursued his instructor’s certification and passed his CIC in August 2011; Wayne is currently ranked as a G1 and will be offering classes at the Impact Zone in Algonquin College. Currently Wayne is the Fitness and Wellness Cordinator and teaches in the Police Foundations at Algonquin College.

Ben Winsor - Krav Maga Instructor Ben has almost 20 years of martial arts training. He has trained in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Arnis,  and most recently begin training/competing in Brazilian Ju Jitsu. Ben began taking Krav Maga lessons 8 years ago, traveling the world and training in both the civilian and commando techniques. He is currenty ranked G1 with the IKMF and received his instructor certification in 2011.