Instructors
Professor Ryan McGillivray - 3rd Degree Black Belt (Head Instructor)
Professor Ryan McGillivray is a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, former professional mixed martial artist, and Head Instructor at Gracie Barra Edmonton. Ryan has dedicated more than two decades to training, competing, and coaching at the highest levels of the sport. In 2011, he gained international recognition as a contestant on Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC's reality competition series, competing alongside many of the world's top MMA prospects.
Throughout his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career, Ryan has earned podium finishes at many of the sport's most prestigious events, including a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships, a bronze medal at the World Championships, gold medals at the Seattle Open, Long Beach Open, Las Vegas Open, American Nationals, and California Open, silver medals at the Long Beach Open Absolute, American Nationals, American Nationals Absolute, Las Vegas Open Absolute, and California Open, and bronze medals at the American Nationals Absolute and Las Vegas Open Absolute. His success across every belt rank—from blue belt through black belt—reflects years of sustained excellence, consistency, and dedication to the art.
Today, Ryan leads Gracie Barra Edmonton with a passion for developing students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching combines elite competitive experience, proven coaching expertise, and the Gracie Barra philosophy to help students build confidence, technical proficiency, discipline, and success both on and off the mats.
Professor Logan Ross - Black Belt (Adults & Teens Instructor)
Logan Ross began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Gracie Barra Edmonton in 2015. Since then, he has dedicated himself to continuous learning, competition, and helping others grow through the art.
Over the past decade, Logan has competed throughout North America, earning more than 40 medals, including over 30 gold medals and six Absolute titles. His accomplishments include podium finishes at major IBJJF events, including the American Nationals and IBJJF BJJ Pro tournaments. His competitive experience shapes his technical approach while reinforcing the values of discipline, resilience, and lifelong improvement.
Logan's journey has also been defined by perseverance. After stepping away from training to overcome a serious battle with ulcerative colitis, he returned to the mats with a renewed appreciation for Jiu-Jitsu and a passion for coaching. He earned his brown belt under Professor Pedro at Carlson Gracie before returning to Gracie Barra Edmonton in 2025, where he began teaching alongside Professor Ryan McGillivray. Later that year, he was awarded his black belt by Professors Roberto "Tussa" Alencar and Ryan McGillivray.
As an instructor, Logan is passionate about creating a welcoming, challenging, and supportive environment where students of all experience levels can build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and achieve their personal goals—whether they are training for self-defense, fitness, competition, or personal growth.
Professor Lyle Jackson - 1st Degree Black Belt (Kids 7-9 Instructor)
Professor Lyle Jackson began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2013 after years of searching for a form of fitness he truly enjoyed. Although he had played many sports growing up and later trained in boxing and kickboxing, it was Jiu-Jitsu that became his passion. Joining Gracie Barra Edmonton in its early days, he was part of a close-knit team that helped build the academy's strong culture.
Not long after he started training, Lyle began assisting with the kids' program alongside Professor Ryan. After earning his blue belt, he transitioned from a career in EMS into coaching, eventually teaching Tiny Champs, Little Champs, and GB1 classes while also helping with the academy's daily operations.
Lyle earned every belt under Professor Ryan, receiving his black belt in 2022 and his first degree in 2025. He remains grateful to Gracie Barra Edmonton for the opportunity to train, teach, and learn alongside everyone from brand-new students to world champion black belts.
Coach Logan Anderson - Purple Belt (Kids 4-6 Instructor)
Logan began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of nine and quickly developed a passion for the technical side of the art. Although he took several years away from training, his love for Jiu-Jitsu never faded. After returning to Gracie Barra Edmonton, he quickly rediscovered his passion and has since become one of the academy's most dedicated young competitors.
Logan has earned multiple provincial championship titles and continues to pursue success at the national level. As one of the youngest purple belts at Gracie Barra Edmonton, he is committed to continually refining his skills both on and off the mats.
For Logan, Jiu-Jitsu has always been more than a sport—it has been a source of confidence, focus, and personal growth. Since returning to training in 2021, it has become a constant positive influence in his life.
Logan began assisting with classes in 2023 before stepping into a coaching role of his own. Known for his positive attitude, patience, and willingness to help others, he is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where students can build confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Amiellie Lanteigne- Blue Belt (Kids 4-6 Assistant)
Amiellie began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2023 and quickly developed a passion for both gi and no-gi training. She has competed locally and enjoys challenging herself by competing in the adult division.
A dedicated homeschool parent, Amiellie trains alongside her children and values the opportunity to learn and grow together through Jiu-Jitsu. In 2025, she stepped into a leadership role assisting with the Gracie Barra Kids program and is currently pursuing her ICP certification.
Known for her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and supportive nature, Amiellie is passionate about helping young students build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy their time on the mats while continuing to grow as a practitioner herself.
