1. Ryan McGillivray – Head Instructor – 2nd Degree Black Belt

Ryan’s journey from UFC fighter to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt is a story of resilience, determination, and unyielding passion. Born on Vancouver Island in 1986, Ryan was an elite athlete from a young age, excelling in AAA baseball, hockey, and lacrosse. His competitive spirit and natural athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with in every sport he tried. However, a spinal injury at 16 threatened to derail his athletic future. Undeterred, Ryan found a new path in mixed martial arts (MMA), where his focus and determination propelled him forward. Over the course of his MMA career, he compiled a 12-6-1 record and earned a spot on Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter. His relentless drive caught the attention of renowned UFC coach Greg Jackson, who invited Ryan to join his world-famous fight camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, Ryan’s career soared, but unfortunately, repeated concussions forced his early retirement from fighting.

After retiring from MMA, Ryan turned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, diving into the sport with the same passion and commitment that had fueled his fighting career. In just four months of dedicated training, Ryan earned his Blue Belt in Brazil. He made an immediate impact, winning gold in his division and silver in the open weight division at the 2012 California Open. Less than six months later, he was awarded his Purple Belt. Over the next few years, Ryan’s talent was undeniable: he won American Nationals twice, claimed gold at the Las Vegas Open, and captured a bronze at the 2015 World Championships. As a Purple Belt, Ryan had firmly established himself as one of the top athletes in the world in his weight class.

Ryan’s rapid progression continued, and in just two years, he earned his Brown Belt. His passion for Jiu-Jitsu only grew, and as a Black Belt under Professor Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, Ryan’s skills and dedication continued to shine. Notable accomplishments include a bronze medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships (Black Belt) and a Gold medal at the 2017 Seattle Open (Black Belt)

Today, Ryan channels his years of experience and passion for martial arts into coaching and training, inspiring others to pursue excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His journey—marked by resilience, perseverance, and growth—serves as a powerful example for students, showing that when one door closes, another always opens.