The people behind the practice.

Thierry has been training jiu-jitsu since 2013. After several years in the gi, he shifted his focus to no-gi and submission-only jiu-jitsu, which now sit at the heart of both his training and coaching. A black belt under Corey Guitard of 10th Planet Calgary, he has competed extensively over the years and continues to train and compete. As the owner and head coach of La Tanière, Thierry has a particular interest in wrestling, leg attacks and guard play. His coaching approach is built around exploration, play and understanding the underlying concepts, helping students develop intelligent, effective jiu-jitsu that fits their individual style. Outside the mats, Thierry is a designer, business owner and lifelong tinkerer. He enjoys building better systems, finding smarter ways to teach and create, and making things work as well as they look. He is also passionate about music, graphic design and boardsports.

Sarah leads La Tanière’s kids and women’s jiu-jitsu programs. She brings a strong background in freestyle wrestling and is studying to become a physical education teacher. Energetic and attentive, she focuses on motor skills, confidence and making time on the mats enjoyable.

Lévis has practiced martial arts for more than 25 years. He began in sanda, a Chinese boxing style that combines punches, kicks and throws. He fought 15 times and won three international titles. Early in his career, he earned the title “Sifu,” meaning instructor. He has trained alongside Georges St-Pierre, Kenny Florian, Rory MacDonald, Nordine Taleb and Olivier Aubin-Mercier. He later devoted himself fully to teaching, coaching several professional athletes at the highest level. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, Lévis also offers private grappling and striking lessons.

Jeffrey trained in the gi all the way to brown belt before discovering no-gi at La Tanière. He leads the Tuesday evening Foundational adult jiu-jitsu class. He also contributes to the kids program and supports the other coaches there. As a father of three, he values patient teaching and an environment where students can learn and build confidence. A McGill University graduate in computer engineering, Jeffrey also brings a thoughtful and analytical approach to both his training and coaching. Outside the gym, he is passionate about music and an avid vinyl collector, with tastes ranging from electronic and alternative music to metal. He is also an animal lover and enjoys spending time with his family.

Charlie is an experienced freestyle wrestler who trains at Montreal Wrestling Club, based at the National Training Centre. He has also served on the coaching staff of the Billings High School wrestling team. In competition, he won the Copa Sparta in Puerto Rico, earned several provincial gold medals and distinguished himself at the national level. At La Tanière, he shares his expertise to help members develop their wrestling skills.

Frédérick, nicknamed “Maître Renard,” is one of La Tanière’s longest-standing members and a pillar of the community. A formidable grappler, he leads the Friday afternoon class, sharing his experience and love of jiu-jitsu. A father of three, he enjoys boxing, board games and comic books. A former dog walker and animal lover, he is also known for his battle-rapping skills. On and off the mats, he combines technique, intensity and a sense of humour all his own.

Kyle has been part of La Tanière since 2020 and is one of its proudest, most loyal representatives. He brings intensity, consistency and dedication to the daytime classes he teaches, sharing his enthusiasm for solid, effective jiu-jitsu. Behind that intensity is a strategist: when he is not passing someone’s guard, Kyle plays chess or works on 3D printing. Fascinated by different forms of combat and how styles fit together, he is always thinking about his next move. Whether he is working with chess pieces or 3D-printed parts, he finds a way to keep you in check.

Hugo is part of La Tanière’s kids jiu-jitsu coaching team. Passionate about jiu-jitsu, he focuses on technical development, discipline and helping young athletes enjoy their training. Away from the mats, he is a real estate broker, food enthusiast and accomplished cook. An avid traveller, he enjoys discovering new cultures and flavours. He also loves skateboarding and snowboarding, always looking for a little adrenaline.

Nicolas is pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. He has practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2019, starting in the gi. He enjoys sharing what the sport has taught him, particularly discipline and perseverance. Outside the mats, his interests include climbing, 3D printing and guitar.