Our Team
Instructors
Justin Lau
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Justin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Michael Aviado/Professor Marco Costa. Justin is passionate about combat sports and often competes in Jiu-Jitsu. Justin leads the BJJ Program at Junction Academy. Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Justin is an active coach, competitor, and referee where he achieved:
ADCC Certified Referee
Canadian National Championship Champion (2024 - Masters)
Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Championship Champion (2022 - Masters)
IBJJF No Gi Pans Champion (2017 - Masters)
OJA Certifed Referee
Annie Le
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Annie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt instructor under Professor Aviado. Passionate about teaching the sport as well as self-defense, Annie is the head of the Youth BJJ program and leads the Women Only BJJ classes at Junction Academy. Annie holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, master’s in digital media, and is a PhD Candidate in Computer Science (working on using predictive modeling to forecast injuries in pediatric athletes)
Annie has been an active competitor since 2017, where she achieved the following successes:
2022 Godai Open - Double Gold (Weight & Absolute)
Next Gen Toronto Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2022)
Ontario Provincial Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist (2021)
3X Canada National Pro Gold Medalist (2018, 2019, 2020)
Morgan Ceh
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Morgan is Junction Academy’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt. Morgan fell in love with martial arts early in life and is passionate about passing on his knowledge. He is a frequent competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and finds that it is a great way to improve his knowledge, confidence, and technical skills. Morgan assists with the Kids BJJ Program at Junction Academy.
Morgan is an active competitor and is a Grappling Industries Toronto Medalist (2022)
Sam DiFabio
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Sam Di Fabio is a compassionate and dedicated Youth Development Professional with extensive experience supporting children with diverse needs. Her background in mental health support and recreational programming demonstrates a commitment to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
As an Educational Assistant at Junction Academy, Sam fills a unique role that sets our program apart. Acting as both a counselor and an assistant to our coaches, she focuses on fostering a positive and nurturing environment for our young athletes. Sam engages with parents, addresses the individual needs of each child, and creates a supportive atmosphere that allows our youth coaches to effectively teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Her presence ensures that every child can thrive, focus, and reach their full potential.
Shahin Safakhoo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling
Shahin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt instructor under Professor Lin. Shahin is energized by the exploration of the mind-body connection through martial arts and taking a strategic & thoughtful approach to martial arts practice. Shahin holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and an MBA with a specialization in strategic management.
Shahin is a hobbyist, an active instructor and has competed at every belt level.
Rocky Rattanvong
Mixed Martial Arts, Submission Grappling
Rocky is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt under the instruction of Marcus Kumala who recently was awarded his Black Belt from the ADCC Veteran/ UFC Welterweight Gunnar Nelson. Rocky has an extensive background in Martial Arts starting at the age of 15, specializing in striking arts and is an active MMA fighter and Submission Grappler. Rocky has a diploma in Music Industry Arts and is responsible for production/sound engineering releases under his own record label.
Tenzin Druktse
Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training
Tenzin is a nationally ranked powerlifter and personal trainer specializing in strength training. His clientele includes both athletes and non-athletes, ranging in age from 12 to 55 years old. With over six years of experience, Tenzin has gained expertise in building strength and muscle through proper programming and athletic mechanics. Tenzin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Toronto Metropolitan University.
He will be creating and leading a strength and conditioning program specifically designed for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Some of Tenzin’s achievements include:
Certified PT (ISSA)
Certified Nutritionist (ISSA)
2018 Cobourg – 2nd (Jr)
2020 SW Championship – 1st (overalls), 1st (Jr)
2023 WRPF-CAN – Royal City Rumble – 1st (93kg open)
2023 WRPF-CAN – Torque Powerlifting Open – 1st (Jr) 2nd (Open)
Rank 30th all time CAN Jr (83kg)
Joy Zhang
Yoga and Mobility
Joy is a certified Yoga Instructor who was trained at Holistic Bodyworx in Mississauga. She has been a yoga enthusiast since the age of 14 and loves to attend yoga classes everywhere she goes to learn new teaching techniques and stay strong in her practice. At Joy’s classes, you’ll notice an emphasis on both physical and mental well-being, as well as cueing and adjustments to make the class suitable for yogis of all levels. Her primary goal is to use yoga to make students feel better inside and out, and achieving certain poses/postures is secondary.
Joy holds a Masters of Accounting from the University of Waterloo and is a CPA by profession. Outside of work, she stays active through recreational sports including dragon boating, curling, ballet, and recently, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
Kyla Welcher
Barazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling
Kyla is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt instructor under Professor Marco Costa. Kyla's dedication to BJJ shines through in her commitment to both personal development and fostering a love for the sport in others, bringing a unique blend of athleticism, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of youth coaching to every class. Kyla is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University.
Kyla has been an active competitor since 2016, and brings 9 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and competing, 600 hours of coaching youth in martial arts and was a standout on the Martingrove Collegiate wrestling team.
Operation Guru’s
Callum Bridges
Events Coordinator
Callum is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White Belt at Junction Academy who has been training under Justin and Annie for the past year. He grew up playing a variety of sports, including competitive hockey and rugby, as well as being an avid fan of camping and hiking. Callum handles the Events Coordination at Junction Academy and would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or inquiries. Callum holds a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Business and a Master’s in Sustainability Management at the University of Waterloo. Callum can be reached at cbridges@junctionacademy.ca.
Callum’s Achievements:
- Employee of the Month (August and September 2023)
Pika
Academy Vibe Coordinator
Pika is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White Belt at Junction Academy who has been training for the past three years. He grew up playing a variety of games, including fetch and find the mud pond, as well as being an avid fan of camping and swimming. Pika handles bringing positive vibes to Junction Academy MMA and would be happy to hear about your day or play soccer with you. Pika is pursing a bachelor’s degree in Ball Retrieval at Stan-fur-d University.
Pika’s Achievements:
- Employee of the Month (July 2023)