MEET THE COACH

Matt has 30 years of grappling experience. He started training and competing in judo at the age of 6 and eventually earned his brown belt in that discipline. Later in his teens he transitioned into no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu training with former UFC champion Carlos Newton and UFC veteran Mark Bocek. Eventually he started to focus more on traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu with his teacher, Cesar Rezek, and was awarded his black belt from Cesar at the Nova Uniao headquarters in Rio de Janeiro after training there for several years (home of UFC champions Jose Aldo, Renan Barao and legendary coach Andre Pederneiras). He also spent almost a year training in Brasilia with 1997 World Champion Joao Roque.

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Matt co-founded Jits Magazine, one of the premiere jiu-jitsu media networks in the world with several million views on their Youtube channel. This venture has lead him to traveling, training, learning, competing and teaching around the world including Brazil, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Europe and more. His travels exposed him to learn techniques from some of the best masters in the sport. Now he is directing his experience and knowledge towards teaching group classes and private lessons in Toronto.

 

EXPERIENCE:

- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (2nd degree)

- Judo Brown Belt

- 30 years of grappling experience

- 16 Years of teaching experience

- Training with world champions & UFC fighters.

- Co-founder of Jits Magazine

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Instructor Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Andre Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek > Matthew Soroka