My martial arts journey began in 2005. Inspired by my big brother, the ufc, and martial arts movies I found the nearest local gym and began training. Throughout my 20 years of training I’ve had the opportunity to practice Boxing, Muay Thai, Savate, Kali, DBMA, CSW, MMA, Judo, Wrestling and I have achieved a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. As the result of my years of training I have been able to run a Muay Thai program at the University of Toronto Mississauga, a Wrestling program with Beat The Streets Toronto, as well as coach many athletes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and MMA.

Sam Zakula is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 30 years of experience and one of Canada’s most accomplished martial arts coaches. He trained under legends João Roque and Marc Laimon, and has coached Canada’s first UFC champion, multiple UFC top-10 fighters, and athletes who qualified and competed at the prestigious ADCC World Championships.

With over 30 years of training and experience, Sam Zakula is one of the most credentialed coaches in Canadian martial arts history. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Sam has studied under some of the world’s most respected figures, including João Roque—1997 World BJJ Champion and top 10 MMA fighter of his era—and Marc Laimon, who holds victories over ADCC champions Jeff Monson and Dean Lister and has coached several UFC world champions.

Sam’s coaching legacy is equally impressive. He played a key role in training Canada’s first UFC champion, along with multiple top-10 UFC fighters. His athletes have achieved success at the highest levels of grappling, with three winning the North American ADCC Trials and three competing at the prestigious ADCC World Championships.

Beyond his achievements on the mats, Sam has lived and trained across the globe—including New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and Guam—bringing a wealth of international experience to his students.

Hi guys i’m Jenelle Garcia My dad loved martial arts my entire life and practiced Karate in his youth. So when I turned, 5 he put me in a local Karate program which also had BJJ classes. That’s how my Dad and I got introduced to jiujitsu and the UFC. I loved it. Grew up roughhousing with my brother and cousins because of it. At 8, I had joined a local kids mma program and at 15, I started cleaning a local gym to cover my own membership. Received my blue belt at 18, began instructing kids classes as well as training and competing in Kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. Today I continue my amateur career by competing and training in striking, BJJ and MMA with expectations of a pro career!