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Joel Gerson has spent nearly four decades on the mats, training in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Mixed Martial Arts. Over that time, he earned his black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (IBJJF) and Judo (IJF), became one of Canada’s early pioneers in professional MMA, and one of the most trusted instructors for children’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, building structured programs that emphasize safety, discipline, and real confidence.
Joel competed at a high level long before MMA became mainstream in Canada. He trained extensively with the Canadian Olympic Judo Team, earned multiple Canadian Jiu Jitsu Championship titles, and later became a World Master’s Medalist. His journey from athlete to coach was built on disciplined training and unbreakable self-confidence.
Today, as a highly respected leader in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction, he brings a blend of old-school fundamentals and modern training methods to every Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class in Toronto. At REVMMA, Joel gives everyone who steps onto the mats a chance to experience something real: the kind of training that stays with you long after you leave the mat.
In his professional MMA debut, Joel secured a rare and defining win at the time. He stepped into the ring against Rumina Sato, a world champion and one of Japan’s top submission fighters on the planet. Joel submitted him by armbar in the first round.
That victory earned him the cover of Japan’s largest martial arts magazine. Not a bad way to announce yourself on the world stage, especially as a Canadian representing his country on Japanese ground.
The story didn’t stop there. Joe Rogan later referenced Joel’s win on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most listened-to podcasts in the world. In the BJJ and MMA community, that kind of recognition carries real weight.
Joel with Chief of Police brass while training York Region officers at York Region Headquarters.
Joel’s reach extends well beyond the training centre. He is one of a select group of Canadians certified under Big John McCarthy as an official MMA Judge and a Certified Instructor in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu®. And that’s just the beginning:
If you’re a fan of Hollywood action films, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Joel’s work, just not in the way you might expect. The thing is, behind the scenes, he’s coached celebrity actors in the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and real-world fighting techniques, as well as choreographed fight scenes for a range of television productions.
Many film directors, aiming to create something truly memorable, know that authenticity matters. Even with today’s advanced visuals and technology, there’s no substitute for someone who understands martial arts at a professional level. Because at its core, it’s a craft.
Joel leads the best-rated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for adults in Toronto, along with practical self-defense training and structured youth programs at REVMMA. His approach is simple: to develop practical skills through disciplined and well-organized training. And it works brilliantly. There’s nothing better than combining old-school fundamentals with modern systems. And it doesn’t matter if you’re training to get into the best shape of your life, improve self-defense, lose weight, or strengthen your self-confidence.
Every BJJ class reflects the standards Joel has upheld throughout his career:
No matter if you’re looking for BJJ classes or serious personal training in Toronto, Joel’s program is made to meet you where you are, and progress in a way that’s structured, practical, and measurable.
“Joel Gerson is one of the top kids instructors in the world and undoubtedly the best in Toronto, creating a safe and fun environment where students build real confidence and skills that translate into all aspects of life. There’s a reason why his classes are the most popular in the GTA. His extensive experience with adults makes his programs truly world-class.”
– Rener Gracie,
Co-Founder, Gracie University | Grandson of Helio Gracie
