Click on picture of an instructor to find out more about them.
Kasey Smith
Kasey Smith
Kasey Smith is The Sound Martial Art's Head Kickboxing instructor and a Checkmat Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kasey started his BJJ and kickboxing career 10 years ago with Squamish Martial Arts. In that time Kasey he’s gone on to train under the tutelage of Adam Ryan he has become one of the foremost kickboxing and MMA coaches in the Sea to Sky.
Under Kasey’s watchful eye, his brother Cole signed with the UFC, become BFL bantamweight champion as well as Chaing Mai 157lbs Muay Thai Champion in Thailand. Kasey has also trained and cornered numerous professional fighters such as Tristan Connelly as well as many of the Sound athletes including Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels & Gwyn Berry.
Mike Nasu
Mike Nasu
Mike is a Checkmat Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Leo Vieira & Tristan Connelly.
Mike has traveled the world to develop his Jiu-Jitsu knowledge at the Checkmat Headquarters with Leo Vierira, Marcelo Garcia’s academy in NYC, the original Gracie Barra Academy in Rio de Janeiro, and many more. He has also trained with World Champions - Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Braulio Estima, Xande Ribeiro, Mackenzie Dern, Luanna Alzuguir, Ricardo Vieira, Gezary Matuda, Lucas Lepri, & Bruno Malfacine.
Mike also competed at the 2015 IBJJF World Masters tournament in Las Vegas.
Johnny Thomaidis
Johnny Thomaidis
At a young age Johnny Thomaidis was interested in martial arts. He started his martial arts journey with karate at the age of six and then moved onto Mui Thai kick boxing until the age of seventeen. When Johnny was drafted into the South African military he continued with combat training for two years. After he was done with his military service he moved to British Columbia and became an active mountain biker on the North Shore Mountains. Now living in Squamish BC, Johnny has found the art of Jiu-Jitsu and has rekindled his passion for the martial arts. He trains in jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA and currently holds the rank of Purple belt under Adam Ryan. Johnny is an active BJJ competitor and has won numerous Gold’s at several tournaments including the IBJJF and CBJJF. His kids and wife also train and are a big part of his inspiration. He loves to see his kids’ progress and loves being a part of their journey to the black belt level. One of Johnny’s true passions is teaching children the art of Jiu-Jitsu and helping them believe in themselves.
Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels
Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels
Jamey is a Top Ranked MMA fighter fighting for the TKO MMA organization out of Montreal. Jamey is a Checkmat Purple Belt and regularly competes in local Jiu-jitsu Tournaments to stay sharp. Jamey was born and raised in Squamish and currently holds an undefeated Pro MMA Record with 6 win streak. Jamey believes in giving back to her community through coaching local kids in various sports and competing in the annual Squamish Days Logger Sports competition. Jamey is an avid competitor in many sports and has a passion for dogs, camping, and the outdoors.
Tristan Connelly
Tristan Connelly
Tristan is one of the top ranked Lightweight MMA fighters in Canada and is the current RISE FC & Cage Sport Lightweight Champion. Tristan is a Checkmat Black Belt in BJJ under Adam Ryan and is a true student of the game by staying on the cutting edge of new BJJ techniques . Tristan also teaches Jiu-Jitsu at EA sports and is the head instructor/owner at Checkmat Vancouver.
Cole Smith
Cole Smith
Cole is a Checkmat Brown Belt under Adam Ryan and currently signed with the UFC. Cole is also a Professional Boxer & Muay Thai fighter. Cole recently won his debut UFC fight, and is also the current BFL Bantam Weight Champion with a Professional MMA record of 7-0. Cole has lived and trained in Thailand and has a perfect record of 15-0 while capturing 3 stadium belts.
Neil McWatt
Neil McWatt
Neil is currently a Checkmat Brown belt and is a seasoned BJJ practitioner who believes that the only limitations to your success are the ones you let prevent it. Neil is a strong advocate of fundamentals; his style of instruction builds upon the core basics while gaining fluidity between them. He is passionate about teaching and has a welcoming personality.
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