Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes offered at fitness academy

Student Natalie Wall practices an escape technique with instructor Calvin Smith. Various techniques are employed to modify your position and get out of situations in order to neutralize a larger opponent. (Robin Krafft Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

North Broadway Martial Fitness Academy focuses on the intersection of body, mind and spirit. Their doors are open for anyone interested in attending Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Pastor Benjamin Emery, who moved to Tillsonburg in July 2025, would like to extend a welcome to the community to attend the classes.

“My family has quickly come to love North Broadway Church and the Tillsonburg community,” Pastor Emery said. “The church has people from all generations and many different nationalities who live their faith in unity. Tillsonburg has a small-town feel and a rich diversity of people. We are proud to call Tillsonburg our home.”

He is eager to get the word out. He said that both men and women are welcome, adding that he has a particular passion for ministering to men. Growing up without a positive male role model led to some trouble in his teen years, dropping out of high school, and joining the Canadian Armed Forces at 20. During his 11 years of service, he found his calling, but he also noticed a trend among the men he served with.

“Without a healthy vision for manhood, camaraderie, and purpose, men often struggle with addictions, depression, and isolation,” Pastor Emery said. “While in the military, I had camaraderie and purpose, but like many soldiers, when I left, I no longer had those. I found faith through Jesus Christ, and I gained not only friends and purpose but also a clear vision of what it means to be a healthy man. That is why I have a passion for seeing men transformed into men of integrity and honour, who protect others and live with purpose. At North Broadway Fitness Academy, men and women can find friendship and fitness and learn to defend themselves and others.”

The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) involves practical self-defence strategies, with academy classes overseen by Calvin Smith. Smith holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the founder of the academy, he teaches most of the adult classes. Distinguished and well-known instructor Professor Dave Dominy holds a fourth degree black belt in BJJ. Dominy oversees the belt grading of all students and conducts yearly seminars.

Along with physical fitness and improved dexterity, there are many other benefits to attending the classes, such as increased mental acuity and critical thinking skills, confidence, and the social benefits of fellowship and spirituality.

“Response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 87 people registering already in our first three months,” Smith said. “Impact on the students have ranged from new-found fellowship among attendees, the obvious health benefits of adding a weekly physical fitness routine, and the opportunity for students to emulate God’s attributes (as explained in 1 Corinthians 13) while training.”

Classes are for anyone over 15 years of age, and they are hoping to offer classes for younger children within the next six months. Instruction includes grappling techniques on the ground and how to neutralize a larger opponent.

“With the general public’s awareness and concern of the risk and dangers of concussions in sports of all kinds, BJJs emphasis on self-defence through grappling and submissions rather than striking makes it a popular choice,” Smith explained. “It is also widely recognized as one of the most practical and effective self-defence arts worldwide, allowing people smaller and weaker than their opponents to defend themselves effectively under stress.”

Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Broadway Baptist Church located at 6 North Street East.

Online registration is available. No previous experience is required, but you do need to have medical approval. You do not need to be a member of the church to attend the classes. Anyone interested can try a class with no cost or obligation. There is a suggested honorarium of $20 a month to help cover costs for those who join.

Assistant coach Riley Wall and his wife Natalie attend the classes together. He eagerly enumerated the benefits of BJJ that he has personally experienced.

“Physically it’s a good workout,” Wall said. “Mentally, techniques are shared that stretch the brain and the memory. You have to remember what’s taught and put it into practice physically because the techniques are situational. I’ve noticed an improvement in hand-eye coordination, flexibility and self-awareness. I’ve made a lot of good friends and it’s something that me and my wife get to do together, we get to work out together.”