Business Details
14 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Nanaimo
Founded in 2012, CJ Martial Arts & Fitness has established itself as a premier destination for martial arts training on Vancouver Island. Our founders, Cara and Jordy Denney, bring decades of combined competitive experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing to create a unique learning environment that emphasizes technical excellence and personal growth. With structured programs for all ages and skill levels, we combine traditional martial arts principles with modern training methodologies to deliver measurable results. Our affiliation with the West Coast Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association ensures access to championship-level techniques and instruction. The facility features a comprehensive 1000-technique BJJ library and specialized youth programs that develop discipline, respect, and physical fitness. Our certified instructors prioritize safety while maintaining rigorous training standards that have produced multiple tournament champions.The gym's supportive community fosters camaraderie among students, creating an environment where individuals can push their limits without fear of injury. We maintain strict adherence to proper form and technique across all disciplines, from stand-up striking to ground grappling. Our functional training programs integrate movement patterns that improve overall athleticism while reducing injury risk. With over 15 years of combined teaching experience, our lead instructors have developed customized regimens for both recreational practitioners and competitive athletes. The facility's structured ranking system provides clear progression metrics for students, while our focus on mental wellness helps practitioners manage stress and build confidence. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that training methods remain current with evolving martial arts standards.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Youth Programs
Personal Training
No Gi Grappling
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer structured programs developed by championship-level instructors
- Our 1000-technique BJJ library provides unparalleled technical resources
- Certified instructors with 15+ years of combined teaching experience
- Specialized youth programs with age-appropriate curriculum
- Affiliated with West Coast BJJ Association for advanced training access
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches effective self-defense techniques using leverage and proper positioning. Students learn joint locks and chokeholds in a structured environment that emphasizes technical proficiency over strength. The curriculum follows a progressive belt system with clear ranking criteria, allowing practitioners to measure their development over time. Regular sparring sessions help students apply techniques in real-world scenarios while maintaining safety protocols.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
This stand-up striking discipline focuses on punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes using the eight-point system. Training includes pad work, heavy bag drills, and controlled sparring to develop power and precision. Our instructors emphasize proper form to maximize effectiveness while minimizing injury risk. Classes incorporate conditioning exercises to improve cardiovascular endurance and overall athleticism.
Youth Programs
Age-specific programs teach children essential life skills through martial arts instruction. Little Ninjas (3-5), Young Warriors (6-9), and Teen classes (10-14) focus on discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Curriculum includes basic techniques adapted to each developmental stage while maintaining safety standards. The structured environment promotes social skills and physical coordination.
Personal Training
Customized one-on-one sessions address individual fitness goals and martial arts proficiency. Certified trainers develop personalized programs combining technical instruction with functional fitness training. Sessions focus on improving specific skills, preparing for competitions, or achieving personal fitness milestones. Training incorporates movement patterns that enhance overall athleticism.
No Gi Grappling
This grappling style emphasizes ground fighting techniques without traditional uniform grips. Training focuses on positional control, transitions, and submission techniques applicable to both sport and self-defense scenarios. Classes develop close-quarters combat skills while improving physical conditioning. The program complements other martial arts disciplines by enhancing ground fighting proficiency.
People
Cara Denney
Muay Thai Kickboxing Instructor/Personal Trainer
Certified personal trainer with 15+ years of martial arts experience, specializing in Muay Thai Kickboxing and functional training. Former competitive athlete with tournament victories across Vancouver Island. Developed customized fitness programs since 2012 at CJ Martial Arts & Fitness.
Jordy Denney
BJJ Black Belt/Head Instructor
Awarded BJJ black belt in 2019 after 10 years of dedicated training. Specializes in technical instruction and competition preparation. Co-founder of CJ Martial Arts & Fitness, bringing championship-level expertise to students since 2012. Regularly trains with top competitors across Western Canada.
Kaitlyn Routeledge
Muay Thai Kickboxing Instructor
Experienced martial arts instructor focusing on stand-up striking techniques. Certified to teach Muay Thai Kickboxing fundamentals and advanced combinations. Contributes to developing the gym's technical curriculum while maintaining safety standards during training sessions.
Kevin Noshkin
BJJ Instructor
Dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor with extensive competition experience. Specializes in teaching technical grappling and submission techniques. Provides structured guidance through the belt ranking system while emphasizing proper form and technique.
Professor Don Whitfield
BJJ Black Belt
Senior martial arts instructor and founder of West Coast BJJ Association. Recognized authority in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with decades of teaching experience. Provides technical oversight and advanced training resources to CJ Martial Arts & Fitness students.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and No Gi Grappling for all skill levels.
Do you offer programs for children?
Yes, we have age-specific youth programs for ages 3-14 including Little Ninjas and Young Warriors classes.
Are there competitive training opportunities?
Our championship-level instructors provide competition preparation with proven techniques from top BJJ practitioners.
What makes your gym different from other martial arts schools?
We combine technical excellence with a supportive environment and access to a 1000-technique BJJ library.
Do you offer personal training sessions?
Yes, we provide customized personal training programs focusing on martial arts skills and functional fitness.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our head instructors hold black belts in BJJ and have competed at high levels, with 15+ years of teaching experience.
