Coaches

Justin Sander, founder and owner of The Ludus Martial Arts Academy is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with over 10 years of combined experience in BJJ, Mixed Martial Arts, and Wrestling. He has competed in competitions all over North America including Ultimate Mat Warriors (under EBI rules), King of the Cage, and World Series of Fighting. 

Justin has coached a variety of successful programs such as:

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• Implemented and coached the Jiu-Jitsu programs at The Little Sweatshop where he was the head coach for four years. Programs included: Teddy Bear Jitz, Kids BJJ, Adult Fundamental BJJ, Competitive/Advanced Adult BJJ, and Women's only classes and camps.

• Instructor with The BJJ Program (Donnan Elementary School and Vimy Ridge Academy) for the last 3 years.

• Self-Defense instructor for EMS and First Responders.

• BJJ Instructor at Complete Fitness and Martial Arts.

Curt Malin is a 2nd degree Black Belt, under Eduardo Telles, Team 99

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In 2008, Curt founded The BJJ Program in partnership with the Edmonton Public School Board, becoming the Director and Head Instructor for Donnan Elementary School and Vimy Ridge Academy in Edmonton.

Curt specializes in Turtle Guard within both disciplines of BJJ (Gi and No-Gi).

Travis Marshall is a brown belt in BJJ, specializing in Gi techniques. Travis has been training Jiu-Jitsu for more than 10 years and began coaching 2 years ago, filling in as needed at Complete Fitness & Martial Arts before transitioning over to coaching Gi at the Little Sweatshop. Travis's successful competition experience has helped him develop a wide array of styles and techniques that are currently used in high-level competitions, equipping him with the tools to teach his students a well-rounded approach to BJJ:

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• 5 years Muay Thai Kickboxing Experience

• 2-0 Amateur MMA Record

• IBJJF 2019 No-Gi World’s Competition: Silver and Bronze medalist (Weight & Absolute)

• IBJJF San Jose Open Double Gold

Dayna Starke BJJ blue belt who has been training with Justin Sander for 3 years. Dayna has a degree in child psychology and is a Diverse Needs Behavioral Consultant which makes her an invaluable asset to The Ludus Martial Arts Academy!  In fact, since Dayna began assisting Justin with his kids BJJ classes over a year ago she’s helped create new and fun ways for students to remember the more complex BJJ techniques. She has also assisted with the Women's only programs, where she emphasized proper technique and building confidence in the participants.

Nick Felber is a former Canadian Forces Infantry Soldier with more than 7 years of kickboxing and MMA experience. He also has extensive experience with: 

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• Competing in the World Kickboxing Championships

• Amateur MMA fighting

• Canadian Forces Combatives (hand-to-hand combat) team member 

• Former High Risk Youth Worker in Edmonton

Amanda Evoy is a diverse fitness instructor that has connected body positivity in people of all races and genders with strength building and cardio activities. She has extensive experience with the following: 

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• 5 years as a dance instructor

• 2 years as a dance instructor for members of the Sherwood Park Robin Hood Learning Centre

• Pilates and HIIT instructor for more than 2 years

• Pole Fitness Instructor for 6 months

• Performer, Zumba, and Stretch Instructor at The Secrets Resort in Huatulco, Mexico for one year