Professor Egor has more than 25 years experience in different martial arts, including Russian Sambo, Judo, Krav Maga and of course Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Egor is a 1st degree black belt in BJJ; received his black belt from a pioneer of MMA in this country professor Shah Franco in 2013. Winner and medalist of numerous tournaments including Ontario Open, IBJJF Toronto Open International and Montreal ADCC Pro Trials, Egor is continuously improving in the arts as an instructor as well as a fighter. Egor is also known locally as a master of leg locks – taking his knowledge of Russian Sambo he reintroduced them to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
Egor is the founder of Redstar BJJ Kimonos – a very well known and successful BJJ kimono brand, and big supporter of grappling community in Ontario and North America.
647.782.4555
egor@primalmma.ca
Sensei Fernando Katayama brings to the mats more than 35 years of experience in judo and jiu jitsu, having begun his training at the young age of 4. Shortly after beginning his judo training, Fernando began incorporating more ground fighting in both judo (“newaza”) and Brazilian jiu jitsu, alongside his self-defense training in jiu jitsu.
Fernando’s vast experience includes numerous competitions ranging from local to international tournaments, and with a competition career spanning over 20 years in which he trained with elite level athletes and coaches. Notably, he lived in Japan for a year, training at International Budo University, under judo legend Sensei Kashiwasaki and at the prestigious Kodokan Institute, where he obtained his Black Belt in judo. He is also a Black Belt in Brazilian Jij-jitsu under Kodansha Odair Borges, and a 3rd degree Black Belt in International JuJutsu.
Fernando is an experienced instructor and has been teaching judo and jiujitsu to students (“kohais”) since the early 90’s. His approach to teaching incorporates the core values of Budo and the fundamental principles of judo: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness/respect, veracity, honor, and loyalty. For him, the ultimate goal is to make the student better, both as a person, and as an athlete. Even with his extensive experience, Sensei Katayama is humble and continues to learn from those he trains with.
A former Professional MMA Fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Professor Seiji brings a high level skill set and expansive wealth of knowledge to the mats to the mats at Primal MMA.
Ben is one of our Jiu Jitsu instructors, and brings his conceptual approach and hard work ethic to our AM classes. He holds a Blue Belt under Professor Egor Radzik, and is an Ontario Jiu Jitsu Provincial Champion. Ben’s classes are always high energy, and incorporate a lot of chain drilling and situational sparring. Guaranteed to get your day started off right, Ben tries to lead by example: Work hard, stay humble!
I am the head instructor of the Muay Thai program at Primal. My background and how I came into martial arts is very simple. It was purely by accident. But is now a major passion in my life.
I have been training for the past 6 years and have been teaching for the past 3. Teaching Muay Thai is one of my favourite things to do as I can help and connect with so many people as well as improve on my own game through teaching. I have a professional of 7-0 in Muay Thai / Kickboxing and 1-0 in MMA.
I hope to fight professionally in the UFC.
Edwin’s fascination with martial arts began with Saturday afternoons with Bruce Lee. His obsession led him to Ed Advincula of Tiger Gym where received his Muay Thai certification, via master Tong in 1992.
Incorporating 15 years of fitness and 25 years in martial arts, Edwin’s is enthusiasm about each athlete’s development and journey and he will stop at nothing to assist them there.
At the age of 20, Kiian Knight has already gained a great reputation in the fight world and fitness industry. As a certified Canfit level 1 personal trainer and amateur competitive kickboxer, he has taught and teaches a variety of classes around the city, including kickboxing, full body circuit, and strength training . Kiian has participated in martial arts since the age of 6, specifically developing a passion for kickboxing in his teens. In 2014, he held the title as a North American K1 kickboxing champion. Currently he is an amateur competitive fighter and loves to share his passion for kickboxing and fitness with those who want to get fit and learn to fight.
Growing up Jack always knew fitness and athletics were his passion. He grew up in a gym watching his father, a personal trainer, work with client after client, hoping that one day he too would follow a similar path. At the age of 16 Jack took up boxing in hopes of taking his overall fitness and self-confidence to a new level, and in return he discovered that fighting was what he was meant to do. Boxing helped him grow as an athlete, and as a young man. He’s competed at the local, provincial, national, and international level and hopes to soon land a spot on Canada’s Olympic squad. Teaching boxing lessons has only helped him grow as a fighter, and although first round knockouts are the icing on the cake for him, seeing the day-to-day improvement in his classes might be the cherry on top.
A former elite middle distance track athlete, Thomas has taken his passion for athletics and fitness and molded it into a vessel for helping others achieve their personal fitness, health and athletic goals. Thomas has worked in the sports and recreation industry since 2002, as an athletics coach and strength trainer. In 2009, he began training full time in London before returning to Toronto in 2011. After years of working in a big chain gym, disenchanted by the work environment and training methods, he opted to open Primal Movement and forge his own vision for a fitness facility that puts it’s members and clients first. Since it’s opening Primal has seen two expansions with the addition of Primal MMA and Training Studio / Clinic in 2014.
Thomas believes in a wholistic approach to training, encompassing all aspects of fitness and wellness, both body and mind. He views the human being as an athlete inherently, and trains his clients following this mantra. Thomas trains clients of all ages, with a wide spectrum of goals. From young athletes looking to gain an edge with their strength and conditioning, to individuals who simply want to look and feel better through weight loss, lean muscle development and a change in body composition. His specialties include Hypertrophy (muscle development), Fat Loss, Injury Rehabilitation, Athletic Conditioning and Strength and Conditioning for MMA.
416.899.9183
thomas@primalmma.ca
Beginning his martial arts journey at a local karate studio in the small town of Tottenham, Connor developed a love for martial arts as a form of self expression. Finding the rigorous perfect form that karate demands as too controlling, he found passion in the more freeing creative sport of mixed martial arts. Once he could he moved to a more Muay Thai/MMA influenced gym, as well as taking a trip to Thailand to better understand the art. Converting to a plant based diet in 2015, nutrition has always been important to his success as a martial artist. First stepping into the cage at 17, he has found his strength and inspiration in the people he surrounds himself with, including Connor’s wife Yasmin, who is also a Primal MMA member.
As a passionate martial artist, Connor Rideout truly views the mats and the cage as his canvas and enjoys being creative with how to get the edge. Also getting the opportunity to step in and teach Muay Thai classes, which he would sometimes spend hours preparing for a lesson, while also leading and working with the MMA team during Saturday open mats. Connor is a BJJ blue belt with aspirations of someday being deserving of a black, who also competes regularly in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Believing in openly critiquing yourself, being open to the experience and knowledge of others, showing your passion through work, expressing your individuality and understanding what is natural for your body is what Connor finds key in becoming a successful martial artist.
I’m Lou Berkovits, a practicing yogi and Power Yoga teacher committed to sharing my love and passion for yoga. I teach a vinyasa or flow of movements based on the Journey Into Power series created by Baron Baptiste. I have consistently found this series to be the most challenging, rewarding and beneficial. Regardless of how many times I have practiced this flow, no two experiences have ever been the same. Each practice is as unique as that day, as that time, and as that moment. Get ready to work hard, get sweaty, get messy, and create the possibilities that lie within you to evolve into your grounded and true self.
