About Us
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1997, Bindner Academy is a family run, full time, professional Jiu-jitsu school and community located in London, Ontario, Canada - Led by it's founder, Derek Bindner.
OUR PURPOSE & MISSION
To empower and equip our students with martial skill for greater confidence, resilience and strength of mind, body and spirit through the art of jiu-jitsu.
WHAT WE DO
We share the art of Jiu-jitsu as an active and healthy lifestyle that helps maintain physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. No matter your experience or fitness level, we meet you where you are, invest in you fully, and together, we will realize your greatest potential.
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WHY BINDNER ACADEMY
Everything that we do is designed to empower and enhance personal safety, mobility and piece of mind. We believe in people, we value people, and we see the positive impact that Jiu-jitsu training has on our students' lives and community, and we want to share it with you!
HOW WE DO IT
Through personal and small group lessons, we deliver a martial arts education using a highly structured, comprehensive, and separately designed curriculum for kids and adults, taking them from beginner white belt to black belt and beyond. We treat every class like it is the most important lesson we will ever teach.
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OUR SUCCESS
Since 1997, our success and significance comes from the power of invitation, word of mouth, and the culture of excellence that we value and up-hold. Our community is our true treasure.​
OUR STORY
In the 1990s and early 2000s Derek Bindner, a close protection professional (bodyguard), encountered significant conflict and violence. Through these experiences, he gained insights into effective psychological, verbal, and physical strategies for handling undesirable situations, which profoundly shaped his understanding of the world. Having faced bullying in his childhood, he recognized the feeling of powerlessness before beginning martial arts training at age 12. Derek dreamed of a world filled with strong, capable leaders that embody confidence, courage, compassion, integrity, and purpose. After becoming a defensive tactics instructor in early 1997, he had a transformative idea: rather than just protecting others, he could teach individuals to recognize danger, protect themselves, and safeguard their families and way of life. This inspired the founding of Fusion Jiu-jitsu and the Bindner Academy, Derek's life's work and contribution to the world.​
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OUR LEADER
Derek Bindner, the dedicated owner and lead instructor, has competed in, and holds black belts in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Japanese Goshin Ryu Ju-jitsu, Yoshinkan Aikido, Goju Ryu Karate, and Tae Kwon Do. With a foundations certificate from the SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind Academy in San Diego, Derek coaches individuals and teams in mental toughness and leadership. He draws from a wealth of real-world experience and applied knowledge gained during his over 12 years as a close protection professional and door person.
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LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!
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