About Fusion
THINK STREET. TRAIN SPORT. PRACTICE ART.
INNOVATIVE TRAINING
Fusion Jiu-jitsu is a well-rounded self-protection and leadership fitness training program developed by Derek Bindner. It leverages the most sensible techniques, strategies and tactics of martial arts, combat sports, and self-defense systems with verbal conflict navigation, for a straight-to-the-point, and unique physical and internal discipline.
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SAFER, SMARTER, STRONGER
Using concepts and principles of leverage and intelligence over brute strength, Fusion is about effective problem solving under pressure. Training involves critical thinking, tactical communications, breathwork, functional movement, meditation and stretching, strategic maneuvering, positioning, escapes, striking, throwing, controls, take-downs, pins, sweeps, restraints, chokes, joint locks and escorting techniques, from both standing, and on the ground. We practice with single and multiple opponents in all ranges of combat, while taking weapons into consideration. Simplified training for a complex world.
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PURPOSE-DRIVEN TRAINING
Fusion Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes an "early neutralization” of harmful situations, ethically and responsibly by using awareness, and employing simple, applied physics, sound body-mechanics and bio-mechanics. This is achieved by practicing proper form and alignment, anatomical structure, posture, base, distraction, timing, angles, leverage, interception of force, and the redirection of energy at the optimal distance. Students work in a co-operative environment to learn the techniques, drills, and exercises in the spirit of harmony. Bindner Academy has simplified, prioritized, and organized this complex body of knowledge into a basic, concise, safe, and straight-to-the-point training program, to focus on what matters most.
SELF-PROTECTION
Self-defense is the resistance against an attack (that is currently taking place), and is a part of self-protection, which is the state of being protected (prevention, and/or before bad things happen). We know that the thought of having to protect and defend yourself from bigger, stronger and armed assailants is scary, but Fusion Jiu-Jitsu is designed to help you navigate dangerous situations, and overcome your fear and anxiety, no matter who you are. Training cultivates peace of mind, inner balance, and a deep sense of preparedness in the lives of it's practitioners.
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CONFIDENCE and PURPOSE
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that your mind and body are strong, agile, ready and able to do whatever you command them to do. Studying Fusion Jiu-Jitsu teaches students that they can leverage their mind and body’s strength, mobility and power to accomplish things they never thought possible. Over time, consistent training increases everlasting self-confidence, humility and inner security – and that carries over to work, home, and every day life.
FLUIDITY and POWER
By integrating movement with stretching, Fusion uses the breath to link the mind with the body. Let’s face it, life is more enjoyable when we can move freely, without pain and discomfort. Not only will you receive the physical benefits, such as increased flexibility, stability, durability, dexterity, cardiovascular function, agility and balance, it has been proven that physical exercise also stimulates cognitive capacity.
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FUSION LAB
When the adult student wishes to pressure test their skills with a resistive opponent, and dive deeper into the art, they are invited into the "LAB" up-grade program, led in a safe and controlled environment.
THE CREATION OF FUSION
Founder Derek Bindner is a lifetime learner, martial artist, competitive combat sports athlete, yoga and movement enthusiast, and led a 12-year career as an executive/close protection professional and doorperson. He wanted to create an intelligent and fun experience that would equip individuals with effective leadership tools for navigating internal, verbal and physical conflict and adversity, while causing minimal harm to the self, and the offender(s). In 1997, Derek created the model for Fusion Jiu-jitsu to SUPERCHARGE his own training, then began teaching it to his existing students and the general public.
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TRADITION WITH INNOVATION
Fusion bridges the training gap between traditional martial arts, combat sports, and reality-based self-defense programs, while keeping true to the moral, social, and ethical code of the Samurai - Bushido.
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LIFESTYLE
Fusion Jiu-jitsu is much more than a living art, sport, and science. It is an education of moral and physical literacy. A lifestyle that will foster breakthroughs, empower, and enable one to lead under pressure. To embrace the Fusion lifestyle is to embody a life of self-mastery, discipline, respect, confidence, courage, integrity, honour and clarity. You will not only grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit, but you will learn how to be adaptable during challenging times.
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THE 3 PILLARS
Fusion is built upon 3 foundational pillars:
1) Self-Protection (Mental, Physical, and Verbal Strategies)
2) Functional Movement (Mind - body connection with fitness & flow)
3) Leadership (Self-mastery, Mental/Physical/Emotional Control)
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THE 5 ELEMENTS
1) Grappling: Standing & Ground, Takedowns & Throws (BJJ & Judo)
2) Controlling: Escorting, Holds, Takedowns, Throws & Pins (Aikido)
3) Striking: Employing Distraction, Destruction and Softening Techniques (Karate & TKD)
4) Movement: Functional Fitness, Range of Motion, Mobility, Breathwork and Stretching
5) Mindset: Mental Toughness, Critical Thinking, and Sheepdog Psychology
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PROGRESSION
​Fusion hosts a structured, comprehensive, and separately designed curriculum for kids and adults, taking them from beginner white belt to black belt and beyond. This provides a continuous challenge both physically and mentally throughout one’s journey.
METHODOLOGY
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast”, for accuracy, retention and minimizing the frequency and severity of injury. We believe in applying minimum effort with maximum efficiency, and simplifying training, as to not "overload" the student's working memory. We are not "technique collectors" and believe that refined, intelligent training will lower the amount of energy the individual expends to accomplish their objectives.
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ENVIRONMENT
Training is delivered (both inside and outdoors) in a safe, fun, and supportive, family environment, suitable for all ages. Classes are challenging and fun, yet respectful. We value safety and cleanliness, featuring an open, bright space with natural lighting and a matted flooring system. Students wear appropriate athletic gear for each specific class. This consists of both an academy t-shirt/rash guard with uniform pants, and/or a complete martial arts uniform.
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UNCOMMON TRAINING
Fusion features a unique approach to integrated training. Besides our self-protection training component, is our solutions-based thinking and physical movement training. To be able to protect ourselves and others, we must be able to move quickly and efficiently for time and distance, lift, carry load, run, jump and climb.
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Jiu-Jitsu training is very powerful and life changing when the philosophy and the teacher align with the students’ values, goals, and expectations.
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LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!