Instructors
Derek Bindner, Owner, Founder and Head Instructor
Derek Bindner is the founder and head instructor of Bindner Academy and creator of Fusion Jiu-Jitsu. He is a multiple blackbelt martial artist, movement enthusiast, mental toughness & leadership coach, mentor and trainer. Many of his teachings come from his own evaluated life experiences as a former executive & close protection professional, doorperson, and multiple school owner. Though successful in competition, Derek's sole focus is sharing Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle for personal growth, self-protection, and character development. He believes that the most fulfilling life is one spent mastering the self, adding value, and serving others, and that the more sincerely one approaches their training, the more probable it's benefits will extend off the mats into their daily life. Derek has a way of making people feel at ease, and clearly conveys profound perspectives in every class, seminar, and presentation that he leads.
Derek's Training & Teaching Experience and History:
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Goju Ryu Karate, 1982-1987
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H.S. Wrestling 1984-1986
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Tae Kwon Do (ITF), 1987-1992
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Seikido, 1987-1992
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Kickboxing, 1989-1991
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Yoshinkan Aikido, 1992-2023
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 1994-present
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Goshin Ju-Jitsu, 1997-2017
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Kodokan Judo, 2006-2007
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Kokoro Yoga, 2015-2022
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Defensive Tactics Instructor (LPI/AJT), 1997-2017
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Mental Toughness Coach (UMA foundations), 2017
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Executive Leadership Coach (TEN), 2018-2020
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Derek is passionate about how Jiu-Jitsu training has a deep impact on the lives of those he, and his team serves.
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An internationally known and respected teacher, Sensei Derek Bindner has been invited as a guest instructor and/or has taught in Japan, Ireland, Singapore, USA, and throughout Canada. As lead instructor, assisted by a talented staff of instructors, he teaches regularly at the Bindner Academy headquarters in London, Ontario, Canada.
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Black Belt Instructors
Every Bindner Academy instructor must complete a minimum of 5 years of leadership coaching and training to be certified to teach.
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Sempai Dr. David Vollick
David has been studying under Sensei Bindner since 2005, and holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He is semi-retired and teaches at Western University, and helps a colleague conduct psychological/vocational assessments, both on a part-time bases. His hobbies include research, reading, playing tennis and hockey, jogging, weight lifting, and archery.
Sempai Teresa MacDonald
Teresa (B.A, Western University) successfully completed a Women’s Self-Defense course at the Bindner Academy in 2001. This achievement provided the motivation to begin private and group training. In 2003, Teresa earned her green belt in Goshin Ju-Jitsu, and in 2005, received her black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido. She teaches children at the headquarters dojo and continues to train herself. Her hobbies include origami (Japanese paper-folding), reading, and fitness walks.
Sempai Dr. Marty Bezaire
Marty started his martial arts training in 1994, and has studied under Sensei Bindner since 2010. He has previously worked as a kinesiologist and personal trainer. Currently he works as a local physician, trained at Western University, who has a split practice in family medicine as well as in community emergency medicine. He has a passion for trying and sharing new foods, enjoys hiking, music, and sharing his interests with his family and friends.
Sempai John Suderman
John started his martial arts journey under Sensei Bindner in 2013. He initially began his lessons in the family class with his two sons, and helps in the teen classes were he enjoys seeing the kids progress and reach new levels of focus and confidence. John’s other activities include drawing, meditation and metal art.
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Sempai Kipp Eaton
Kipp started his martial arts journey (under construction)
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Coach Tyler Crawford
Tyler moved back to London in 2006, and continued his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training under Sensei Bindner. His first experience in traditional martial arts was in Judo, followed soon after by Karate in which he earned his black belt. Tyler was drawn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a self-defense method that allows the practitioner to neutralize physical threats without seriously injuring the attacker, and for the ability to train and practice at nearly-full intensity. After training and successfully competing in Jiu-jitsu for several years, he has become an enthusiastic advocate for the sport. Having earned his black belt in 2019, Tyler is very interested in helping people develop to their full potential in Jiu-Jitsu. His goal is to see others find a love for this great sport and discipline, just as he has.