Derek is passionate about how Jiu-Jitsu training has a deep impact on the lives of those he, and his team serves. 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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Academy Leaders

 

Every Bindner Academy instructor must complete leadership coaching and training to be certified to teach.

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Sempai Kipp Eaton

Kipp started  Karate in 1982 ( Wado Kai ), after a devastating car accident that left many challenges, starting with simply learning to walk. He trained and competed until the mid 90’s, while also wrestling in high school amongst other sports. In the late 90’s Kipp moved to London and began training in kickboxing. After trying different training facilities and martial arts over the last several years, he found the Bindner Academy in 2018 with his daughter and both have been committed to their training and growth ever since. Cycling and adventure sports are just a few other passions outside of martial arts.

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Coach Blair Bravender

Blair started his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training at Bindner Academy in 2009, and earned his black belt to become a certified instructor. He was drawn to BJJ 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.

 

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PHOTO COMING SOON

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 Jiu-jitsu and Aikido. In 2003, Teresa earned her green belt in Goshin Ju-Jitsu, and in 2005, received her black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido. She helps teach the children's programs and continues to train in private lessons herself. Her hobbies include origami (Japanese paper-folding), reading, and fitness walks.

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Sempai Brent Small

Brent began his journey in Jiu-Jitsu at Bindner Academy in February 2024, drawn to the discipline to support his aspirations in law enforcement. Training 2-3 times a week, he is quickly advancing in the art and embraces the challenges of learning and growing. Brent also volunteers with the kids class every Saturday morning, where he enjoys bringing a positive and energetic attitude to help young students master their belt-level techniques. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, he’s often at the race track in the summer, either spotting for a super late model or working on his girlfriend’s mini truck, while winter finds him on the ice playing hockey.

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Sempai Annie

Annie started her martial arts journey at Bindner Academy in 2015, and assists in the kids and teen classes. Annie loves witnessing as the kids and young students progress in their techniques and grow into their greatness through Jiu-jitsu training.

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Sempai Aidan

Aidan started his martial arts journey at Bindner Academy in 2015 at the age of 6, and is currently enrolled in the teen jiu-jitsu program. He helps teach the Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday kids classes and enjoys seeing the students improve week after week. Aidan spends his free time playing video games, drawing, and hanging out with his friends.

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