About Us
“Challenge Yourself. Then you will know exactly who you are, and what you are capable of when it counts.”
– Derek Bindner
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1997, Bindner Academy is the region's premier self-protection and life skills training and coaching community in London, Ontario, led by it’s founder Derek Bindner.
OUR MISSION
To empower and equip those who seek greater confidence, joy and strength of mind, body and spirit through the art of Jiu-jitsu.
WHY WE DO IT
We believe in people, we value people, and we believe in progress. The world is chaotic and unpredictable, and life favours the prepared in mind, body and spirit. There are no referees in the real world, so we are our first responder.
HOW WE DO IT
By delivering a practical and holistic 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. This provides a continuous challenge both physically and mentally throughout one’s journey.
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We offer private lessons, consultations, group classes, presentations, retreats and seminars, both online, and in-person, during the daytime, evenings, and weekends, anywhere around the world.
WHEN WE DO IT
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.
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OUR HISTORY
Established in 1997 by Derek Bindner, our organization began as a part time defensive tactics and mental toughness school for executive close protection and law enforcement professionals.
In just 27 years, we have evolved into a global training and coaching community offering in-person and online services for organizations and individuals of all ages. Since inception, our solutions have inspired and empowered thousands of members around the world with life-changing results.
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OUR MARTIAL ARTS STORY
Inspired by Bruce Lee, our founder, Derek Bindner, began his martial arts journey in 1982 with Karate and high school wrestling, and in 1987, moved into Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and kickboxing. He was introduced to Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in 1994, and started Goshin Ju-jitsu in 1997. After the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school that he was training at closed in 1996, Derek was determined to continue his training, and bring BJJ to the London area. He mail ordered and studied VHS BJJ instructional videos, and recruited his martial arts friends to help as training partners. In 2005, Derek met Canada's first Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt, professor Dan Moroney (under professor Royler Gracie), and immediately started private lessons in Woodbridge, Ontario. Driving 4 hours and training for 3.5 hours every Thursday for almost 2 years, Derek accomplished his goal of establishing the first official Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school in London, Ontario. Derek earned his blackbelt, and trains under professor Dragan Konjevic of Alliance Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Kitchener (since 2007).
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OUR LEADERSHIP STORY
In January of 1997, Derek was recruited by an executive/close protection agency while working as a door person in London and Port Stanley, Ontario. Months later, Derek was appointed a supervisor position and was charged with leading a group of seven operatives during a volatile labour dispute in the Niagara region. Taking psychology and sociology at Western University, Derek continued his studies in human performance in conflict and adversity under pressure. Inspired by the book “the Way of the SEAL”, by Mark Divine, Derek was called to San Diego, California, to meet Commander Mark Divine (Retired), and train at the SEALfit Academy headquarters. In 2017, Derek completed the twelve month Unbeatable Mind Academy foundations certificate program. Since then, Derek has helped many individuals and organizations develop their own mental toughness and leadership skills.
OUR SUMMATION
Since the beginning, Bindner Academy has developed reality-based self-protection and life skills training programs for all ages. We envision a world of good, strong, and capable people and leaders who demonstrate confidence, humility, courage, compassion, discipline, respect, integrity, and clarity in their purpose. In 1997, as we still do today, our belief is that this type of training adds great value, and is what led to the birth of Bindner Academy and Fusion Jiu-jitsu, Derek Bindner's life‘s masterpiece, and contribution to the world.
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Jiu-jitsu training for the artist, athlete, and scientist.
LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!