About Us
“Do today what others won't, so you can do tomorrow what others can't.”
– Unknown
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1997, Bindner Academy is the premier martial arts training and coaching community in London, Ontario, led by it’s founder Derek Bindner.
WHAT WE DO
When it comes to navigating adversity and conflict, we help individuals of all ages reduce and/or remove barriers, obstacles, and friction points such as fear, insecurity and anxiety, and replace it with confidence, courage, and clarity in mind, body and spirit through real life-skills training. We lead by example, educate and inspire new ways of empowered thinking.
OUR PASSION, PURPOSE & MISSION
Bindner Academy delivers intelligent and versatile martial arts solutions with empowerment that give confidence to those who seek to lead and win in life and on the mats.
OUR VISION
An abundance of confident, courageous and compassionate individuals, leading with clarity in their purpose and adding value to the world.
OUR GOAL
To provide exceptional care, instruction and focus on every student, while delivering a well-rounded martial arts education, in a safe, clean and supportive environment.
WHY WE DO IT
1. We believe in people, and we value people.
2. To add and multiply value to the world.
3. To reduce fear, insecurity, stress and anxiety.
4. Life favours the prepared in mind, body and spirit.
5. There are no referees in the real world.
HOW WE DO IT
We treat every class like it is the most important lesson we will ever teach. No matter your experience or fitness level, we invest in you fully, and together, we will realize your greatest potential. We deliver a well-rounded 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.​
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity: Doing the right thing no matter what.
Respect: Treating others as you wish to be treated.
Honesty: We must be able to trust our training partner.
Discipline: Doing the right things at the right time.
Humility: Thinking of oneself less, and more about others.
Safety: When we feel safe, we can fulfill our potential.
Loyalty: Strong teams excel when all are committed.
Leadership: Everything rises and falls on leadership.
Service: The term “Samurai” literally means “to serve.”
Compassion: Putting ourselves in others' shoes
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1997 by Derek Bindner, our organization began as a part time defensive tactics school for executive close protection professionals and door staff.
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 hundreds of members 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 then high school wrestling, and in 1987, moved to 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, 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 2 years, Derek accomplished his goal of establishing the first official Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school in London, Ontario. Derek continues to train under professor Dragan Konjevic of Alliance Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Kitchener (since 2007).
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OUR MENTAL TOUGHNESS 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.
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OUR SUMMATION
Since the beginning, Bindner Academy has developed self-protection, fitness and life skills training programs for all ages. 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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Training for the warrior, artist, athlete, and scientist.
LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!
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