About Us
“Challenge Yourself. Then you will know exactly who you are, and what you are capable of.”
– Derek Bindner
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1997, Bindner Academy is London Ontario's pioneering Jiu-jitsu training and coaching community, led by it’s founder Derek Bindner.
WHAT WE DO
We train and teach the art, sport and science of Jiu-jitsu as an instrument of peace, personal development and self-protection.
OUR MISSION
Is helping our members accelerate their confidence, courage and clarity in the mind, body and spirit using the gentle art, sport and science of Jiu-jitsu.
WHY WE DO IT
We believe in people, we value people, and believe in progress. The world is chaotic and unpredictable, and life favours the prepared in mind, body and spirit. We love Jiu-jitsu, and believe that it is the greatest vehicle for developing human potential, and want to share it with you.
HOW WE DO IT
Innovation, and customized training and coaching in combat sports (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu), Martial Arts (Fusion Jiu-jitsu), and Self-Protection classes. We deliver 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
Founded in 1997 by Derek Bindner, our organization began as a part time defensive tactics school for executive protection personnel, law enforcement 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 thousands of members around the world with life-changing results.
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OUR MARTIAL ARTS STORY
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 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 back 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 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, and finally achieving his Blue belt, Derek accomplished his goal of bringing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to London, Ontario. Derek continues to be a student, and has trained under professor Dragan Konjevic of Alliance Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Kitchener since 2007.
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OUR LEADERSHIP STORY
As a child growing up in the 70's and 80's, there were no intelligent solutions for bullying, so Derek Bindner resorted to physical fighting. Watching Bruce Lee on T.V. ignited a spark, and Derek began his martial arts training at the age of 12. Many years later, a transformation started happening. Derek went from being bullied as a kid to being a bouncer and eventually a bodyguard. 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 supervisor, 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 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 is very powerful and life changing when the philosophy and the teacher align with the students’ values, goals, and expectations.
LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!