About Us
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1997, Bindner Academy is a professional, full-time Jiu-jitsu school and community in London, Ontario, Canada, led by our founder, Derek Bindner.
OUR MISSION
To elevate the confidence and overall wellness of every student by teaching a functional and versatile self-protection skillset through jiu-jitsu, in a culture of excellence.
OUR PURPOSE
To equip and prepare our students mentally and physically for real world situations with life-skills, for solving problems under pressure, in conflict and adversity, for a better life.
OUR VALUES
Integrity - Doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
Family - A continuous support system with encouragement no matter what.
Consistency - Building trust, quality and relationships over time so everyone knows what to expect.
Relationships - Continuing to foster strong bonds with our students, families, and community.
Service and Leadership - We have a strong desire to serve, lead and help others win in life.
Efficiency and Effectiveness - Maximizing time, money and energy for worthwhile purposes.
Personal Growth and Safety - Individuals can grow when they feel safe in their environment.
Sincerity - Progression at any level requires that honesty be at the core of our being.
WHY WE DO IT
We believe in people, we value people, and we see a better future for the self-defense and martial arts industry. We also recognize that violence is on the rise, and there are no referees in the real world. When moments matter, first responders are minutes or hours away.​
HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT
Bindner Academy is not a competition-driven jiu-jitsu school. Rather, we emphasize a balanced lifestyle of functional and versatile jiu-jitsu training for self-protection, personal growth and life improvement.​
OUR VISION
A world-wide functional and versatile self-protection delivery system for all ages, with Fusion Jiu-jitsu in the leading role.
HOW WE DO IT
Through personal and small group lessons, we deliver a complete 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. We treat every class like it is the most important lesson we will ever teach. ​
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 STORY
Since the early 1980's, founder, Derek Bindner was obsessed with martial arts. In the mid 1990s, he encountered significant conflict and violence as an executive close protection professional (bodyguard). Through these experiences, he gained insights into effective psychological, verbal, and physical strategies for handling undesirable situations, which profoundly shaped his understanding of the world. Having faced bullying early in his childhood, he recognized the feeling of powerlessness before beginning martial arts training at age 12. Derek dreamed of a world filled with strong and capable leaders that embody confidence, courage, compassion, integrity, and purpose. After becoming a defensive tactics instructor in early 1997, he had a transformative idea: rather than just protecting others, he could teach individuals how to protect themselves, their families, and way of life. This inspired the creation of Fusion Jiu-jitsu and the Bindner Academy, Derek's life's work and contribution to the world.​
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OUR LEADER
Besides being a movement and breathwork enthusiast, and holder of blackbelts in Japanese Ju-jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Yoshinkan Aikido, Goju Ryu Karate, and Tae Kwon Do, Derek Bindner is also a mental toughness coach, with a foundations certificate from the SEALFIT/Unbeatable Mind Academy in San Diego, under retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine. Derek draws from a wealth of real-world experience and applied knowledge gained during his over 12 years as an executive close protection professional and door person.
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LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOU!
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