"I’ve trained at True North Jiu Jitsu Academy and can confidently say it’s one of the best gyms around. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about each student’s progress, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. The..."
Get to Know Us
About True North Jiu-Jitsu
Coquitlam's top-rated martial arts school, building confidence, discipline, and community for students of all ages.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by a set of values that shape our instruction, our community, and the experience of every student who walks through our doors.
Discipline & Focus
We teach structure and consistency that build strong habits on the mat and in everyday life. Discipline isn't punishment; it's the foundation for achievement.
Respect & Integrity
Mutual respect between students, instructors, and our community is non-negotiable. We lead by example and hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity.
Confidence Through Growth
We celebrate progress at every level, not just trophies and belt promotions. Every small victory builds the self-belief that carries into school, work, and life.
Welcoming
Our doors are open to all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Whether you're 5 or 55, a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you belong here.
Safety First
A clean facility, trained staff, and age-appropriate instruction aren't optional. They're our baseline. Parents trust us with their children, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Community
We're more than a gym. We're a second family. Our students support each other, celebrate each other's wins, and build friendships that last well beyond the mat.
Why Families Choose Us
What Sets Us Apart
Our certified instructors bring years of experience and follow a proven curriculum designed to build skills at every level. With a clean, welcoming facility and a supportive team, families feel at home from day one.
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Meet the Team
The People Behind True North Jiu-Jitsu
Our instructors are the heart and soul of our academy. Every member of our team is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.
Professor Khatib Ahmad
Head Instructor — 4th Degree Black Belt
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Professor Mahan Salimian
Instructor — Black Belt
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Professor Ash "Smash" Mashreghi
Instructor — Black Belt
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Coach Igor Vavi
Coach — Brown Belt
Coach Igor Vavi is a brown belt from Manaus, Brazil, and an active competitor with a strong technical focus. He works closely with Professor Khatib Ahmad and is a regular presence on the mats for both fundamentals and advanced classes.
Coach Kim
Coach — Purple Belt
Coach Kim is a purple belt at True North Jiu-Jitsu and a familiar face in our women's classes and kids program, known for making brand-new students feel welcome on day one.
What Our Community Says
Real Reviews From Real Students
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the students and families who train with us every day.
"A couple of months ago, I decided to try Jiu Jitsu, mostly out of curiosity and with a half-closed mindset. I honestly didn’t think it would become a long-term passion but I couldn’t have been more wrong. After finishing my very first one-hour class, I already wanted to come..."
"This is the place !! If you want to teach your kids to excel at life in a safe and kind envoronment this is the place to go! And if you want to get into a really healthy hobby as an adult without running into guys with egos or attitiudes like some other clubs this is a really..."
"Professor Ahmad is a dedicated instructor, great mentor and father with a healthy lifestyle, great to see his success and growth. A great example for building strong minds and creating leaders in the community, with his evident positive energy, the minute you meet him. Highly..."
"I started my jiu-jitsu journey at at True North Jiu Jitsu Academy for 7 years, and overall it was a great experience. The owners and instructors genuinely care about their students and work hard to create a respectful, welcoming environment on the mats. Training is well..."
"Excellent Jiu-Jitsu academy! Friendly and welcoming environment, highly skilled instructors, and a great atmosphere focused on learning and growth. Amazing place for both adults and kids. Highly recommend!"
"True North Jiu-Jitsu Academy was an incredibly welcoming and friendly place. I took my children there yesterday to try it out, and they had an amazing time. The atmosphere was comfortable and positive, the people were very kind, and everything felt well organized and supportive...."
"Been coming here for a few months now and this team really treats everybody like family. Extremely welcoming to beginners and they always have multiple black belts present. On top of that all the blue-brown belts are very informative as well. 10-10 highly recommend checking them..."
"I’ve been training at True North Jiu-Jitsu Academy for the past couple of months, and Coach Ahmed has been nothing less than an amazing coach. He’s really taken care of my training, offering great tips on recovery, staying healthy, and avoiding injuries. He’s always making sure..."
"I’m so happy I stumbled upon True North. Immediately was met with the sweetest professors and coaches. Beginners class for new join gives the more individual attention for them to learn techniques and apply their knowledge into the all-ages class. Class range from beginners &..."
"An amazing jiu jitsu gym with outstanding coaches and a great training atmosphere. The mats are high quality, classes are well organized, and the coaching is next level. You can tell a lot of care goes into both the space and the students. Truly grateful for the time I trained..."
"My 6 year old started taking a class here and is having a great time. It feels like a family and a very warm/friendly environment. Before the class starts they play a bit and the kids have a great time. Other places just ask the kids to wait against the wall and wait for the..."
Online exclusive offer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About True North Jiu-Jitsu
Have questions about getting started? We have answers. Browse the most common questions below, or contact us directly for anything else.
Absolutely not. Our programs are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists. Our instructors will meet you where you are and help you progress at your own pace.
We offer programs for all ages, including juniors, kids, teens, and adults. Each program is specifically tailored to the age group's physical and developmental needs.
Comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and sweatpants or shorts is all you need. No shoes are required on the mats. We'll provide everything else you need for your first session.
We recommend attending at least two classes per week for steady progress. Consistency makes a big difference, and many of our most dedicated students train three or more times a week.
Safety is our top priority. Our certified instructors maintain a structured, supervised environment with age-appropriate techniques. We focus on controlled practice in a clean, well-maintained facility to minimize any risk of injury.
Your free trial includes a full class experience. You'll train alongside our students, meet our instructors, and get a feel for our academy. There's no obligation and no pressure. Just come ready to learn and have fun.