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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Training at True North Jiu-Jitsu

Our Promise

A Commitment to Every Student

We promise to provide a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where every student can grow in skill, character, and confidence. From your very first class to your highest achievement, we'll be in your corner every step of the way.

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

Professor Khatib Ahmad

Head Instructor — 4th Degree Black Belt

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Professor Mahan Salimian

Professor Mahan Salimian

Instructor — Black Belt

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Professor Ash "Smash" Mashreghi

Professor Ash "Smash" Mashreghi

Instructor — Black Belt

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Coach Igor Vavi

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 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.

★★★★★

"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..."

JUN JUN
★★★★★

"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..."

Anna Kwok Anna Kwok
★★★★★

"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..."

Fraser Dodich Fraser Dodich
★★★★★

"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..."

Cedar Roofs Cedar Roofs
★★★★★

"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..."

Omar Khan Omar Khan
★★★★★

"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!"

Igor Avi Igor Avi
★★★★★

"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...."

amanda k amanda k
★★★★★

"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..."

Gavin Chia Gavin Chia
★★★★★

"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..."

Ahmad Hammad Ahmad Hammad
★★★★★

"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 &..."

Donna Nguyen Donna Nguyen
★★★★★

"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..."

A J A J
★★★★★

"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..."

Lucas Cawkell Lucas Cawkell
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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.