5Dec 2026
White & Blue Belt Round Robin
RISE BJJ · Toronto · Dec 5, 2026
Jū · the gentle way
Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu in Vaughan.
Technique beats size. Kids from age 4, adults, women and competitors, led by Professor Mike Aviado, 2026 IBJJF European Champion.
5.0 138+ Google reviews and counting5.0138+ Google reviews, every one five stars
13major titles for the head coach, from 2017 World Masters gold to the 2026 IBJJF Europeans
5referee certifications: ADCC, IBJJF, JJIF, SJJIF and OJA
4+the age kids can start. There's no upper limit.
Who trains here
You don't need to be ready. You need to start.
The people on our mats came in thinking they were too old, too out of shape, or too nervous. Here's who you'll be training next to.
Total beginners
Fundamentals classes teach every move step by step. No experience or fitness needed.
16mths in as a 51yr old & it's been a great ride!
Kids & teens
Grit, discipline and real anti-bullying skills, from age 4.
stronger, more confident, and happier overall
Women
A women-only class on Thursdays and Sundays, led by Coach Yuki Hanaoka.
She was really patient.
Early risers
6:30 AM classes Tuesday to Friday and a noon drill class every weekday.
key for people who cannot train in the evenings
Competitors
A competition team captained by judo and taijutsu black belt Joseph Hirasawa, coached by a world champion.
a killer on the mats!
Life on the mats
Real people. Real rounds.
Gradings, tournaments and ordinary Tuesday nights. This is what training at Vaughan Jiu-Jitsu looks like.
Find your class
Three taps to your first class.
Answer three quick questions and we will point you to the right program and the next class times.
Programs
Seven ways onto the mat.
Every program runs on the same idea: technique over strength. Pick where you start. Your coach will tell you when you're ready for the next one.
Ages 4 to 12
Kids BJJ
Grit, discipline and real anti-bullying skills. From age 4, kids are expected to learn technique and spar every class.
See classes →Teens & adultsAdult BJJ & Beginners
Fundamentals classes teach every move step by step. No experience or fitness needed. Most of our members started exactly where you are.
See classes →Women onlyWomen's BJJ
A dedicated women-only program covering sport jiu-jitsu and real-world self-defence, led by Coach Yuki Hanaoka.
See classes →Teens & adultsNo-Gi Grappling
Grappling without the kimono: a faster pace with more chokes, guillotines and leg locks. Led by Coach Joseph Hirasawa.
See classes →Kids, teens & adultsCompetition Team
Captained by judo and taijutsu black belt Joseph Hirasawa and coached by Professor Mike Aviado, 2026 IBJJF European Champion.
See classes →Any levelPrivate Lessons
One-on-one sessions with a personal plan, for faster progress, competition prep or a quieter way to start.
See classes →All membersNoon Drill & Open Mat
Lunch-hour repetition that builds muscle memory, plus a Sunday open mat with the whole academy.
See classes →What members say
Google reviews
5.0on Google · 138+ reviews and counting
Real reviews, word for word, from parents, beginners and lifers. Read more reviews.
“16mths in as a 51yr old & it's been a great ride! I drive for over 1hr, past multiple other bjj facilities specifically to come to VBJJ.”
“Vaughan BJJ is truly in a league of its own. I don't think we could have asked for a better place for our son.”
“My son's confidence grew at VBJJ for competitions and his ability to defend against bullies is evident.”
“Our kids have been training here since 2022. Stronger, more confident, and happier overall. It's not just about martial arts, it's about character.”
“Yuki was a great instructor and she's highly knowledgeable. She was really patient.”
“The facility is super clean and aesthetically beautiful. Coaches Mike and Joseph are also phenomenal coaches.”
“Professor Mike and the team are experts not only at teaching the art, but running a great school. Consistent morning classes, which are key for people who cannot train in the evenings.”
“Spacious, clean, and modern gym. Welcoming, positive, and safe. Mike was kind and gracious, but a killer on the mats!”
“Professor Aviado got back to me very quickly and welcomed me to drop in.”
“The kids' program especially stands out!”
2026 schedule
Morning, noon or night.
Classes seven days a week. Tap a program to see only its classes, or tap a class to read about it.
Monday
Noon Drill ClassGi / No-GiKids B1 BJJAges 4 to 6Kids Levels 1, 2 & 3Ages 7 to 12Gi FundamentalsTeens & adultsGi Comprehensive13+, 2 stripes+Tuesday
Morning ClassGiNoon Drill ClassGi / No-GiKids Levels 1, 2 & 3Ages 7 to 12No-Gi FundamentalsTeens & adultsNo-Gi Comprehensive13+Wednesday
Morning ClassNo-GiNoon Drill ClassGi / No-GiKids B1 BJJAges 4 to 6Kids Levels 1, 2 & 3Ages 7 to 12Gi FundamentalsTeens & adultsGi Comprehensive13+, 2 stripes+Mon 12:00 PM to 9:30 PMTue 6:30 AM to 9:15 PMWed 6:30 AM to 9:30 PMThu 6:30 AM to 9:30 PMFri 6:30 AM to 8:00 PMSat 9:45 AM to 12:30 PMSun 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Competitions
Up next on the mat.
Tournaments near Vaughan for kids, beginners and seasoned competitors. Competing is always optional.
Event details
5Dec 2026
Youth Cup BJJ Championship
Toronto · Dec 5, 2026
16Jan 2027
Grappling Industries Toronto
Grappling Industries · Toronto · Jan 16, 2027
Coaches
Coached by a world champion.
Professor Mike Aviado holds 13 major titles and still teaches the fundamentals class himself.
Mike Aviado
2nd degree black belt · Head instructor2026 IBJJF European Champion and certified referee for ADCC, IBJJF, JJIF, SJJIF and OJA. Still teaches the fundamentals class himself.
Read his story →Joseph Hirasawa
Brown belt · Management teamBrown belt under Prof. Aviado and a black belt in both judo and taijutsu. Part of the management team, coaching adult Gi, No-Gi and kids classes at every level.
Yuki Hanaoka
Purple belt · Management teamPart of the management team, coaching the kids and women's classes. Reviewers call her patient and highly knowledgeable.
Israel Apter
Purple belt · Management teamPart of the management team and coaches the kids classes. Likely the first person you'll meet.
Lineage
A straight line back to Kano.
Every black belt is promoted by another. Ours runs from the founder of judo, through the Gracie family, to the mats in Vaughan.
Jigoro KanoFounder of judo
Mitsuyo MaedaTook judo to Brazil
Carlos Gracie
Helio Gracie
João Alberto Barreto
Flavio Behring
Alvaro Barreto
Sylvio Behring
Shah Franco
Marco Costa
Michael AviadoVaughan Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Your first class
What actually happens.
No pressure, no sales pitch on the mat. Just a class.
Book online
Pick a class. The team usually confirms within a few hours.
Arrive early
Come 10 minutes before. Wear athletic clothes with no zippers or pockets.
Meet your coach
They'll ask about injuries and goals, then pair you with a good partner.
Train
Warm-up, technique, drilling. You go at your pace and tap whenever you want.
Decide later
Ask about memberships if you liked it. Nobody will chase you if you didn't.
Before your first class
The questions everyone asks.
Is the first class free?
Yes. Your first class is a free trial. Book online and the team usually follows up within a few hours to confirm your class.
Do I have to be fit to start jiu-jitsu?
No. You do jiu-jitsu to get fit, not the other way around. If you don't have a serious injury, you're welcome on the mats at any fitness level, because the focus is on technique.
Is there an age limit to start jiu-jitsu?
There is no upper age limit. Kids can start at age 4 in the Kids B1 program, and adults regularly start in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art built on technique and smart body position rather than strength. Jiu-jitsu translates as the gentle art: instead of meeting force with force, you use takedowns, positional control, joint locks and chokes.
Where is Vaughan Jiu-Jitsu Academy?
130 Racco Parkway, Unit 5, Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8X9, close to Thornhill, Concord, Maple and Richmond Hill. Call 905-764-5999 or email vaughan.bjj@gmail.com.
What do I need to bring or wear to my first BJJ class?
Wear tight-fitting athletic clothing with no zippers, pockets or Velcro, and bring water and a change of clothes. Arrive with trimmed nails, and have a light snack 30 to 60 minutes before class rather than a full meal.
What benefits will my child gain from BJJ?
Children build self-defence skills, confidence and self-esteem, plus coordination and fitness. Because BJJ rewards technique over strength, it suits smaller kids especially well, and the kids curriculum includes anti-bullying strategies.
Will my child learn self-discipline?
Yes. Every class follows a student code: full attention on the instructor, respect for training partners and consistent effort. That structure carries over to school and home.
Book a free trial class
"Welcoming, positive, and safe. A killer on the mats."Joseph L., Google review
Or email vaughan.bjj@gmail.com
Visit us
130 Racco Parkway, Unit 5
Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8X9. Minutes from Thornhill, Concord, Maple and Richmond Hill.
- Phone905-764-5999
- Emailvaughan.bjj@gmail.com
- DirectionsOpen in Google Maps