Black Sails
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Started Training 2010
Instructing Experience 10 years
Favorite Technique
Deep Half Guard Sweeps and Over Under Passing
Competition experience
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IBJJF Pans
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IBJJF No-Gi Worlds
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IBJJF Masters Worlds
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CBJJF Alberta Provincials & Regional events
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Submission Ace Super fight veteran
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other regional events throughout Canada
Terry Myers
Owner & Instructor
Intermediate & Advanced Classes
Rank: Black Belt
JP started Jiu Jitsu in 2011 and was immediately drawn to the competition scene entering his first competition after only a few months of training. Since then he was hooked on Jiu Jitsu and has pursued that journey ever since. JP has competed at IBJJF Masters Worlds, other IBJJF tournaments and submission only events. JP has experience teaching a wide variety of what BJJ has to offer including fundamentals, self-defense, law enforcement tactics and competition training. JP believes everyone can learn something from BJJ and it is a great instruction medium
for learning discipline, self control, self confidence in addition to self-defense. JP will help you achieve your BJJ goals, no matter where you set your sights.
Owner & Instructor
JP
Competition & Drilling
Rank: Black Belt
Sean Gerke (Turtle)
Owner & Instructor
Morning & Kids Classes
Rank: Black Belt
Sean Gerke was born and raised in Edmonton and started his Jiu Jitsu journey in August of 2010. Sean was involved in martial arts as a youth but the moment he had a taste of what Jiu Jitsu offered he was hooked. Sean was promoted to a black belt in 2021. In 2010 Sean was able to be COMMAND certified as a Mixed Martial Art Judge and was able to work two UFC events when they were in Edmonton. Sean has experience teaching children classes, adults and self defense. He is a firm believer in the benefits of BJJ, not just from physical fitness, but also for developing discipline, focus and self confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Sean would love to see you on the mats!
Joel Almeida
Owner & Instructor
No Gi Fundamentals
Rank: Black Belt
Joel has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2010, and received his black belt in July 2022. He has over 7 years of experience teaching gi and no-gi classes. Joel works as an Exercise Specialist in the field of chronic disease, helping patients navigate complex health conditions and achieve their health goals. Favourite Technique Tapping to submissions a little too late
Owner & Instructor
David Zimmerman
Fundamentals
Rank: Black Belt
David has been practicing martial arts since childhood. First Kung Fu, then Muay Thai, Boxing, Aikido, and Capoeira. After a 10 year journey in Capoeira and earning an instructor Corda (belt) he traveled to Brazil to train. He was introduced to Jiu Jitsu there and hasn’t looked back since. Now another 10 years later he is a black belt in BJJ with a passion for learning and teaching. David is heavily involved in the beginner curriculum and believes that developing a strong base through fundamental technique is key to long term success. He also loves to play and have fun with the techniques, always toying with new ideas and experimenting with different styles. Jiu Jitsu is a challenging martial art and staying playful is one way to keep the spark alive while going through difficult periods in your development.
Timmy Ma
Owner & Instructor
Fundamentals
Rank: Black Belt
Hi, I’m Timmy Ma! I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in the small town of Onoway. Growing up in a close-knit community, I’ve always appreciated the value of camaraderie and hard work—values that have stuck with me throughout my journey in BJJ. After graduating high school, I attended UofA where my life took an unexpected turn. A good friend recommended that I try BJJ, and I was hooked. I’ve now been training for over 13 years, primarily with the same amazing group of training partners. I’m constantly learning something new, one of the most rewarding aspects of jiu jitsu is the competition, I enjoy testing myself against others. My favorite aspects of jiu jitsu is the guard and guard passing, but recently been enjoying defending in bad positions and refining attacks. As a black belt instructor at Black Sails BJJ, I strive to create a welcoming, challenging, and fun environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Fabio Montealegre
Instructor
Fundamentals
Rank: Brown Belt
Fabio Montealegre is originally from Nicaragua, moved to Brazil at the age of 12, and then to Canada at the age of 18. Fabio's first experience in martial arts was with Muay Thai and an introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in his teenage years. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association and believes everyone would benefit from an active lifestyle. He has roughly five years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, teaches kids and adults, and is an avid endorser of the Art, as it promotes self-confidence, self-reliance, and physical health.