Leadership Team
Derek Bindner, Owner, Founder and Head Instructor
Derek Bindner started his martial arts training in Wrestling and Karate in 1982. Since then, he has earned blackbelts in Jiu-jitsu (Brazilian & Japanese), Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, and Karate, is a certified mental toughness coach, and a movement enthusiast. Though successful in competition, Derek's sole focus is sharing Jiu-jitsu as a vehicle for personal development and self-protection. He believes that the most fulfilling life is one spent mastering the self and serving others, and that the more sincerely one approaches their training, the more probable it's benefits will extend off the mats into their daily life. Derek has a way of making people feel at ease, and clearly conveys profound perspectives in every class, seminar, and presentation that he leads.
Derek is passionate about how Jiu-Jitsu training has a deep impact on the lives of those he, and his team serves. As lead instructor, assisted by a talented staff of instructors, he teaches regularly at the Bindner Academy headquarters in London, Ontario, Canada.
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Academy Leaders​​​​​​
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Sempai Kipp Eaton
Kipp started Karate in 1982 ( Wado Kai ), after a devastating car accident that left many challenges, starting with simply learning to walk. He trained and competed until the mid 90’s, while also wrestling in high school amongst other sports. In the late 90’s Kipp moved to London and began training in kickboxing. After trying different training facilities and martial arts over the last several years, he found the Bindner Academy in 2018 with his daughter and both have been committed to their training and growth ever since. Cycling and adventure sports are just a few other passions outside of martial arts.​​​​​​​​​​​
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Sempai Jonathan Roach
With over 15 years of coaching experience, having been a sport conditioning coach and advisor for amature and professional athletes in Mixed Martial Arts, Jonathan's passion for the martial way began early in his life having been exposed to Wrestling in the elementary and secondary institutions. This passion would grow further into his Brazillian Jiu-jitsu journey were he would continue building his passion for the grappling arts. In 2024 Jonathan would find his home at Bindner Academy. Under Sensei Derek's tutelage Jonathan has continued to expand his knowledge under the Fusion Jiu-jitsu and BJJ programs and looks forward to bringing his education, experience and passion to both the leadership team and students.
PHOTO COMING SOON
Sempai Teresa MacDonald
Teresa (B.A, Western University) successfully completed a Women’s Self-Defense course at the Bindner Academy in 2001. This achievement provided the motivation to begin private and group training in Jiu-jitsu and Aikido. In 2003, Teresa earned her green belt in Goshin Ju-Jitsu, and in 2005, received her black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido. She helps teach the children's programs and continues to train in private lessons herself. Her hobbies include origami (Japanese paper-folding), reading, and fitness walks.
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Sempai Brent Small
Brent began his journey in Jiu-Jitsu at Bindner Academy in February 2024, drawn to the discipline to support his aspirations in law enforcement. Training 2-3 times a week, he is quickly advancing in the art and embraces the challenges of learning and growing. Brent also volunteers with the kids class every Saturday morning, where he enjoys bringing a positive and energetic attitude to help young students master their belt-level techniques. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, he’s often at the race track in the summer, either spotting for a super late model or working on his girlfriend’s mini truck, while winter finds him on the ice playing hockey.
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​Jr. Sempai Annie
Annie started her martial arts journey at Bindner Academy in 2015, and assists in the kids and teen classes. Annie loves witnessing as the kids and young students progress in their techniques and grow into their greatness through Jiu-jitsu training.
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Jr. Sempai Aidan
Aidan started his martial arts journey at Bindner Academy in 2015 at the age of 6, and is currently enrolled in the teen jiu-jitsu program. He helps teach the Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday kids classes and enjoys seeing the students improve week after week. Aidan spends his free time playing video games, drawing, and hanging out with his friends.
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