Instructors
“There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu”. “You either win or you learn”!
Sean McHugh
Specializations:
Co-Owner/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor/Kickboxing Instructor
Sean's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey started in the late 90's with a variety of instructors. He then earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2014, under one of the world's highest ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, Master Marcus Soares. Sean strives to learn from the best instructors and competitors in the world and is now a proud member of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu international team.
3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
In 2014 earned his BJJ black belt direct under Canada's highest ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, 8th degree BJJ black belt Master Marcus Soares
2020 was awarder Community Sports Hero Award for Coaching
Over a dozen medals won in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trained with and continues to train with multiple world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions and legendary Instructors
Trained with multiple UFC champions and UFC veterans
Former provincial level high school wrestling competitor and national level Olympic Weightlifting competitor
Muay-Thai Kickboxing instructor
Mitch Burke
Muay Thai Kickboxing Head Instructor
Mitch has been our Head Kickboxing instructor since Sept. 2024. His high-level of experience complimented by his friendly demeanour has made Mitch a fan favourite for Kickboxing.
Started Kickboxing in 2012
Began coaching in 2014
4 x Kickboxing fights
11 x MMA fights
is a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4th Degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu Black Belt - Kelowna
Kleber Brito
Specializations:
Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Kleber came directly from São Paulo Brazil and is Kelowna’s highest level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Highest-level and most experienced instructor in Kelowna
4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
over 23 years Jiu-Jitsu experience
15 years teaching experience from beginners to high-level competitors
received his Black Belt from Luciano “ Casquinhaj” Nucci and Fabio Gurgel
over 6 years teaching the Abu Dhabi , AUE armed forces
Kleber will now be a new resident of Kelowna so please say hi and we’ll see you on the mats.
Jimmy Maguire
Specialization:
Assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on Nov. 21st 2023
Jimmy started his martial arts journey back in Ireland. After moving to Vancouver Jimmy found a home at Alliance Vancouver where he earned his Purple Belt from World BJJ Champion Thomas Lisboa.
In 2018 Jimmy moved to Kelowna and joined the Alliance Kelowna Team.
Kristian Fraser
Specialization:
Assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Kristian found Brazilian Jiu-jitsu through AIkido, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in 2009, after a long history of training in various other traditional martial arts. These arts are weaved into his BJJ game and he enjoys sharing those unique insights with his Alliance teammates. Come out and join him for some fun training!
Judo blue belt
2011 - Promoted to BJJ blue belt by Professor Roy Dean at the Roy Dean Academy in Bend Oregon.
2014 - Promoted to purple belt by Professors Chris Desautels and Joe Bossenberry of Infight Canada at QCMA in Regina Saskatchewan.
2017 - Promoted to brown belt by Professor Sean McHugh of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Kelowna
2022 - Promoted to Black Belt under Professor Sean McHugh
Melissa McHugh
Specialization:
The Boss
Co-owner of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Kelowna and is the behind the scenes organizer of the team and events.