Dojo Nine

Congratulations to Professor Andy Phillips on earning his black belt and becoming the 10th black belt awarded by our academy.

Andy has been training since 2008 and has truly embodied what it means to be a lifelong martial artist. Throughout his journey, he has been an avid competitor, a dedicated student of the art, and someone who has continuously refined his skills both in and out of the gi.

His path hasn’t been without challenges. He’s battled injuries and illness, yet each time he returned with the same determination, humility, and character that have defined his journey.

On the competition mats, Andy has found success both regionally and internationally, highlighted by:
🥈 Silver Medal – 2021 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship (Purple Belt)
🥉 Bronze Medal – 2024 IBJJF No-Gi Pan Championship (Brown Belt)

But medals and accomplishments only tell part of the story.

Andy is also a giver. He has stepped up to teach classes, generously shares his knowledge, and is always willing to help his teammates improve. The students around him are better because of his presence, and he has become a valued leader and an important part of our community.

The black belt is not a finish line. It is a reflection of years of perseverance, continuous learning, and service to others.

Congratulations, Professor Andy Phillips. Thank you for helping shape the culture of Dojo Nine and for showing us what it means to keep moving forward.

Perfection is an illusion. Refinement is eternal.

Always one step further.

Last night, we officially announced our first affiliate.

Please join us in welcoming Professor Wolfgang Jensen and his team to the Dojo Nine family. 🥋

Wolfgang’s academy is located inside Evolve Strength in Seton and will serve our South Calgary community. We’ve known each other for nearly 20 years and share the same values of technical excellence, continuous learning, and building strong communities through jiu-jitsu.

This is an exciting milestone for our team and the beginning of a new chapter for Dojo Nine.

Welcome to the family, Professor. We’re excited for what’s ahead.

Always one step further.

Promotion Day is always one of our favourite nights of the year. 🥋

Last night, we celebrated the hard work, consistency, and growth of our students. Every stripe and every belt represents countless rounds, difficult days, small improvements, and the courage to keep showing up.

Congratulations to everyone who was promoted. We’re proud of each of you and grateful for the amazing community we’ve built together.

Perfection is an illusion. Refinement is eternal.

Always one step further.

Promotion Day is coming up at Dojo Nine. 🥋

Tuesday, June 16 will be a special night for both our kids and adult teams as we recognize the hard work, consistency, and growth our students have put in on the mats.

Kids Promotion Day
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🍕 Pizza + team photo

Adult Promotion Night
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📸 Team photo
🥋 Training
🎉 Promotions + drinks after

These nights are always a reminder that martial arts is about more than belts — it’s about community, perseverance, and growing together over time.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone. 👊

Proud of Team Dojo Nine at AVA Western Submission Grappling this weekend.

6 competitors
2 Gold Medals
2 Silver Medals
9 Submission Victories

More important than the medals was the character shown throughout the day.

Some students won. Some lost. Some competed for the very first time. Some faced bigger and more experienced opponents.

But everyone stepped onto the mats and tested themselves.

Special shoutout to Noah Prim for showing incredible resilience in his first tournament as a one-stripe white belt, battling back after losing the opening round to win the next two submissions.

Also proud of Maya, Zoey, Riley, Austin, and Collin for representing the academy with courage and composure.

Win or lose, these experiences build confidence, humility, and character.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH — EMMANUEL & SERGIO

Not everyone needs to compete to be dangerous.

Sergio and Emmanuel aren’t chasing medals every weekend.
They’ve got responsibilities. Life outside the gym.

But when they step on the mats…

They train at a level most people can’t touch.

Technical.
Composed.
Mentally tough.

No ego. No noise. Just work.

Nothing is wasted.

Every round has purpose.
Every movement is intentional.

They take full ownership of their progress.
No excuses. No shortcuts.

And they make the room better.

The way they train, the way they carry themselves—
it lifts everyone around them.

They stay curious.
They refine.
They evolve.

And they’re always pushing just a little further.

Because of that…

They raise the standard — even in our pro sessions.

Not because they have to.
Because that’s who they are.

This is what we’re building.

— DOJO NINE —