Hero Academy

COACH ANNOUNCEMENT — WELCOME COACH MARTA

HERO Family,
We’re proud to introduce Coach Marta Pankiv to our coaching team.

Marta is a professional MMA fighter, a lifelong wrestler, and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt with years of competitive experience. But what truly sets her apart is her passion for teaching — especially when it comes to working with kids.

Starting this week, Coach Marta will be leading our Kids Jiu Jitsu program, bringing her discipline, energy, and deep technical knowledge to the next generation of HERO athletes.

Her blend of high‑level combat experience and genuine love for youth development makes her a perfect fit for our culture. She teaches with patience, structure, and enthusiasm — the exact environment we want our kids to grow in.

And this is just the beginning.
We have big plans for Coach Marta and HERO in the near future.

Join us in welcoming her to the team.
The future of our youth program just leveled up.

Roll

Three months ago, we almost made the heartbreaking decision to close Hero Academy after a sudden, steep increase in rent. It felt impossible to imagine continuing.

But then two incredible people said, “No, you’re not!” Filip and Val opened their arms and their doors to us, sharing their space with no expectations, only belief in us.

Today, while we continue building our new home, Filip and Val have welcomed us to run all our classes at Roll Academy, making sure our members stay connected until we’re ready to open our doors again.

From the very first day, the Roll community has been nothing but welcoming and supportive. It truly feels like our second home.

Thank you, Filip and Val.
Thank you, TJ and Kelea.
Thank you to the entire Roll family for endorsing us and giving us a temporary home. Roll will always be our second home, and you will always be our second family.

And last but never least, thank you to our beautiful, patient, and supportive Hero Academy community. Thank you for believing in us and standing by us. We’ll be back soon, stronger than ever, we knew we could count on you.

Remember that time Lulu Lemon threw a party at Hero Academy? Smoothies, Swag and Sweat. Can’t wait to do it again in our new space. Opening Jan 2026.

✨ Coach Nelly Update ✨

We’re sad to share that Coach Nelly’s last day at Hero Academy will be November 20th. She’s heading back to school to study marketing, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. ❤️

But don’t worry — this isn’t goodbye. You’ll still see her around the gym from time to time, jumping into Jiu Jitsu classes and saying hi to everyone.

Nelly has been with us since day one, and we’re going to miss her energy, her support, and the sisterhood she brings to our community. She’ll always be part of the Hero family. 🖤

If you want to show her some love, make sure to stop by and say goodbye before Nov 20th. 💫

🥊 LET’S PUNCH MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MOUTH
Join us for a FREE kickboxing class led by 2 lululemon ambassadors our very own head coach Meego and UFC fighter Jamey-Lyn Horth — a night of movement, community, and resilience.

📅 Friday, October 24th
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Hero Academy
🎽 Sponsored by lululemon — free tops for all participants!

Spots are limited!
To book your spot:

✅ Bring gloves, no shoes, and a water bottle

Let’s move with purpose. Let’s fight for our mental health. Let’s show up for each other 💥

🥋💜 Purple Belt Power Activated! 💜🥋
Huge congratulations to Jaime and Jason on earning their purple belts! Your dedication, grit, and growth on the mats have been nothing short of inspiring. This milestone is a testament to the hours of sweat, the countless rolls, and the mindset of never giving up. You’ve both leveled up, and we couldn’t be prouder!

To the rest of our Hero Academy crew: every belt earned is a reminder that progress is possible. Stay consistent, stay humble, and keep showing up. Your journey is unfolding, one class, one tap, one breakthrough at a time.

Let’s keep pushing each other to be better. The grind continues 💪

CLOSED JUNE 26 - JULY 6. We’re taking a few rest days to deep clean the gym and get it ready for the summer.

Regular classes will resume July 7.

Congratulations everyone for the level-up!!

📢 New Sambo Class at Hero Academy!🥋🔥

We’re bringing Sambo to Hero Academy—led by the incredible Coach Ian Popoff!
Join us every Wednesday at 5:30 PM, starting tomorrow, and level up your combat skills with this dynamic martial art.

Perfect for all levels, this class will cover effective takedowns, grappling techniques, and self-defense strategies from one of the most powerful combat sports in the world.

💥 Warning: Side effects may include faster reflexes, an irresistible urge to show off your takedown skills at family gatherings, and developing a strange love for short shots!

Tag your training partners and get ready to dominate the mats! 🔥

🚨 New Class Alert!🚨
Starting this May, join us for Sambo Fundamentals every Wednesday at 5:30 PM! 🤼‍♂️ 💥

Coached by the amazing Ian Popoff, a martial arts expert with over 20 years of experience, this class is your chance to dive into the world of Sambo and build a strong foundation in this transformative martial art. 🌟 Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Ian’s coaching will guide you every step of the way. 💪✨

📅 When:Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM

Ready to start your journey? Let’s go! 👊🔥

———

🎯 Meet Coach Ian Popoff🎯

With 20+ years of martial arts training and 15+ years of coaching, Ian is dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential. He believes martial arts isn’t just about fitness—it’s a journey to discovering discipline, focus, and inner strength. 💪✨

🏆 Achievements:
🥇 Canadian Nationals, Sport Sambo – Gold
🥇 Canadian Nationals, No Kurtka Sambo – Gold
🥈 Canadian Nationals, Beach Sambo – Silver
🥉 Dutch Open, Combat Sambo – Bronze
🥉 Can-Am, Pankration – Bronze
🥉 Can-Am, Muay Thai – Bronze
🥉 2x Tiger Balm Open, Kickboxing – Bronze
💜 BJJ Purple Belt & multiple tournament competitor

📜 Certifications:
- NASM Certified Trainer
- Rock Steady Boxing Coach
- CASI Level 3 Coach

When Ian’s not coaching, he’s conquering the great outdoors—rock climbing, backcountry skiing, fishing, and camping. 🏕️⛰️ He believes nature is the perfect place to recharge and find balance.

🚨 **New Class Alert!** 🚨
Starting this May, join us for **Sambo Fundamentals** every Wednesday at 5:30 PM! 🤼 💥

Coached by the Ian Popoff, a martial arts expert with over 20 years of experience, this class is your chance to dive into the world of Sambo and build a strong foundation in this transformative martial art. 🌟 Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Ian’s coaching will guide you every step of the way. 💪✨

Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today! ✅

📅 When: Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM

Ready to start your journey? Let’s go! 👊🔥 🤼‍♂️