Foothills Jiu-Jitsu

09/05/2026

Why Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?

Can-Ryu focuses on a more practical self-protection system rather than a sports/tournament style martial arts. This art is a combination of traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing and law enforcement techniques.

At Foothills Jiu-Jitsu you will learn self-protection with a focus on the limits according to the Canadian Criminal Code.

Learn self control, confidence, while learning how to physically protect yourself using leverage, and timing instead of relying on strength, especially against larger attackers.

We offer junior and adult classes twice a week!

09/01/2026

Meet the instructor Part 2 -

Sensei Stephanie Smith - 1st degree black belt

Stephanie has been a student with Foothills Jiu Jitsu since the beginning, earning her First Degree Black Belt in Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu from Steve Hiscoe, Soke on November 4th, 2022.

Sensei Stephanie also got involved in martial arts through her children, first at Goshinkan Ju-Jitsu and subsequently at 7 Virtues Jiu-Jitsu.

Stephanie loves to see both children and adults grow to be more confident in their every day lives and self-protection. Stephanie also heads up our women’s and young women’s self protection classes, and believes in a safe, comfortable space to learn, while being taught by a female to reduce some people anxiety.

09/01/2026

Meet our instructors!

Sensei Ian Clark - 4th Degree Black Belt

Ian started his martial arts journey in early 2011 at Ju-Jitsu Calgary after watching his son and daughter train for a year. From the very first class, he was captivated by how technical and detailed Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu can be and wanted to learn more.

After Ju-Jitsu Calgary ceased operations in June of 2015, Ian became a founding member of the Can-Ryu Calgary (CRC) Study Group as a Brown Belt. On January 9th, 2016, Ian tested for and was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt in Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu by Steve Hiscoe, Kyoshi. Most recently, On November 4th, 2023, Ian was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt under Steve Hiscoe, Soke.

After four years with the CRC, Ian decided that it was time to form his own school teaching Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu closer to home in Okotoks. Foothills Jiu-Jitsu is the result of this decision.

Ian is a true believer that everybody has the right to feel safe and should have the tools defend themselves and others should the need arise. Through Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, he has found that knowledge of martial arts builds confidence and self-esteem that resonates in all areas of life.

08/29/2026

One of our amazing junior yellow belts throwing Sensei Ian like a ragdoll and finishing with an arm bar!

It is not about size or strength it is all technique…

08/26/2026

What is Can-Ryu Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?

It is a Canadian system of Japanese (stand up) jiu-jitsu it is not a sport; it’s a self protection system.

Elements of our style include:
🔹Striking, kicking and blocking
🔹Hold Escapes
🔹Throws and take downs
🔹Joint Locking
🔹Neck Restraints/ restraints
🔹Ground Defence

With a no rules, only results style discipline we also put focus on the difference between self-protection and self-defence with an emphasis on the Canadian legal system (section 34 of the Criminal Code of Canada).

With the principle of simplicity and the principle of gross motor skills you will be able to learn effective techniques quickly and efficiently.

We currently offer Junior (8-13) classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:15-8:15, and Adult (14+) classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings 8:15-9:15.

Message us or stop by Motion Fitness in Okotoks to try a class!

08/25/2026

Get your kid the best thing they can wear for back to school… confidence!!!

At Foothills Jiu-Jitsu we strive to help build confidence in our students by learning self-protection techniques, using their voices, team work and believing in themselves in everything they do all while having fun.

We offer two junior classes a week on Tuesday and Thursday!

Junior Jiu Jitsu (Age 8-13): Tuesday and Thursday from 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM Adult Jiu Jitsu (Ages 14+): Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM

10/13/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to all the dojo families out there!

09/26/2025

A huge congratulations to these gentlemen for their terrific grading lastnight.

Grading is more than just the test day, it is a show of your commitment, passion and skills. All which are observed every day not just grading day.

Congratulations to Andrew(right), Caleb(middle) and Paulo(left).

06/15/2025

Happy Fathers Day to all our dojo dads no matter what kind of dad you are. And a very happy Fathers Day to Sensei Ian Clark !

03/11/2025

A huge congratulations to our newest yellow belt!

Bennett left everything on the mats and showed us that he was indeed deserving of this belt promotion all while using an adult for a Uke!

Congratulations Bennett!!