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Our Mission
To empower individuals of all ages through authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building confidence, discipline, and community in the Laval and beyond. We aim to provide world-class instruction in a safe, inclusive, and professional environment, helping kids, teens, and adults become stronger on and off the mats.
Our Vision
To become the Laval’s most trusted hub for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and character development. with future academies expanding across the region. We see a future where every child and adult in the Laval has access to the life-changing benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of background or experience.
Our Philosophy
Jiu-Jitsu is more than self-defense, it’s a lifestyle. At Renzo Gracie Laval, we believe in showing up, working hard, and growing together. Our instruction blends tradition and innovation, physical conditioning and emotional intelligence, competition and community. We don’t just build athletes, we build better humans.
Our Journey
Beginnings as a Coach
Less than a year into his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, Coach Louis-Philippe was invited to begin teaching at his academy. What started as assisting classes quickly transformed into a true passion for coaching. Through disciplined training, curiosity, and a growing understanding of movement, he developed the foundations of his teaching style, combining clear instruction, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to help others grow in both skill and confidence.
Renzo Gracie West Island
The first Renzo Gracie academy in Quebec launched under the guidance of Professor Glen Mackenzie, built on the back of his 15+ years of teaching experience. Today, it’s home to multiple decorated black belts and stands as one of Quebec’s top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facilities.
A New Chapter: Renzo Gracie Laval
In 2024, Renzo Gracie expanded to Laval under the leadership of Professor Louis-Philippe. Built on a foundation of experience, trust, and collaboration with the West Island academy, the new Laval location represents a fresh chapter of growth. The team united to bring world-class Jiu-Jitsu to a new community, creating a space rooted in partnership, technical excellence, and shared values.
Our Lineage
Renzo Gracie
A legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Renzo has trained world champions and helped bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the global stage.
TEAM OAMA
One of Canada’s most respected BJJ teams, Team OAMA is a direct affiliate of Renzo Gracie. Known for its high-level instruction and leadership in the national scene, it upholds Renzo’s legacy through its black belts and academies.
Professor Louis-Philippe
A black belt under Team OAMA, Coach Louis-Philippe leads the Laval academy with over a decade of teaching and competitive experience. His mission: to share the life-changing benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with kids, adults, and families across Laval and Montreal.
Coach Louis-Philippe
Upon returning to Canada, he transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA), where he quickly established a solid competitive record: 6 wins and 1 loss as an amateur, followed by 1 win and 1 loss at the professional level. This phase of his journey strengthened his strategic mindset, technical base, and appreciation for the physical and mental demands of combat sports.
Less than a year into his training, he was offered the opportunity to begin teaching, allowing him to develop coaching skills early in his journey. He embraced the role with enthusiasm, learning the fundamentals of instruction and discovering a passion for helping others grow. His dedication and consistent effort were recognized in 2015, when he was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Fernandes.
His philosophy centers on balance between mind and body, strong fundamentals, and finding joy in the learning process. His goal is to help each student achieve their personal objectives while developing confidence, technical growth, and a deep appreciation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Meet The Rest of Our Team
⬛ Kosen Judo
Mani is a BJJ Brown Belt and a second-degree (Nidan) Kosen Judo Black Belt under Sensei Hiroshi Nakamura. With over 14 years of experience in Kosen Judo, he brings a unique blend of judo and grappling strategy into his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game.
Whether coaching or competing, Mani applies a highly technical approach to both standing and ground transitions, specializing in traditional judo takedowns, foot sweeps, turnovers, submissions, and pinning sequences. His deep understanding of balance, timing, and grip fighting makes him a valuable resource for students looking to strengthen their stand-up and transition skills.
Thomas Paquette is one of the brightest rising talents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a dedicated instructor at Renzo Gracie Laval. At just 17 years old, Thomas is a Juvenile 2 blue belt with an exceptional competitive record, but also a passionate mentor for younger students.
Thomas has already made his mark internationally, earning 3rd place at the 2025 IBJJF World Championship, two Quebec Provincial Championship titles, and gold at the 2024 Toronto Open, where he defeated the reigning Canadian champion. He also won gold at the Pan American Championships (Children’s division, 2023) and continued his momentum with medals at the 2024 Pan Ams and the New Jersey International Open.
Born and raised in the West Island, Coach Glen is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt and the founder of Renzo Gracie West Island Academy. What began as a post-injury recovery became a lifelong passion that transformed his mindset, and now, hundreds of others’. With over 15 years of experience teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and multiple championship titles across Canada and the U.S., Coach Glen is known for blending structure, empathy, and energy. His classes help adults build real confidence, strength, and skill, no matter your age or starting point.
What We Believe
Jiu-Jitsu teaches consistent effort, responsibility, and focus, values that carry far beyond the mats.
No matter your background, age, or experience — you're welcome here. Our BJJ programs are designed for all.
Every class begins and ends with respect — for the instructors, for your teammates, and for yourself.
We don’t just teach technique, we teach how to overcome challenges, adapt, and grow every day.
Our Academy
What Our Members Say
“Very nice and clean gym. Professor LP is extremely qualified and cares about his students and their progression. Classes are well taught and structured for all levels.”
“Renzo Gracie Laval is an exceptional place to learn jiu-jitsu. Passionate, dedicated instructors and a welcoming, respectful atmosphere. You feel real progression at any level. Highly recommended.”
“I accompanied my 7-year-old grandson and saw how Louis-Philippe adapts to each student’s learning speed. The place is clean and welcoming, and my grandson always looks forward to training.”
“I’m extremely satisfied with this Jiu-Jitsu school. The instructor is professional, attentive, and makes learning fun while teaching respect and discipline. My 5-year-old son loves going there.”
