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Coach Glen is a Black Belt under Renzo Gracie and the founder of the Renzo Gracie West Island Academy. Born and raised in the West Island, he’s been involved in competitive sports from a young age. After a serious hockey injury at 30, Coach Glen discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and quickly fell in love with the art. What began as a way to stay active became a lifelong passion that transformed his mindset and lifestyle.
Over the years, Coach Glen has earned multiple championship titles across Canada and the U.S., and in 2016, he was IBJJF No-Gi World Ranked #1 at Brown Belt in his age and weight class. Today, Jiu-Jitsu remains a core part of his life, both as a competitor and as a mentor dedicated to helping others grow on and off the mats.
Our Mission
To empower individuals of all ages through authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building confidence, discipline, and community in the West Island 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 West Island’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 West Island 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 West Island, 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.
History
Our Journey
1
Beginnings at Cégép Gérald Godin
2009 - 2012
Coach Glen Mackenzie began teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Cégép Gérald Godin while still a blue belt. Twice a week, he introduced martial arts to local kids, it was about planting the seeds of martial arts in the West Island.
The Gladiator Era
2012 - 2013
After three years, an opportunity came to take over a small program. The early crew, known as the “Gladiators,” laid the foundation for what was coming next.
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Founding Our First Standalone Academy
2012 - 2013
Determined to create a legitimate academy, Coach Glen opened his own school in Montreal as a purple belt, one of the first standalone BJJ gyms in the West Island. The dream began to take shape.
Building a Community
2013 - 2019
With 7-day schedules, striking programs, and bully-proof kids classes, the academy surged to nearly 400 members. Coach Glen’s commitment made it a West Island martial arts hub.
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COVID & Rebuilding
2020 - 2022
The pandemic hit hard. Coach Glen refused to close the doors - teaching online, and sacrificing to keep the team together. It tested everything.
A New Chapter: Renzo Gracie West Island
2023
The academy relaunched under the Renzo Gracie banner via OAMA, finding new strength through partnerships. Today, it's home to multiple decorated black belts and is one Quebec's best facilities.
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Legacy
Our Lineage
Renzo Gracie
Renzo Gracie Academy
A legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Renzo has trained world champions and helped bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the global stage.
TEAM OAMA
Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts
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.
Coach Glen Mackenzie
Renzo Gracie West Island
A black belt under Team OAMA, Coach Glen leads the West Island 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 Montreal.
Our founder & Head Instructor
Coach Glen MacKenzie
Over the past decade and a half, Coach Glen has taught hundreds of students across the West Island. He began his teaching journey at Cégep Gérald-Godin and has since built one of the most trusted BJJ programs in the region.
He is also the founder of Fight for Charity, a nonprofit organization that raises funds through Jiu-Jitsu events for causes including the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Autism support organizations, and cancer research. Outside the gym, Glen continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter and actively participates in fundraising efforts across Montreal.
He is also the founder of Fight for Charity, a nonprofit organization that raises funds through Jiu-Jitsu events for causes including the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Autism support organizations, and cancer research. Outside the gym, Glen continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter and actively participates in fundraising efforts across Montreal.
“When people ask me what’s the hardest part about Jiu Jitsu I simply answer it’s making that first step and showing up to the academy, once you try a class and see what Gracie Jiu Jitsu is all about you’ll be hooked. It’s truly a martial art for everyone!”
Glen’s teaching philosophy blends discipline, empathy, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to compete, build confidence, or get fit, he believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, and his passion shows in every class.
Glen’s teaching philosophy blends discipline, empathy, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to compete, build confidence, or get fit, he believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, and his passion shows in every class.
Our Instructors
Meet The Rest of Our Team
Professor Anthony Cassella
🟫 Isshin Ryu Karate - ⬛ Kempo Karate - Instructor rank in Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kung Fu - ⬛ Freestyle Grappling
instructor
Born in Rochester, NY, Professor Anthony Casella has been practicing martial arts since the age of 11. His diverse background includes a brown belt in Isshin Ryu Karate, a black belt in Kempo Karate, instructor ranking in Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kung Fu, and a black belt in freestyle grappling under Ron Pattyn.
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Professor Claudio Borja
instructor
Claudio is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor with over 10 years of experience and a lifelong passion for martial arts. Originally from Brazil and proudly embracing his geeky side, Claudio works professionally as a cloud engineer but has always made time for the martial arts lifestyle.
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Coach Phil Grilli
instructor
Coach Phil Grilli is passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, believing that growth in jiu-jitsu reflects growth in life. With extensive experience, he knows mastery involves more than just technique—it's about mindset, discipline, grit, and humility. He creates a supportive environment where all students feel challenged and inspired. For him, jiu-jitsu transforms lives by building skill and character through consistency, respect, and hard work.
Alessandro Cretella
instructor
Coach Ale primarily teaches kids and beginner-level adults, with a strong focus on discipline and foundational technique. He has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over six years and began his coaching journey in 2020, assisting Professor Glen with online Zoom classes during the pandemic. Since then, he’s developed a calm, patient teaching style that helps students feel confident and supported from day one.
Cody Hamilton
instructor
Coming Soon
Mark Colangelo
instructor
Coming Soon.
our values
What We Believe
Discipline
Jiu-Jitsu teaches consistent effort, responsibility, and focus, values that carry far beyond the mats.
Inclusivity
No matter your background, age, or experience — you're welcome here. Our BJJ programs are designed for all.
Respect
Every class begins and ends with respect — for the instructors, for your teammates, and for yourself.
Growth
We don’t just teach technique, we teach how to overcome challenges, adapt, and grow every day.
State of the art
Our Academy
real people. Real stories
What Our Members Say
“Beautiful new facility, amazing instructors, and a supportive team atmosphere. Perfect for beginners or competitors.”
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“I joined at my lowest — 300+ lbs, no confidence, diabetic. Now I feel stronger, lighter, and supported every step.”
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“Instructors are technical, passionate, and make sure you truly understand. Fantastic place to start your BJJ journey.”
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“Dropped in from out of town. Everyone was welcoming, the gym spotless, and the training top-tier.”
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