MEET ERIC NADON,
RENZO GRACIE BLACK BELT & FOUNDER OF TORUS
I fell in love with martial arts in my early 20s after a lifetime of playing hockey. I started with kickboxing, transitioned to MMA, and gained experience in wrestling, boxing, and muay thai—but it was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that truly captured my passion. While working in the Protective Service on Parliament Hill, I trained relentlessly before making the tough decision to leave the service and pursue martial arts full-time, competing at the international level. Eventually, I hung up my MMA gloves and committed myself entirely to BJJ—studying, competing, and teaching.
In 2019, I earned my black belt from Matt "Hammer" Hache through Renzo Gracie Ottawa and the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts (OAMA), where I trained for over a decade. Hammer’s mentorship shaped both my skills and my approach as a teacher, and I’m deeply grateful for his guidance. My goal is to pass that same energy and dedication to others who share a commitment to the art of BJJ.
Early in my teaching career at OAMA, I coached across multiple disciplines (MMA, muay thai, BJJ, wrestling) and had the honor of cornering athletes in amateur and professional fights. In recent years, I’ve focused exclusively on BJJ, helping build one of the top competitive teams in Canada while fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.
While I still compete occasionally, my focus is now on teaching and growing the team and community here at TORUS BJJ. If you’re curious about what we’re building, come by for a free week. Thanks for taking the time to learn about me—I look forward to meeting you on the mats.