MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
At Grapple Lab BJJ, our team of black belt instructors each bring over a decade of grappling experience to the mats. Passionate about the art and dedicated to each student’s journey, our instructors are committed to providing high-quality instruction in a supportive environment. Our instructors train regularly themselves, continually refining their technique and deepening their understanding of the sport. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll be learning from skilled instructors who are here to challenge you and help you grow as a martial artist. Learn more about our school and our classes.
Matt Kuris
Head Instructor | BJJ BLACK BELT
Matt has been training in combat sports since 1999. He began his martial arts journey with boxing and Muay Thai. From there, he progressed to MMA and submission wrestling.
In 2004, he took his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. Over the next few years, he chose to fully dedicate himself to the sport.
Since then, Matt has launched several BJJ programs across Toronto. However, he is best known as the co-founder and one of the head instructors at Grapple Lab BJJ.
In January 2018, Matt was awarded the rank of BJJ Black Belt by his original professor, Cesar Rezek, to whom he owes much of his knowledge.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > André Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek Alves
Dave Menceles
BJJ BLACK BELT
Dave takes a practical and accessible approach to both learning and teaching. As an instructor, instead of focusing on memorizing specific technique sequences, he helps students continuously improve their understanding of Jiu Jitsu concepts over time.
In addition, Dave is the co-founder of Jits Magazine. He is fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and has spent over 2 years training in Brazil.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > André Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek Alves > Matt Soroka > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Dave Menceles
BJJ BLACK BELT
Dave takes a practical and accessible approach to both learning and teaching. As an instructor, instead of focusing on memorizing specific technique sequences, he helps students continuously improve their understanding of Jiu Jitsu concepts over time.
In addition, Dave is the co-founder of Jits Magazine. He is fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and has spent over 2 years training in Brazil.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > André Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek Alves > Matt Soroka > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Saaz Mariani
BJJ BLACK BELT
Saaz has been involved with martial arts since the early 2000s. But once he found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011, he never left. He is a former Toronto Athlete of the Year and multiple-time Wrestling City Champion. He also has experience competing in both gi and nogi tournaments at all his previous belt levels.
Saaz sustained a significant knee injury in 2018 and Jiu Jitsu helped with his recovery. During this time, he was able to stay motivated to keep learning. He is also passionate about a variety of other sports and enjoys sharing his love of athleticism with others.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Alvaro Barreto > Sylvio Behring > Jesse Richardson > Joe De Los Reyes > Cesar Rezek Alves > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Tony Toffolo
BJJ BLACK BELT
Tony, a former basketball player, began his BJJ journey in 2009 and quickly immersed himself in the art. Since then, he approaches his training and teaching from a practical perspective, with efficiency as the primary goal. As part of his own learning, he makes sure to stay up to date with new and evolving techniques. Off the mats, Tony likes to get creative through various photography and video projects.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Luiz França > Oswaldo Fadda > Sebastião Ricardo > Wendell Alexander > Chris Wellstood / Leo Santos > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Tony Toffolo
BJJ BLACK BELT
Tony, a former basketball player, began his BJJ journey in 2009 and quickly immersed himself in the art. Since then, he approaches his training and teaching from a practical perspective, with efficiency as the primary goal. As part of his own learning, he makes sure to stay up to date with new and evolving techniques. Off the mats, Tony likes to get creative through various photography and video projects.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Luiz França > Oswaldo Fadda > Sebastião Ricardo > Wendell Alexander > Chris Wellstood / Leo Santos > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Ken Halligan
BJJ BLACK BELT
Ken discovered the effectiveness of grappling before earning his black belt in Taekwondo. Recognizing the importance of having these skills, he began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the late 1990s. He has remained dedicated to the practice ever since.
Ken finds great satisfaction in teaching. He especially enjoys the problem-solving aspect of BJJ. As an instructor, the most rewarding moments come when he helps a student overcome a challenge that’s been hindering their progress.
He also emphasizes the importance of BJJ for self-defense. At the same time, he focuses on helping students understand key concepts and principles. Most of all, he believes that with the right mindset, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be a lifelong pursuit.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Sylvain Moroney > Cesar Rezek Alves > Wagnney Fabiano
Becca Gill
BJJ BLACK BELT
Becca is a highly motivated person who thrives on challenges. With more than a decade of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she passionately shares her knowledge to others. Her primary goal is to inspire those around her by showing her profound love and enthusiasm for the sport.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > André Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek Alves > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Becca Gill
BJJ BLACK BELT
Becca is a highly motivated person who thrives on challenges. With more than a decade of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she passionately shares her knowledge to others. Her primary goal is to inspire those around her by showing her profound love and enthusiasm for the sport.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > André Pederneiras > Cesar Rezek Alves > Mani J. / Matt Kuris
Get in touch today!
Any questions?
Email: info@grapplelabbjj.com
Text: (647) 990-9931
We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Location
TKMT (Toronto Kickboxing & Muay Thai)
1992 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 1Z7
1 minute walk north from Davisville subway station. Parking is available on side streets.
Nova Uniao Toronto
Schedule
MONDAY
7:45pm – 9:15pm
NO-GI
TUESDAY
7:45pm – 9:15pm
GI
WEDNESDAY
7:45pm – 9:15pm
NO-GI
THURSDAY
7:45pm – 9:15pm
GI
SATURDAY
2pm – 3pm BJJ FUNDAMENTALS
3pm - 4pm DRILLS & ROLLING