Family Owned & Operated
Welcome to Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu, where we strive to provide a world-class training experience for all of our members. As a family-owned and locally operated gym, we have a deep connection to the community and a personal investment in each and every one of our students.
Our goal is to offer not just top-notch instruction in the art of BJJ, but to also create a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels welcomed and part of the family.
When you train with us, you'll be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for BJJ. You'll have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with both instructors and other students, and experience the camaraderie and sense of belonging that can only be found in a close-knit community.
At Black Gold BJJ, we believe that the training experience goes beyond just physical improvement. We are committed to fostering a positive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
INSTRUCTORS
Professor Michael “Mikey” Hay
Prof Mike is a true BJJ aficionado and a force to be reckoned with on the mat. He started his martial arts journey as a rambunctious teen in search of a positive outlet for his boundless energy. It wasn't long before he discovered his calling in grappling arts, and after joining his high school wrestling team, he was hooked.
Determined to master his craft, Prof Mike threw himself into BJJ training, traveling to cities across Canada, the US, Mexico, and Thailand to learn, practice, teach, and compete. Over a decade of training and dedication paid off when he was awarded his black belt in 2019 by none other than Master Carlos Gracie Jr. himself.
Prof Mike's style on the mat is a mix of technical proficiency and pure excitement. He's known for his relentless pace and always hunting for submissions, making him a crowd favorite at competitions. But his skills don't just shine on the BJJ mat - he's also proven his jiu-jitsu in real combat with five first-round submissions in MMA and a shot at the Unified MMA title.
Aside from being a fierce competitor, Prof Mike is also a passionate coach and mentor to BJJ students of all ages. He loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge and experience with anyone who's willing to learn. Whether he's helping students troubleshoot their techniques or coaching them at local tournaments, Prof Mike is always ready to lend a hand.
With the dream of opening his own BJJ academy in his hometown of Spruce Grove, Prof Mike is on a mission to spread the love for jiu-jitsu and make a positive impact in his community. He believes that BJJ has the power to change lives, and he's determined to share that with as many people as he can.
“Coach P” - Pascale Leonard
Pascale is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a true testament to the power and benefits of the sport. Her journey into the world of grappling arts started in 2019 when she attended her nephew's judo tournament and felt a pull towards combat sports. She quickly discovered a love for BJJ, finding it to be not only an excellent physical workout but also a mental challenge that taught her self-defense and confidence.
When she's not training on the mats, Pascale works as a project manager in large-scale construction projects. BJJ provides a welcome escape from the demands of her day job, allowing her to focus on solving the puzzles of a match and keep her busy mind engaged.
For Pascale, BJJ is also a form of meditation, helping her to be present in the moment and forget about life's little stresses. She finds nothing more satisfying than being able to use technique efficiently to defeat opponents who are bigger and stronger than her.
As a Coach for the Juniors program, Coach P is passionate about introducing the next generation to the sport she loves and helping them discover the same physical, mental and emotional benefits that she has experienced. She is a role model to the juniors, inspiring them to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives and showing them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Taz “Tazziboye” Hay
Meet Taz, the Texas Heeler who's taking over the BJJ world one butt wag at a time! This four-legged wonder is not only the resident emotional support animal, but he's also the unsung hero behind the scenes at Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu.
Taz may be small in size, but he's big in brains, and he's the mastermind behind Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu. He's always the first one to arrive in the morning, ready to tackle the day, and he's always the last one to leave at night, making sure everything is in order. He's got a keen eye for detail, and he's always checking the schedule, making sure that all the bills are paid on time, and ensuring that everything is running smoothly. From answering emails to keeping track of memberships, Taz is always on top of his game. But he's not just all work and no play - Taz is known for his playful nature and love of belly rubs.
Taz's real passion is in color coordination. He believes that he's the inspiration behind the gym's iconic black and gold color scheme. He spends hours each day carefully selecting the perfect shade of gold to match his fur, and he's always making sure that the black mats are just the right contrast.
Despite his busy schedule, Taz always makes time for the students at Black Gold BJJ. He's the first one to greet you at the door, and he'll be there to offer a paw of comfort after a tough workout. Whether he's providing emotional support or simply making everyone laugh, Taz is an integral part of the Black Gold BJJ community.
So, if you're ever in need of a break from the mat, be sure to stop by and say hello to Taz. Just be prepared to leave with a few extra dog hairs on your gi!