Instructors 

“There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu”. “You either win or you learn”!

Sean McHugh

Specializations:
Co-Owner and Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor/ assistant Kickboxing Instructor       

Sean's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey started in the late 90's with a variety of instructors. He then earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2014, under one of the world's highest ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, Master Marcus Soares. Sean strives to learn from the best instructors and competitors in the world and is now a proud member of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu international team.

• Awarded Black Belt in 2014

• Earned his BJJ black belt direct under Canada's highest ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, 8th degree BJJ black belt Master Marcus Soares

• 2020 was awarder Community Sports Hero Award for Coaching

• Over a dozen medals won in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Trained with and continues to train with multiple world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions and legendary Instructors

• Trained with multiple UFC champions and UFC veterans

• Former provincial level high school wrestling competitor and national level Olympic Weightlifting competitor 

Mitch Burke

Muay Thai Kickboxing Head Instructor

Mitch has been our Head Kickboxing instructor since Sept. 2024. His high-level of experience complimented by his friendly demeanour has made Mitch a fan favourite for Kickboxing.

• Started Kickboxing in 2012

• Began coaching in 2014

• 4 x Kickboxing fights

• 11 x MMA fights

• is a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Kleber Brito

Specializations:
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Kleber came directly from São Paulo Brazil and is Kelowna’s highest level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor.

• Highest-level and most experienced instructor in Kelowna

• 5th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

• over 25 years Jiu-Jitsu experience

• 18 years teaching experience from beginners to high-level competitors

• received his Black Belt from Luciano “ Casquinhaj” Nucci and Fabio Gurgel

• over 6 years teaching the Abu Dhabi , AUE armed forces

  
  

Jimmy Maguire

Specialization:
Assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
 

• Awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on Nov. 21st 2023

Jimmy started his martial arts journey back in Ireland. After moving to Vancouver Jimmy found a home at Alliance Vancouver where he earned his Purple Belt from World BJJ Champion Thomas Lisboa.

In 2018 Jimmy moved to Kelowna and joined the Alliance Kelowna Team.

Kristian Fraser

Specialization:
Assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor        

Kristian found Brazilian Jiu-jitsu through AIkido, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in 2009, after a long history of training in various other traditional martial arts. These arts are weaved into his BJJ game and he enjoys sharing those unique insights with his Alliance teammates. Come out and join him for some fun training!

• Judo blue belt  

• 2011 - Promoted to BJJ blue belt by Professor Roy Dean at the Roy Dean Academy in Bend Oregon.

• 2014 - Promoted to purple belt by Professors Chris Desautels and Joe Bossenberry of Infight Canada at QCMA in Regina Saskatchewan.

• 2017 - Promoted to brown belt by Professor Sean McHugh of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Kelowna

• 2022 - Promoted to Black Belt under Professor Sean McHugh

Melissa McHugh

Specialization:
The Boss

Co-owner of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Kelowna and is the behind the scenes organizer of the team and events.