Instructors & Staff

Sean McHugh

**Specializations:**
***Co-Owner and Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor***
Sean's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in the late 90s, where he trained under a variety of instructors. In 2014, he earned his black belt from one of the world’s highest-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, Master Marcus Soares, making him a proud member of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu international team.
Business:
**Club Ownership**: Running his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club since 2010, where he fosters a supportive and growth-oriented environment for students.
Achievements:
**Black Belt Awarded**: Earned his BJJ black belt directly under Canada’s highest-ranked instructor, 8th degree black belt Master Marcus Soares (2014).
**Community Recognition**: Awarded the Community Sports Hero Award for Coaching in 2020.
**Competitive Success**: Won over a dozen medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
**Elite Training**: Trained with multiple world champions and legendary instructors, as well as UFC champions and veterans.
**Athletic Background**: Former provincial level high school wrestling competitor and national level Olympic weightlifting competitor.
Sean is dedicated to continuous learning and strives to elevate his skills by seeking knowledge from the best in the field.

Contact Sean

Melissa McHugh

Melissa is a dedicated Co-owner of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Kelowna, where she excels in both behind-the-scenes organization and front desk operations. Her passion for community engagement and martial arts shines through in every aspect of the academy.
In addition to her role at Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, Melissa is also the Co-owner and operator of Voth Photography, where she captures life's special moments with a creative eye. Her dual expertise in Business and photography showcases her diverse talents and commitment to excellence.

Contact Melissa

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
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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**

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.

I have trained at Alliance in Kelowna for 2 years, I can only say good things.

Sean has cultivated an excellent culture here. You will be welcomed and you will be pushed to succeed.

Professor Kleber is a world class instructor his technical knowledge is unquestionable. That knowledge and passion for his student’s success will undoubtedly lead your progression in Jiu-Jitsu to its highest potential.

Come for the Jiu-Jitsu stay for the people or vice versa you cannot go wrong here.

Also big shout outs to Coach Jake who runs the Monday morning class and Professor Kristian another wellspring of knowledge.

Evan G.