Founder & Head Instructor

Joel Gelfand

Joel is the only instructor in Canada with combined experience in striking and grappling + expertise in personal protection and self-defense tactics. After earning his TKD Black Belt at age 13, Joel went on to train and compete in a variety of striking and grappling styles including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and Judo. Awarded his BJJ Blue Belt under Carlson Gracie, trained at Atlas Boxing Gym with Canadian Champion Jonathan Bochner, and practiced Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with UFC Champion Carlos Newton. Students come to HOC for a unique 360 perspective on martial arts and self-defense free of dogmatic thinking and unrealistic beliefs. They stay because Joel's fun teaching style and personality make every class and lesson an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Belts & Certifications

•Black Belt, Taekwondo

•Black Belt, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

•Black Belt Second Degree, Counter Terror Krav Maga (Nir Maman)

•Brown Belt Fourth Degree, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Professor Hugo Fevrier)

•ASP Baton Instructor

•Tactical Handcuffing Instructor

•Use of Force Instructor

•CFSC/CRFSC

House of Combat Team

BJJ Coach

Dane Branch

Professor Dane started training BJJ in January 2017 and was promoted to Black Belt in November 2023. Professor Dane credits his fast skill development in BJJ to values he developed earlier in life as a competitive wrestler and soccer player: focus, diligence, determination, resiliency, consistency, and humility.

As an instructor, Professor Dane focuses on Gi and Nogi Sport Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing a progressive and methodical approach that prioritizes technical precision over speed and strength. His thorough understanding of BJJ and meticulous attention to detail help students develop high-level grappling skills while mastering concepts and principles that underpin the most effective techniques.

 

Belts & Certifications

Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Professor Hugo Fevrier)

Krav Maga & BJJ Coach

Chaim Grafstein

Chaim has 15 years of training experience in Krav Maga, BJJ, and boxing. He is also an experienced educator and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto. Deep technical knowledge and friendly teaching methods make his classes and private lessons welcoming even for those just beginning their martial arts journey.

Belts & Certifications

•Brown Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

•Brown Belt Instructor, Counter Terror Krav Maga

Director & Women’s BJJ Coach

Avigayil Basser

Avigayil is the co-owner and director at House of Combat. She is passionate about making martial arts accessible and empowering women with self-defense skills so they can live better safer lives.

Belts & Certifications

•Blue Belt Second Degree, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

•Red Cross CPR-C & First Aid

•Can Fit Pro Personal Trainer