President

With no previous martial arts experience, Michael took his first jiu-jitsu class at the age of 52 and was instantly hooked. His coach’s mantra of “one more action” resonated so much that it trickled into his personal life, inspiring and enabling him to progress through the unfamiliar and intimidating journey of founding RANDORI and building a team to grow it. He knows from experience that the jiu-jitsu process will have a positive impact on anyone’s perseverance and resilience, among other invaluable life skills. Michael is a marketing creative director with 30 years experience, a songwriter, cyclist, and vinyl enthusiast.

“A mind stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes 

Treasurer

With mixed experience in martial arts in his youth, Khalid wanted to get back into learning at the age of 35 and found jiu-jitsu to be the perfect opportunity for something new. He’s interested in learning and growing in all aspects of life and constantly seeks out new experiences. He says joining the RANDORI team was the ideal way to give back and share the joy that jiu-jitsu has brought to his life. When not at the gym, Khalid continues developing his career in Finance and sharing his knowledge with others. With 15 years of Finance experience, Khalid is a CPA and Manager of Finance & Data Analysis at McMaster University. 

“When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel.”

Eloise Ristad

Programming & Coaching

Andre is a second-degree jiu-jitsu black belt with over 20 years experience in the sport as a student, competitor, and coach. He’s also an amateur gardener and owner of The Grappling Garden in Hamilton. Andre opened his fist jiu-jitsu gym in 2014 with a traditional culture and teaching approach but decided to reinvent the club in 2022 with a shift to the ecological method and a more organic culture—appealing to a wider audience and bringing him closer to his student community. He teaches people in all walks of life including six-year-old beginners and professional athletes. Growth and gratitude are the pillars of his teaching philosophy. 

“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”

Miyamoto Musashi