BJJ Black Belt | MMA & BJJ Coach Toronto

Seiji is the co-founder of Tanuki Martial Arts, a community-focused martial arts academy serving the Danforth, Greektown, Riverdale, and East Toronto communities. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former professional MMA fighter, Seiji brings decades of martial arts experience, competition knowledge, and coaching expertise to Tanuki.

Born and raised in Toronto’s Greektown neighbourhood, Seiji began training in martial arts as a teenager. In 2003, he moved to Hamilton to attend McMaster University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science and PhD in Biochemistry. While at McMaster, he founded and operated the university’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club from 2005 to 2012, helping grow the martial arts community on campus.

In 2016, Seiji received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Professor Marco Costa. He has competed extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, with accomplishments including Ontario Provincial Jiu-Jitsu Championship titles in 2009 and 2011, an Ontario Open championship in 2018, a Canadian Nationals championship in 2023, and a professional MMA record of 5-2.

After building a successful career as a research scientist at SickKids Hospital, Seiji returned to Greektown to focus on his family and dedicate his time to teaching martial arts. At Tanuki Martial Arts, he shares his experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and martial arts training to help students develop confidence, discipline, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

His goal is to provide a welcoming, high-quality martial arts environment where students of all ages can learn, grow, and become better versions of themselves.

Quick Facts About Seiji

Favourite childhood video game: GoldenEye
Pineapple on pizza: Yes
Is a hotdog a sandwich? No
Most memorable movie: Iron Monkey
Era he would travel back to: Abiogenesis
Kindred spirit: Wombat