BJJ Black Belt & Kids Martial Arts Instructor Toronto

Marianna Zafiroudis was born and raised in Toronto’s Greektown neighbourhood and is the co-founder of Tanuki Martial Arts, a community-focused martial arts academy serving families in the Danforth, Riverdale, and East Toronto communities.

She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, former amateur boxer, and experienced martial arts coach with international training and competition experience. Her achievements include two-time European IBJJF gold medalist, Asian IBJJF gold medalist, two-time IBJJF Masters World Championship medalist, New York No-Gi IBJJF gold medalist, Ringside World Boxing gold medalist, and Golden Gloves medalist.

Marianna is also a fully qualified Child and Youth Worker with extensive experience supporting children and youth in school, residential, and community settings. She combines her background in martial arts and youth development to create a supportive environment where students build confidence, discipline, resilience, fitness, and life skills.

Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and martial arts training, Marianna’s goal is to help children and adults develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to overcome challenges both on and off the mats.

Quick Facts

Favourite childhood video games: Super Mario and Crash Bandicoot
Pineapple on pizza: Yes
Is a hotdog a sandwich? Nope
Most memorable movie: The Land Before Time
Era she would travel back to: The 1970s
Kindred spirit: Platypus