ABOUT ME
Ray Mckinnon
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5th Dan Jujitsu
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North American Kickboxing instructor
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Muay Thai Kickboxing instructor
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Apprentice instructor Filipino Martial Arts
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Apprentice instructor Jun Fan Gung-Fu/Jeet Kune Do
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Submission grappling coach
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Former Police Defense tactics instructor
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Former kickboxing/MMA fight manager
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Specializes in the development of kids' programs
ARTS
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A Japanese Martial Art that focuses on both traditional and modern techniques encompassing all areas of Self- Defence
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Bruce Lee's Martial Art
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Art, Sport, Fitness utilizing the "science of eight limbs"
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An empty hand and weapon-based system
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A collection of MA techniques used when on the ground or " grappling" with another person
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Martial Arts program for children
HISTORY
Ray began his journey in Martial Arts in 1975 and continues to this day. He started off in Japanese Jujitsu in the early 70s and in 1983 started amateur Kickboxing eventually having 11 Kickboxing competitions with a record of 8 wins and 3 losses.
He began as an assistant Jujitsu instructor helping out in the children's program and then in 1985 at 16 he started to teach on his own until moving to a Prince Edward Island in 1990 where he would develop kids M.A programs for the YMCA as well teach Jujitsu at Holland College Police Academy (evening classes) all while continuing his own training in various arts.
In 1992 He started teaching Jujitsu for Halifax Recreation and in 1994 he opened the first full-time Jujitsu academy in the province. He travelled the province teaching seminars and planted the seed for Jujitsu in Cape Breton.
In 1995 He moved his academy to another full-time spot located inside the Bloomfield recreation Center and developed a Kickboxing program along with Jujitsu. He remained at this location till 2007 where during this time period he along with his Judo coach Victor Kuelza started the Victorious Judo/Jujitsu club that would see them part of Judo N.S as well enter in various provincial Judo competitions.
In 1998 both Ray and Victor were invited by the president of Judo Poland to come train at the Judo Olympic Training Center as well train with the Russian National Sambo Team.
It was at the Bloomfield location they started promoting Submission grappling around the province and hosting clinics at various clubs as well as hosting the first submission grappling events in N.S and hosting the first pro-Muay Thai kickboxing instructor from Thailand.
Ray established Jujitsu clubs in Yarmouth, Dartmouth, Cape Breton as well as continuing to grow the Victorious Judo/Jujitsu club but eventually changing the name to Bushido-Kai Martial Arts.
In 2007 he moved his club to another relocation and established classes in Jujitsu, Muay Thai, North American Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Filipino Arts and Jeet Kune Do.
Ray travelled many times to train with or host some of the most well-known instructors in the world.
In 2014 he moved his club to a 2000sf gym and started an MMA/Kickboxing fright team along with his other programs. Students competed nationally and internationally in Brazilian JiuJitsu while growing the academy to include 12 instructors with programs seven days a week
In March 2020 due to the Covid Pandemic, he was forced to shut his club down and taught private lessons out of his backyard training hall.
In 2021 He became an instructor, Martial Arts advisor to the new Manimal Athletes Training a 2000sf training Facility where he teaches Kids programs, Kickboxing and helps out at the facility.
Ray also trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under his instructor Carlos Cesar Nunes and holds a Purple belt.