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MARTIAL ARTS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS!
Spartan Striking Academy proudly serving Richmond Hill & Markham
Spartan Striking Academy has Classes in Richmond Hill, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
KRU Michael Fitzpatrick
"Every one person can't be coached the same way. I take the best of what I have learned over the years, and I adapt to the person who's in front of me."
About Me:
Michael Fitzpatrick is the middle-weight WBC Canadian professional champion and MTBSA World Champion and is currently ranked #1 in Canada at 160lbs by the WBC (World Boxing Council) via (MUAYTHAIWORLDCUP.COM). He is also a 4-time Canadian National and Provincial champion. At just 12 years old, Michael traveled to Thailand to train under the legendary Tiger Muay Thai camp. At 16, Michael already possessed an amateur record of 45-5, turning professional at 18. He has traveled throughout Asia, learning from and competing against some of the best fighters in the world, and holds a professional record of 51W/7 L/0D. Combining total between amateur and professional fighting Kru yai Michael has 96 W / 12 L /0 D. In 2019, he was officially recognized by Thailand’s government and the World Muay Thai & Muay Boran Sports Association as receiving the prestigious title of “Kru Yai”.
As one of Canada’s highest elite fighters, Michael has trained under some of Muay Thai’s best fighters and coaches such as Thailand’s Tongchai Sitsongpeenong, Petch-tho Sitjaopho, and Kaisuwit Ple. He currently trains under world renowned coach and promoter Kierian Keddle of the UK(coach of 22 world champions) and Joe Hongthong Noi of Hongthong Muay Thai Camp in Chiangmai, Thailand. He’s passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge with his students and loves helping people see that they can surpass their abilities with hard work, and dedication. Michael has no shortage of impressive accolades and feats, including being three-time North and South Thailand champion, WBC Canadian champion, and has trained under former UFC fighter Sean Pearson and Carlos Newton.
Teaching Philosophy:
With many years in Muay Thai under his belt, Coach Michael has developed a program that incorporates many styles perfectly like a true Muay Khao master. The success of Spartan Striking Academy in local, national, and international competitions is a testimony to the effectiveness of this approach. The traditional fighting style of Thailand, Muay Thai is an effective martial art for both competition, self-defense, and general fitness. The emphasis on Muay Thai striking is the effectiveness and strategy of the movement. Michael teaches how important it is to have a superior technique with no wasted movements. Each strike is designed to maximize power while minimizing effort.
NOTABLE FIGHTS
● May 29, 2017 – WKF Provincials Title
● November 12, 2017 – Muay Thai Canada National Title
● December 9, 2017 – Cold Warz Title vs. Thomas Raby
● July 4, 2018 – Chiangmai boxing Stadium Title vs. Chanphachat Sor. Suanucha
● March 3, 2018 – Lumpinee Stadium Title vs. Kompikhat sor. Tawenrung
● January, 26 2019 – Northern thaephaeThailand Title vs. Saengutai Rangsit University Muay Thai
● November 30, 2019 – WBC super welterweight Canadian World Title vs. Chris McMillan
● December 19, 2020 – MTBSA World Title vs. Santafarr Hua Hin Muaythai gym
● July 03 , 2021- WBC middleweight Canadian world title vs. Justin Parsons
● August 06 , 2022- Southern Thailand title vs. mangkonfar . Sitbonchefem gym
● October 08 , 2022- international Thailand title vs Soccer. Chiangmai boxing gym
● September 23 , 2023- MAX MUAYTHAI vs. Yodinsee Petchrambo max mt gym
● April 13 , 2024 – United boxing promotions vs. Gregory Miller
Coach Patricia Fitzpatrick
“Knowing that I have it [Muay Thai] when I need it, gave me my voice.”
About Me:
Patricia has been training martial arts for over 8 years and is part of the family that runs Spartan Striking Academy. Grappling with social anxiety early on, Muay Thai helped Patricia come out of her shell and find her voice. Since then, Patricia has earned an impressive 10-1 fight record, has developed an interest in teaching children and students with unique learning needs, and helps people come out of their comfort zone.
Patricia is currently working on her undergrad in social work, and incorporates elements from her learning into her coaching style.
Teaching Philosophy:
Patricia prioritizes simplicity and physicality into her teaching. Having trained in Thailand, where she learned how to train Muay Thai without speaking the same language as her coaches, Patricia is adept in teaching by showing. Pairing this with her approach in explaining concepts in the most easily understood way, she is a great coach for beginners, children, and anyone that is looking for a teacher that will go above and beyond to find a way to accommodate their learning style.
Class Concepts:
Technical, offence, defense, practical application with a partner, clinch.
Class Atmosphere:
Patricia creates a well-paced and welcoming environment for her classes. You can expect a challenging workout, to learn, have fun, and have a new technique to try out on a partner. For new students, expect that Patricia will go out of her way to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need to fit in with your new Spartan family.
Personality and Approach:
Patricia brings a modest and humble approach to her Muay Thai, and coaching, but don’t let her calm demeanor fool you. Patricia is a ferocious fighter and is determined to help her students step outside their comfort zone, develop a loud voice, and become the best version of themselves.
Coach Jenelle
“There’s a lot of honor with being called a Spartan.”
About Me:
Jenelle has been training martial arts for 12 years, and has been with Spartan for 6 months. Jenelle got her start in Jiu-Jitsu, but found a passion in Muay Thai. After beginning her Muay Thai training, Jenelle stepped into the ring within 6 months and hasn’t missed a day of training ever since. She not only found world-class training with Spartan, but also a deep sense of community, and a second family. Spartan pushed Jenelle to achieve excellence, and the love and admiration she has for the community is unmatched.
Jenelle is the last Garcia in her family, and proudly represents the name when she steps into the ring. When she enters the competitive arena, she does so with the objective of bringing back greatness and pride to her family. Given the family she’s found at Spartan, Jenelle doesn’t just fight as the last Garcia, but also as a proud Spartan.
Teaching Philosophy:
Many people think striking has to be aggressive and harsh. Jenelle prefers a more fluid, technical, and intellectual approach. Good Muay Thai starts from your feet. Precise striking and a strong guard both start with having your feet in the right place. As well, Jenelle teaches her students to develop the mental discipline to work in Muay Thai. Having initially struggled with facing hits, she ensures her students acquire the tools to manage their emotions and cultivate techniques for maintaining composure, regardless of the exercise’s difficulty or the opponent they face
Class Concepts:
footwork, pushing limits, mental conditioning, strategic fighting
Class Atmosphere:
Jenelle makes it a priority to ensure all of her students feel welcomed and is available to coach anyone through the anxieties of training martial arts. She creates a supportive environment, lives for the “aha” moment in her students, and is always the first to celebrate her students victories.
Jenelle makes her students do the impossible, so it feels possible moving forward. She sets out a tough warm up with the objective of exhausting her class by the end of the warm up. The method to her madness is offering a feeling of satisfaction by getting her students to make it to the end of a rigorous warm up, that they didn’t think they could complete. This way, after a short breather, when it’s time to jump into technique, the impossible now feels possible.
Personality and Approach:
Despite being a self-proclaimed “socially awkward” person, Jenelle will make you feel right at home with Spartan. Her enthusiasm and love for the Spartan community is infectious, and she could probably sell you a membership without even offering the martial arts with it. Jenelle bears a strong sense of pride in her name and the Spartan community, while still embodying humility and approachability.
Her passion and inspiration show up in her training and coaching, and she is a critical element in what makes Spartan a family gym. Jenelle is a superb coach for anybody that might feel anxious about starting martial arts, or anyone looking for the inspiration to compete. Her devotion and advocacy for the Spartan family are second to none.
Coach Heemy Lo
“Balance is everything”
About Me:
Heemy has been training martial arts for over 5 years and has been with Spartan for over 2. Like many of the coaches at Spartan, Heemy is highly active in competition and brings deep commitment to his training, teaching, and the ring.
For Heemy, Muay Thai is a very aggressive martial art, so power, balance, and technique are paramount to showing dominance in the ring. Despite his assertive style in the ring and yearn for dominating his opponents, his approachability and thoughtfulness are second to none.
Teaching Philosophy:
Heemy lays a foundation with the basics and has his students rep it out with multiple variations, while paying attention to speed and distance. Every technique has many moving parts that all need to come together to perform a fast and hard strike, and repetition is the way to get there. He blends traditional, rigid Muay Thai rules with modern approaches to tailor techniques to individuals and leverage their strengths.
Class Concepts:
Technique, combinations, movement, balance.
Class Atmosphere:
Bring a water bottle and bring the effort because Heemy likes to push his students with high volume and run fast-paced drills. Like all of the Spartan coaches, Heemy ensures a zero-shame environment. While he encourages his students to give their best, he ensures their efforts align with their self-set goals. At Spartan, nobody will be made to feel lesser for having different objectives.
Personality and Approach:
Heemy brings a fun and enthusiastic attitude to his classes, and his high energy fighting style certainly shows up in the way he teaches. Beginners will start with the foundations, learning single strikes, punches, and kicks, and will then build them up to throw combinations. For advanced students, Heemy focuses on drilling high-level combinations and will introduce unexpected curveballs, helping his students learn to flow. In other words, Heemy adapts his teachings to the composition of skills for each class.
Heemy is a passionate fighter and is there to support anyone that wants to step into the competitive arena. For anyone that knows Heemy, it’s clear that his victories in the ring are only getting started, and he is happy to lend his advice to anyone that would like to join him. With his versatile and adaptable approach, Heemy is an excellent coach for beginners and those preparing to step into the ring.
Coach Lionel
“If you don’t push yourself, how do you know what you can do?”
About Me:
Coach Lionel has been training for almost 20 years and recently joined Spartan to provide his expertise on fitness. Lionel carries certifications for strength and conditioning, nutrition, multiple martial arts, and many other fitness and nutrition related programs.
Lionel has trained more than his fair share of professional athletes, has stepped into the professional arena himself, and is now committed to helping Spartans hit their fitness, martial arts, and personal goals.
Teaching Philosophy:
Coach Lionel speaks deeply of the role routine and discipline plays in achieving goals. Muay Thai teaches you the value of humility, as well as the confidence to tackle any problem or goal, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. Lionel is unwavering in his commitment to aiding his students in discovering this confidence.
Lionel also recognizes the courage it takes to try out martial arts, especially Muay Thai. He believes that if his students are actively pushing their boundaries, whether by working the heavy bag, skipping rope, or simply engaging in physical activity, he’s proud to be their source of motivation and support.
Class Concepts:
Strength and conditioning, flexibility, mobility, nutrition, and how all of these elements come together to form fitness.
Class Atmosphere:
Lionel focuses on the strength and conditioning element of martial arts and fitness. He exudes motivation and approachability while guiding his students on the mats. In his class, you can expect a challenging, but fun workout. Lionel’s class are inclusive, high-energy, and caters to every body type and accommodates those with injuries.
Personality and Approach:
Lionel brings unprecedented charisma, energy, and inspiration to his classes. You would be hard-pressed to find a student who isn’t uplifted by Lionel’s spirited and determined demeanor.
In your first class with Lionel, expect a good workout, newfound inspiration to be the best version of yourself, and some laughs. For brand new students that are looking for an accessible, approachable, and inspiring mentor to take the plunge into fitness and martial arts, or for experienced students looking for a coach that will drive them to achieve new heights on their fitness journey, look no further than Coach Lionel.
Coach Anthony
“This [Muay Thai] isn’t fighting… it’s too beautiful to be fighting”
About Me:
Anthony has been training for over 20 years and recently started teaching with Spartan. Anthony initially became interested in martial arts watching WWF, Jackie Chan, and Steven Seagal movies. Though the intricate movements of martial arts in Hollywood and sports entertainment are what drew him in, Anthony developed a profound appreciation for Muay Thai’s art and philosophy. This reverence and respect shine through in how he speaks about the sport.
Anthony has previous competition experience but has recently turned his focus to coaching. He views coaching as a privilege and holds himself exceptionally accountable for his student’s success and safety.
Teaching Philosophy:
Muay Thai is a lifelong journey to be studied, read, and practiced. Since no one arrives to perfect mastery of the art, we should always be open to learning new techniques, and find fresh approaches for the old ones. Good technique is a function of using the mechanisms of our body to efficiently deliver strikes, evade damage, and control your space. A world champion can be knocked out with one strike if their guard is down, so it’s imperative that we place just as much attention on learning how to defend as we do to strike.
Class Concepts:
Body mechanics, efficiency, quality over quantity
Class Atmosphere:
Anthony sets a mindful, respectful, and driven tone in his classes. He begins with a tough warm-up, followed by drills with meticulous levels of detail and explanation. Anthony’s distinctive way of discussing technique sets his classes apart, and his demonstrations feel much like a philosophical discussion. He brings the world-class striking you expect to see at Spartan, but his emphasis is placed on being an intelligent martial artist.
Personality and Approach:
Anthony brings unparalleled philosophy, respect, humility, and mindfulness to martial arts. He has a deep appreciation for the art that is Muay Thai and would be quicker to describe a match as a dance than a fight.
To Anthony, technique takes precedence over power. If tasked with executing 50 kicks, he values cleanliness and efficiency over sheer speed and force. Cardio and conditioning have its place, but the masterclass happens with special attention to how we move our bodies, where we can use technique to deliver deadly strikes instead of exertion and power. For students seeking to enhance their strategic intelligence in the sport and learn to approach Muay Thai akin to a game of chess, Coach Anthony has no peer.
Coach Mikael
“I gear everything specifically to the individual, because everyone’s fitness, mentality, and goals are at a different level.”
About Me:
Mikael has been training martial arts for just under 10 years and has been with Spartan for a year. Coming from a military background, Mikael was drawn to Spartan’s high performance, goal-driven environment, and the sense of camaraderie and family. Like many of Spartan’s members, Mikael works a 9-5, but his passion has always been coaching. Despite fighting a daily battle to find the time to train, you will always find Mikael inspiring his students and teaching them to find the fun in martial arts.
Teaching Philosophy:
Mikael believes that people’s training should reflect their personality, as well as their body types. An enthusiastic person will find enthusiastic ways to move in the ring, while someone who is reserved might find ways to relax and retaliate at an opportune moment, so Mikael is interested in teaching his students to capitalize on their strengths, and train out their weaknesses.
Mikael tailors his approach to every skill set and body type. A person who is starting their fitness journey will likely not start out with the same goals as someone who is competing for a title, and Mikael will help his students develop training programs that makes sense for their body, and their goals. In other words, there is no student, no matter their composition, who Mikael is not committed to helping set and reach their goals.
Class Concepts:
Situational sparring, positional sparring, practical application, making and learning from mistakes
Class Atmosphere:
Mikael creates a fun and inviting atmosphere. He believes that as long as his students get 1% better every day, they have had a successful class, and his tone and teaching style reflect that. If you have an injury and can’t perform a certain exercise, Mikael is happy to modify and make accommodations so all of his students can participate. Especially for newer students, Mikael’s top priority in his classes is ensuring a fun experience. He is happy to make modifications to achieve this goal.
Personality and Approach:
Mikael brings an eager and enthusiastic attitude to his class, with the goal of finding a fun way to teach something. His military training often sneaks into the way he teaches, and any student of Mikael will find it blends well with the world-class striking taught at Spartan.
For students who may doubt whether they possess the physique for martial arts or the required personality and resilience for a striking sport, Mikael is committed to going the extra mile to help them unlock their potential and achieve feats they never thought possible.
Coach Julius
“You do not conform to Muay Thai, you make Muay Thai conform to you”
About Me:
Julius has been training martial arts for over 3 decades and has a deep passion for Muay Thai. With competitive experience, years of coaching, and an obsession with the sport, Julius considers Muay Thai more than just a practice—it’s his lifestyle. He shadowboxes when he’s waiting for the bus, does Thai marches down the halls of his day job, and lies awake at night thinking of new ways to apply the art.
For him, the art is a source of fun, creativity, and purpose. You would be hard-pressed to find a coach that more enthusiastically explains why Muay Thai is so much fun to unwilling and frightened strangers.
Teaching Philosophy:
Julius teaches his students to paint their own art on the Muay Thai canvas, and his job is to show them how to hold the brush. Muay Thai is art, and each student paints differently. Julius aids them in building their foundation, learning the tools at their disposal, and applying those tools to their strengths.
Class Concepts:
Body mechanics, technical application, adaptation, creativity
Class Atmosphere:
“Everyone can be silly, but no one can be sillier than me”. Julius creates a fun atmosphere but does not compromise on expecting his students to give their very best, work hard, and be the best Muay Thai practitioners they can be. Julius’s students can expect a class that is occasionally goofy, but consistently challenging and ultimately rewarding
Personality and Approach:
If Julius wasn’t consumed by Muay Thai, you would probably find him trying his hand at stand-up comedy. His fun-loving nature always shines through in class, and you will find him cracking jokes, poking fun at his students, and encouraging more playful aspects of the sport.
Behind the goofball is a calculating mind that is always looking for new ways to crack the Muay Thai code and pass those teachings on to his students. For those seeking to comprehend the artistic aspect of Muay Thai, discover the fun, and master the adaptation of their body and strengths for optimizing their game, Julius is renowned for pushing students beyond their limits never letting the fun be lost in the journey.
Coach Pete
“Within the struggle lies the spirit of growth; every fight is a path to discovering one’s true self.”
About Me:
Coach Pete has dedicated close to 30 years to training in Boxing and Muay Thai, with 15 years of teaching experience
in these disciplines, including Kids MMA, group classes, and private lessons. His journey includes competitive
experiences in Muay Thai, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he’s attained a purple belt. He has earned accolades
such as a gold medal at the OJA Ontario Provincial Jiu-JITSU Championship (2016), a gold medal at the International
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Toronto Open (2013), and a silver medal at the North American Muay Thai Classic
(2011). Further complementing his expertise, he holds certifications in Athletic Movement Assessment (AMA) and
Functional Range Conditioning (FRC). Pete also has his Level 1 Boxing certification and is currently in the process of
obtaining Levels 2 and 3 to further enhance his coaching credentials.
Coach Jay:
About Me:
I have been training martial arts for 19 years. I enjoy being an active individual, while I
have training in Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Grego/Roman Wrestling, and submission
wrestling, Ju Jit Su has always been my focus. What I love about Ju Jit Su is that it is
not only a physical sport but a game of human chess.
Teaching Philosophy:
I compare my teaching philosophy to a web. I create strands that then create clusters
all intertwined together. Once you have a web you can figure out a way to submit
anyone. Through teaching fundamental techniques, I am arming individuals with the
tools required in the discipline of Ju Jit Su. I believe repeating fundamentals is an
essential requirement for competent Ju Jit Su. I want to ensure any individual I teach is
an efficient practitioner that can display key Ju Jit Su skills while under duress and
Pressure.
Class Concepts:
During my classes I like to incorporate movement that aids in the practice of Ju Jit Su.
Concepts that are practiced during my classes are joint mobility, gymnastic natural type
movements, repetition of techniques, flexibility and mobility that is tailored for Ju Jit Su.
Class Atmosphere:
I like being in involved in my classes, I am an active practitioner who is always looking
for ways to improve my skills. My class is intense and serious with a relaxed approach
to politics and a strong focus on effort.
Personality and Approach:
I am a highly welcoming and communicative instructor who is always interested in
learning and researching. I can be a laid-back individual while also being intense and
serious. I am a highly competitive person who enjoys various sports. In the summer
days I enjoy cycling and in the winter skiing and ice hockey.
Coach Alex
About Me:
Coach Alex has been involved with the sport of boxing since 2008. It was a cold Monday on the 8th of december when he tried his first boxing class at 7:00pm.
He never looked back. After training for 10 months and losing 34lbs in order to compete in the Arnie Boehm Memorial Boxing Tournament as a middleweight, he remembers the feeling of pride and confidence in himself after realizing he made weight weighing in at 164.25lbs and accomplished his goal. After another few years of on and off competition he often wondered why he wasn’t very passionate about competitive boxing as he once was, and that’s when he found his true passion….coaching.
Coach Alex says his most fondest memories of boxing isn’t the fights, the sparring or “the action”, it’s the smiles, and confidence he’s helped build for others along the way. The people he has met who were hard working parents, hard working men and women, older folks and children who were just trying to find something they lost, or maybe never had… confidence. Helping people reconnect their mind to their body is what drives him.
Teaching Philosophy:
“Take your time, explore many martial arts. Don’t get into ANY of them thinking of the end goal, make it a lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to find a martial art that speaks to YOU. In order to stick with it, it HAS to be interesting to you.”
Class Concepts:
Detailed fundamentals, practical applications of offence/defense
Class Atmosphere:
Detailed timing and classroom structure, every hour is timed down to the minute with spots of high energy and spots of lower paced active recovery. From minute 1 we work boxing from the ground up, with dynamic, fun and practical drills to keep you sweating, building muscular endurance, training your cardiovascular system, and yes TEACHING YOU THE FIGHT GAME!
Personality and Approach:
Coach Alex uses the space well, understands how to use his voice to be maximally effective in a loud atmosphere while keeping his instructions short, practical and applicable. He always makes time for questions and controls the pace set, to ensure a safe, effective and fun working atmosphere. Alex keeps his drills practical and while there is a place for long, flashy, impressive mit-work, he prefers short, practical components of boxing and believes that the fundamentals are essential in order to build skills.
Coach Beshar
About Me:
Beshar has been training for a little over 5 years. Seeking an outlet to release some energy he found martial arts and his journey began. He began competing early on in his martial arts career. In the short time he’s been training he’s racked up an impressive record of 22-3. Beshar is a heavy puncher with powerful punching combinations and slick footwork and defense. He has been a key part of several successful competition teams and brings intensity and energy to his sessions.
Teaching Philosophy:
Coach Beshar approaches teaching with respect to real life application. Every combination and technique is taught with a purpose and drilled until it is instinct in his students. He brings years of experience in Muay Thai combat to the training room as he ensures his students are able to perform the techniques and combinations under the pressures of combat.