About
Nimbus Grappling Athletics Club is dedicated to making submission grappling accessible to all.
Our goal is to share the beautiful complexity of effective martial arts and impart both conceptual comprehension and technical proficiency.
Our main influences are Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo.
Jon Chan
Jon Chan started his martial arts journey in Muay Thai and MMA under Sensei Simon Posener but quickly found a passion for the specific style of problem-solving submission grappling offered.
Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017 under Filipe Matos at Roll Jiu Jitsu Academy, Jon has since found his home at On Guard Academy of Jiu Jitsu and in June of 2024 became a black belt under the tutelage of Matt Kwan.
Inspired by both Matt Kwan and Rob Biernacki of Island Top Team, Jon emphasizes a more concept-based approach to learning how to grapple, with a focus on safety as well as rate of development.
Jon has also had the privilege of training with some of the best competitors and coaches from BC and has also trained and competed around the world including in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, and Bangkok.
Claudia
Claudia is currently a purple belt under Matt Kwan. Driven by a relentless passion for growth, my journey in Jiu Jitsu is centered on continually expanding her skills while creating a supportive, empowering community for everyone. She strives to share knowledge in the most effective way possible, fostering connection and confidence both on and off the mats.
Claudia is also a co-founder of the female grappling collective Apis Grappling.
What’s in a name?
One of the reasons for the name, “Nimbus” was to reflect a sense of regional identity and there are few things more “Pacific Northwest” than a rain cloud.
Secondly, it acts as an analogy between attitudes towards weather and attitudes towards skill. Rain and inclement weather, while often seen as undesirable, are nonetheless integral to the very things most enjoy about fairer weather. Similarly, while we celebrate individual performances and specific accolades, they often sit atop a mountain of unglamorous but consistent practice.
Nimbus aims to embody the idea of enjoying the process and to emphasize the endless journey of self-improvement.
Results will come, but today we practice.