Yannick Fortin will represent Canada at the JJIF Worlds!

My name is Yannick Fortin, I'm 18 years old and I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for around 7 years. I’m honoured and proud to have qualified to represent Team Canada at the JJIF Worlds in Thailand, one of the biggest events in the sport. I'll be competing the U21 Light Featherweight No-Gi division.

In June, I competed at the Canadian Nationals in the U21 Light Featherweight division (Gi and No-Gi) earning a gold in No-Gi and a bronze in Gi, which secured my spot on Team Canada. Over the past few years I have medaled in many national and International championships in OJA, IBJJF and ADCC events. Recently, I won double gold at the Detroit IBJJF and followed it up with a gold and a bronze medal at the NextGen in Toronto.

I grew up with watching the UFC and always knew I wanted to try it out. My martial arts journey began when I was 10 year old when I started training at Dragan Alliance BJJ, but during the pandemic I had to take a break from training. Once able to start training again I eventually moved gyms now training at OCTA BJJ in Kitchener ( formerly Learn2Master Academy) where I started to compete regularly. Jiu-jitsu has grown from a hobby into a way of life and I've been dedicating myself to training 5-7 days a week, both in the gym and at home.

These funds will help cover flights, accommodations and competition fees for myself and a parent to attend the World Championships.

Thank you very much for your support and generosity in helping this dream become a reality!!

- Yannick Fortin