Owners and Head Coaches: Cara & Jordy Denney
CJ Martial Arts
Led by accomplished competitors and elite coaches, our team delivers championship-level technique, advanced fight IQ, and top-tier instruction across BJJ, grappling, and Muay Thai.
Jordan Denney is the owner and head instructor at CJ Martial Arts and Fitness, bringing over 20 years of coaching and teaching experience. A second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt awarded by Don Whitefield, "Coach Jordy" has guided numerous athletes to competitive success on the mats and in the ring.
Those who train with Jordy on the ground know him for his suffocating pressure, rock-solid fundamentals, and uncanny ability to shut down space until opponents are completely neutralized. He carries that same no-nonsense mastery into striking as a high-level Muay Thai instructor. Inside the ropes, his exceptional fight IQ sets him apart—he processes sparring exchanges at an elevated rate, allowing him to slip damage and return sharp, clinical counters with frustrating ease. He spots holes in an opponent's rhythm and guard instantly, turning every mistake into an immediate lesson.
Free of flashy gimmicks, Jordy’s approach centers on deep technical comprehension and razor-sharp timing. Whether working from the clinch, trading in the pocket, or rolling on the mats, he breaks down complex concepts so every student—from beginner to seasoned competitor—can develop high-level tactical awareness and elevate their game.
If you call or email CJ Martial Arts and Fitness, I’ll be the first person to welcome you! As co-owner and studio manager alongside my husband, I keep things running behind the scenes, but my heart is always on the mats coaching, training, and building up our community.
A retired competitor with extensive ring and tournament experience in kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I bring over 20 years of personal training and functional movement expertise to our adult Muay Thai classes. While my fighting days are behind me, I am still an active martial artist currently training as a first-degree purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I love stepping into the coach’s corner to help our team shine and elevate their game at local tournaments.
Teaching our Little Grapplers and Young Warriors is one of my greatest joys. Parents often describe my teaching style as the sweet spot between empathy and accountability—giving kids the emotional encouragement they need to feel safe while keeping them focused, disciplined, and motivated to grow.
Above all, I am deeply passionate about being a visible role model for women on the mats—proving that this is an inclusive, empowering space where everyone can build strength, confidence, and community.
“Giving back to Nanaimo is an essential part of Cara and Jordy’s journey. Through practical self-defense workshops with Haven Society, partnerships with local Indigenous community groups, and seminars designed to help local business teams feel safe and confident, they strive to make martial arts a tool for real-world empowerment.”
Nick Arenburg
Kevin Noshkin
Angelina Marquette
Kyle Mcay
Christopher Mabry
Hudson Collins
Ella Salsman
