Martial Arts for Everyone
Learning martial arts and self-defense is not just for the athletic or strong-natured. This practice unleashes your individual potential as you build confidence & self-awareness while improving your physical and mental health.
Training equips you with tools to defend yourself in life-threatening situations along with confidence that positively affects your everyday life. Like learning to swim, anyone can do it. Prioritize these skills, and experience freedom and confidence to enjoy your life without fear!
HOC founder Joel Gelfand has 40+ years of martial arts experience and is an expert in striking, grappling, and tactical self-defense. He is the primary instructor teaching 90% of all classes. Even our youngest students are taught by Joel—not junior instructors.
Joel devoted his career to teaching two styles that equip students to defend themselves in any situation. Krav Maga focuses on effective self-defense in street fights, considering uncontrolled environments, multiple attackers, and weapons. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trains the body and mind to handle fight-related stress and pressure. While students may lean toward a style that matches their personality and goals, we believe the unique combination of these disciplines ensures complete preparedness and the confidence to live fearlessly.
The Team is Pro.
Joel Gelfand, Founder & Head Instructor
“You won’t find this in the modern BJJ curriculum.”
Joel is the only instructor in Canada with combined experience in striking and grappling + expertise in personal protection and self-defense tactics. After earning his TKD Black Belt at age 13, Joel went on to train and compete in a variety of striking and grappling styles including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and Judo. Awarded his BJJ Blue Belt under Carlson Gracie, trained at Atlas Boxing Gym with Canadian Champion Jonathan Bochner, and practiced Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with UFC Champion Carlos Newton. Students come to HOC for a unique 360 perspective on martial arts and self-defense free of dogmatic thinking and unrealistic beliefs. They stay because Joel's fun teaching style and personality make every class and lesson an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Belts & Certifications
•Black Belt, Taekwondo
•Black Belt, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
•Black Belt, Counter Terror Krav Maga (Nir Maman)
•Brown Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Professor Omar Salvosa)
•ASP Baton Instructor
•Tactical Handcuffing Instructor
•Use of Force Instructor
•CFSC/CRFSC
Chaim Grafstein, Krav Maga & BJJ Coach
“Moving is thinking.”
Chaim has 15 years of training experience in Krav Maga, BJJ, and boxing. He is also an experienced educator and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto. Deep technical knowledge and friendly teaching methods make his classes and private lessons welcoming even for those just beginning their martial arts journey.
Belts & Certifications
•Purple Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
•Blue Belt & Level II Instructor, Counter Terror Krav Maga
