Mike Yackulic- Professor
In 1997, during his Karate training, Mike took part in a grappling tournament. Having only trained in the striking arts, he was curious to see how would do in the grappling arts. After an eye opening experience, Mike began searching for grappling techniques. Through various instructor and videos Mike's knowledge of the submission wrestling grew. In January of 2000, Mike began teaching submission wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts at Sensei Chris's school in Edmonton, AB.
Mike had become quite obsessed with submission wrestling, and continued to look further for more and more answers. He found that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was both a blessing and an annoyance as Mike did not like to train in a Gi for the most common reasons. Putting his frustrations with the Gi aside, he gave himself completely to BJJ.
Professor Mike was introduced to Master Sylvio Behring in the spring of 2004. That summer he travelled to Brazil in July where he spent a month training and received his Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Shortly after his trip to Brazil, Professor Mike went to Toronto to meet Master Behring's Canadian representative Professor Shah Franco. Professor Shah Franco has been an invaluable mentor and exhibits many of the qualities that Professor Mike admires.
On November 12 of 2005 Professor Mike received his Purple Belt in BJJ.
On October 6 of 2007 Professor Mike received his Brown Belt in BJJ.
On May 7 of 2009 Professor Mike received his Black Belt in BJJ making him the 2nd person in Edmonton, the 4th in Alberta and the 87th in Canada to receive this special honor. Professor Mike is also the only person in Alberta to hold a Black Belt in BJJ and a Black Belt in another martial art.