Come Play with Us 

Smokey Mountain Jiu-Jitsu was founded in early 2019 by Christian Paauwe at the Hope Recreation Centre, offering programs tailored for all ages—from kids to seniors.

 

Christian, now a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Harley Chappell of PTT Chilliwack, began his training in Sendai, Japan, where he earned his first two promotions under Takeshi Iwabushi, a JBJJF (Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) Black Belt and founder of Soujiukai Sendai HQ.

 

As a competitor, Christian has been active since the start of his journey, winning the JBJJF All Japan Championship as a white belt. However, his success has been built on perseverance—through countless losses and thousands of taps. As a middle-aged family man with health challenges, Christian understands that every individual’s path is unique, with different goals and approaches to achieving greatness.

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In 2023, Smokey Mountain Jiu-Jitsu welcomed Dana McClaughlin, a second-degree Black Belt under Harley Chappell, to lead our adult classes. With Dana’s exceptional teaching skills and extensive experience competing at the highest levels of international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our adult program has reached new heights. Dana’s technical expertise, combined with a passion for sharing knowledge, has been a game-changer for our practitioners. We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable mentor as part of our team.

 

Much like Christian, Dana brings a unique perspective shaped by personal challenges, including overcoming health complications. This empathy and resilience shine through in their teaching, creating an environment where every student feels supported on their individual journey.