MMA Expo Advisory Committee

 
Gerald Chopik ~ Founder & President - MMA Expo 
Gerald Chopik has over twenty years experience in magazine publishing as well as trade and consumer show management working closely with the top computer and information technology vendors. In addition to being an avid MMA fan "Jerry" also holds a Brown Belt in GoJu Jitsu, a blended style or traditional martial arts similar to MMA encompassing strikes, kicks, and takedowns as well as BJJ ground work and submissions. Mixed Martial Arts Expo launched in 2005 was the original MMA Expo; a concept that came about as a result of Jerry’s combined experience in the diverse fields of trade shows and martial arts.

Jeff Lopes ~ President – Kimurawear
www.kimurawear.com

Jeff Lopes founded Kimurawear in early 2007, influenced by the drive, devotion and passion of our modern day MMA gladiators. Kimurawear™ prides itself in providing high-quality Apparel & Fight Gear. Jeff has quickly turned an idea into one of the fastest growing MMA companies around. Kimurawear is being worn by some the top UFC fighters including Fabricio Werdum and Thales Leites.


Joe Ferraro ~ Host of MMA Connected – Sportsnet TV and FAN590 AM
www.Showdown.ca 

As an MMA analyst and host for Rogers Sportsnet's MMA Connected and The Showdown on The FAN590, Showdown Joe covers the UFC and many other MMA organizations. He also writes columns and blogs for Sportsnet, The FAN590 as well as Showdown Entertainment, a company he founded in 2002. Showdown is also a consultant in the areas of production, promotions, public relations, sales and marketing, fighter management, and match-making and an active participant in the movement to legalize MMA in Ontario.  


Joe Hamilton ~ Owner – San Do Jutsu Karate School
www.sandojutsu.com 

Owner and head instructor at San Do Jutsu Karate School, Joe has been training in the martial arts for approximately 20 years and is currently a 5th degree Black Belt. Joe teaches Jiu Jitsu, Kempo Karate, Grappling and MMA. He was inducted in the World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame in May 2003, into the World Karate Union Hall Of Fame as “Jiu-Jutsu Instructor of the Year” in 2002. In 2001 San Do Jutsu Karate School was awarded “ Jiu-Jutsu School of the Year” by Global Martial Artists Federation.


Johnny Ioannu ~ Owner – IndieSolo.com
www.IndieSolo.com/mma 

IndieSolo.com is a music company showcasing the world's best independent artists.  The unique website highlighs ONE independent band a day and is the first company to brand hard rock with MMA. IndieSolo.com has been instrumental in providing music for MMA fighter entrances, fight productions, advertising,and special events. Most recently the company provided music for "Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring's UFC entrance and for Freedom Fight Production's MMA Fight Fight. IndieSolo.com/mma also feature the latest music battles, videos and MMA news.


Ken Benson ~ Owner – Kuma Karate
www.kumakarate.ca

Ken began training in Karate in 1973 and is a former instructor at the Japan Martial Arts Centre and Shah Franco Martial Arts. Ken has had his own Karate Ontario-recognized club since 2000 and holds Black Belts in Karate (Shotokan) and Taekwondo (ITF). He is a graduate of the National Coaching Institute (NCCP Level 4) and is an NCCP certified coach in Karate and boxing. Ken also held a position as Director on the Board of the Canadian Olympic Association (2008) and is currently a coaching advisor for Canadian Amateur Mixed Martial Art Association.


Lou Milanos ~ Owner – United Martial Arts Canada
www.TeamUMAC.com 

Over 35 years in Martial Arts; 6th Degree - Kempo Karate; 6th Degree - Shaolin Fist Way Kung-Fu; Founder of MMA Fighting system “KATSU-DO”, The Way of Victory; Global Competitor 1975-2006, Karate, TKD, kickboxing, MMA; Competed in over 150 top rated Martial Arts Tournaments; PKA Full Contact Kick-Boxing Champion 1983-1985 Currently Coaching professional and amateur, MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and full contact karate fighters.


Michael Csoke ~ Sensei – Use of Force Instructor

Total of 39 years as a martial artist ~ 7th Dan Karate, 3rd Jiu-Jitsu, 1st Tae-Kwon-Do and 8yrs. Muay Thai; Guest Instructor - European Jiu-Jitsu Symposium, European Urban Close Combat Association Symposium and Canadian Use of Force Conference; 29 years policing including drug squad, tactical team, riot squad. Past member of Ontario Solicitor General's Use of Force Advisory Committee and recognized as an expert witness on police use of force issues. Presently supervisor of high risk fugitive apprehensions.


Nick Hewitson ~ Chief Instructor – Petchyindee Muay Thai Boxing Camp Int'l
www.petchyindee.com

Arjarn Nick Hewitson is the Chief Instructor of the Petchyindee Muay Thai Boxing Camp International. He is a former double World Muay Thai Champion with over 100 professional fights throughout Europe and the Far East and is in great demand teaching courses and seminars around the globe. Nick is a striking and stand up trainer for several MMA schools and professional fighters and MMA champions from the UFC, King of the Cage and Extreme CageFighting Championships . Arjarn Nick's skills and knowledge are also used to teach close quarter combat to elite military, police and counter terrorism units internationally.


Roman Hatashita ~ President – Hatashita International
www.DojoBuy.com  www.Hatashita.com 

Roman is a 4 time Canadian Judo Champion and former Olympic team member. He is the president of Hatashita International, the leading martial arts and combat sport distributor in Canada. His company supplies many prestigious organizations such as the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, U.S. Army and 100's of clubs across Canada and the U.S. He recently opened Canada's largest martial arts and combat sport retail store, DojoBuy, in Waterloo, Ontario.


Ross O'Donnell ~ President– Fitness Kickboxing Canada
www.fitnesskickboxingcanada.com

As President of Fitness Kickboxing Canada Inc., Ross oversees operation of Fitness Kickboxing programs, Instructor Certifications and continuing education courses across Canada. Ross is a Can-Fit-Pro presenter, PTS PRO-Trainer, a fitness columnist with over 250 published articles, 15 instructor training manuals and author of The Ultimate Fitness Boxing & Kickboxing Workout; Black Belt level instructor, certified coach and competitive kickboxing club owner through the Canadian Council for Amateur Sport Kickboxing. Certified Boxing Coach through the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association (Boxing Ontario).