Coaching Team
The peopleleadingthe room.
Before you try a class, you should know who is teaching it. These are the coaches setting the tone at Northbound: experienced, calm, technical, and attentive to beginners and kids.
Founder
Professor Dave Bedard
Founder · 3rd degree black belt
Professor Dave Bedard is the founder of Northbound, a 3rd degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and one of Montreal’s longest-serving black belts.
Before opening Northbound, Dave and Nathalie ran one of the most successful BJJ gyms in Montreal West. Northbound is their next chapter: a brighter, calmer jiu-jitsu academy for the local community.
Dave sets the tone for the academy: technical coaching, clear standards, and a room where first-time students, families, and experienced grapplers can train without ego.
Professor
Professor Jean‑Philippe Noël
3rd degree black belt
Professor Jean-Philippe Noël is a 3rd degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and one of Montreal’s longest-serving black belts.
His presence gives students another senior voice in the room, especially when they are building foundations and learning how to train with control.
Coach
Coach Robin Heijl
Brown belt
Robin is a brown belt coach at Northbound. He helps students settle into the basics, build confidence, and train with steady attention.
Coach
Coach Sasan Ghinani
Purple belt
Sasan is a purple belt coach at Northbound. He helps students develop movement, control, and confidence without rushing the process.