Coach

Justin Gignac began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2023. Though he had a brief introduction to martial arts with two years of Taekwondo as a child, his true path to grappling started from the sidelines. After signing his son up for a Monday kids' class, Justin sat watching the techniques being taught and saw the undeniable camaraderie among the team. He instantly felt the urge to step onto the mats himself and become part of that amazing group.

On the mats, Justin is known for his butterfly guard and his love of a sharp straight ankle lock — but it's his dedication to his students that truly sets him apart. He describes his coaching style in three words: diligent, interactive, patient. Whether he’s guiding a beginner through their first movements or breaking down details for the kids' class, Justin brings a focused and attentive energy to the room.

What Justin loves most about coaching is the opportunity to teach the next generation what he has been lucky enough to learn himself. For anyone who might be nervous about starting their own journey, his message is deeply reassuring:

“Jiu-jitsu is known as the gentle art. The team at Union are a humble, kind, and hardworking group who will help you learn to test yourself and grow in your mind, body, and spirit.”

Outside the gym, Justin has a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship. He loves old things — whether it's classic cars, vintage boats, or learning from older generations of people — believing that the "old stuff" simply carries so much more character.

For Justin, a self-described introvert, Union JJ is far more than a place to train. Having visited a few other gyms, he notes that what truly makes Union different is the welcoming atmosphere, the exceptional cleanliness, and most importantly, the people. As he puts it simply:

"These people are family."

At Union JJ, Justin isn’t just teaching techniques — he’s helping pass on a tradition of growth and community, proud to do it alongside the very team that inspired him to start.