Kru Mike Martelle

Mike Martelle; Canadian President, First Nations Muaythai Council, a proud member of the Kanienkehaka, or Mohawk Nation. DOB: August 1, 1974  Height: 6'3"   Weight: 225 lbs    Nickname: The Math Librarian.

Ajarn Michael Martelle began his study of the martial arts in 1983, in traditional karate. By 1988 he had the good fortune of becoming a personal student of renowned international master Kwok Chu Chan, with whom Michael learned the Chinese arts of Northern Shaolin, T'ai Chi, and Pa Qua. In 1993, Michael began his study of Muay Thai under legendary trainer Kru Eric Advincula, co-founder of Tiger Gym and Canadian Representative of Ajarn Tong Trithara.
Over the years, Michael continued his training in addition to competing in combat sport around the world. As of this writing, Ajarn Martelle has competed more then 100 times in five countries and across three continents; most notably as a many-time Canadian heavyweight champion and, in 2000, as a World Champion in team competition at the IFPA Championships held in Greece.

In 2002 Michael founded Grizzly Gym, named in honour of both Tiger Gym as well as Canada's First Nations - his grandfather, John McDonald, was a member of the Mohawk Bear Clan. In 2004 Grizzly Gym became a member of the World Muaythai Council, and in 2006 Michael was named Ajarn of the First Nations Muaythai Council. In 2007, Ajarn Martelle collaborated with the USMTA as well as the Native American Muay Thai Association to create the Native American League, or NAL.

Ajarn Martelle's other certifications include a 6th degree black belt in Pankration Athlima, as well as a 2nd degree black belt and the title of Honbucho in SAW - the system of submission grappling pioneered by Sensei Hidetaka Aso of Japan. In addition to Muay Thai, Ajarn Martelle also holds instructor's licenses in the Muay Thai-related arts of Muay Chao Cherk, Tomoi Siku Lutut, and Pradal Serey.

Full details of Ajarn Martelle's martial arts biography and Grizzly Gym can be found at www.grizzlygym.com; he can also be reached at mikemartelle@hotmail.com .