Meet Our Team
Meet the team behind the training. Our instructors are passionate, experienced, and dedicated to helping every student grow in skill, confidence, and discipline, both on and off the mat.
Fred Stonehouse
Owner · Founder · Head Coach
With over 30 years of martial arts training and 20+ years of coaching experience, Fred has dedicated his life to the practice, teaching, and growth of martial arts. He has competed in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Professional MMA, and has worked full-time as a professional martial artist for over 15 years.
Fred’s coaching style is energetic, passionate, and detail-driven, with classes built around movement, connection, and technical understanding. Students can expect to be challenged, supported, and reinvigorated – leaving each session feeling stronger, more resilient, and motivated to grow.
At the core of Fred’s coaching philosophy are three expectations: pay attention, give your best effort, and be a good person. Respect your training partners, take care of the gym, and help those around you. Fred especially enjoys working with students who are open, honest, and willing to try – if you show up ready to learn, he’s ready to share.
Fred opened Surge MMA in 2021 with the vision of building a welcoming, values-driven academy where people of all ages can grow through discipline, patience, and perseverance. Outside the gym, he is a proud father of three, values time with his family, loves music and travel, and is passionate about sharing what he calls the PB&J of MMA – the Passion, Beauty, and Joy of martial arts.
His goal is simple: for every student to leave feeling welcomed, inspired, and alive.
Nicky (RNB) “All-Heart” Briggs
Head Striking Coach · Muay Thai Coach (Kids & Adults)
Nicky is the Head Striking Coach at Surge MMA, specializing in Muay Thai for both kids and adults. With over 4 years of training and coaching experience, his classes are known for being high-energy, intense, and highly focused on technical detail, helping students continually sharpen their skills and confidence.
Nicky cares deeply about both technical development and personal growth, and especially enjoys working with two types of students — nervous first-timers finding their courage and driven competitors pushing their limits. His goal in every class is to help students feel challenged, motivated, and, most importantly, that they truly belong.
A decorated competitor, Nicky is a 2-time Provincial Muay Thai Champion, North American Muay Thai Champion, Certified Kru, and has competed in 18 sanctioned bouts with a record of 15–3, along with earning gold in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is recognized as one of the top amateur Muay Thai competitors in Canada.
Guided by the principles of courage, discipline, integrity, compassion, and perseverance, Nicky brings both intensity and heart into everything he does. Outside the gym, he is passionate about personal growth, continuous learning, exploring new challenges, and helping others move forward — believing that real success comes from building yourself while lifting those around you.
Nathan Gourde
Samurai Kids, Little Ninjas and Tiny Titans Program Coach
Nathan is a coach in the Samurai Kids Program at Surge MMA, where he focuses on teaching fundamental techniques, discipline, confidence, and a love for martial arts in a fun, structured, and high-energy environment.
Nathan has been training in martial arts since the age of five, beginning with karate before transitioning into kickboxing and Muay Thai in his early teens, and later focusing on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling, where he regularly competes in both gi and no-gi divisions. He has been coaching alongside Fred since the age of 13, growing with the Surge MMA team while continuing to develop as both an athlete and leader.
He is a North American Muay Thai Champion and has won dozens of BJJ tournaments including the Provincial Championships.
His coaching style is energetic, organized, and engaging, with a strong emphasis on making learning enjoyable while maintaining focus and discipline. Nathan cares deeply about building confidence, safety, consistency, and the right mindset, especially for kids and nervous beginners who are just starting their martial arts journey.
Guided by the principles of discipline, respect, perseverance, and humility, Nathan strives to create a positive and supportive environment where every student feels welcomed, safe, and excited to return.
Outside of training, Nathan is passionate about personal growth and helping others improve, whether through coaching, learning, or leading by example.
Josée Champagne
Administration · Coach
Josée plays an important role at Surge MMA both at the front desk and on the mats as a coach, helping ensure the academy runs smoothly while supporting students in their training journey.
She has been training in martial arts for approximately seven years, beginning with striking and later expanding into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Josée has been part of the Surge MMA community for over three years, and recently stepped into a coaching role where she brings a calm, encouraging, and patient approach to teaching.
Her coaching style focuses on support, discipline, and safety, while encouraging students to stay curious, develop a strong mindset, and continuously improve. Josée enjoys working with all types of students and values adapting her approach to help each individual reach their potential.
Guided strongly by the principles of integrity and humility, Josée believes that honesty, self-awareness, and respect are key to building trust and meaningful progress in martial arts.
Alongside her martial arts training, Josée is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CanFitPro) and Certified Senior Fitness Instructor through Western University, and continues to pursue education in fitness, martial arts, and overall health. Outside the gym, she values personal growth, lifelong learning, and building meaningful connections through community and nature.
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