Family Owned & Operated
Welcome to Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu.
We’re a family-owned, locally run gym, and we take a lot of pride in what we’ve built here. You’re not just another member — you’re part of the team.
You’ll get high-level instruction, but just as important, you’ll be training in a room full of people who support each other, push each other, and actually want to see you improve.
Whether you’re brand new or have years on the mats, you’ll feel welcome here from day one.
This is more than just a place to train — it’s a community.
INSTRUCTORS
Professor Michael “Mikey” Hay
Prof Mike has been all-in on jiu-jitsu since he was a teenager. He started out wrestling in high school and quickly realized that grappling was what he wanted to do.
After that, he committed fully to jiu-jitsu, spending the next 15+ years training, competing, and constantly improving. He traveled across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Thailand to learn from top instructors, to compete, to teach and to gain experience with grapplers from all over.
In 2019, he was awarded his black belt by Carlos Gracie Jr., and he’s now a second-degree black belt.
On the mats, Mike is known for his high pace and his ability to find submissions from anywhere. He’s also tested his jiu-jitsu in MMA, fighting professionally and finishing multiple fights in the first round using his jiu-jitsu and earning a shot at the Unified MMA title.
As a coach, he’s just as invested. He’s patient, detail-oriented, and genuinely cares about helping people improve—whether you’re brand new or getting ready for competition.
Opening a gym in Spruce Grove has always been the goal, and now he gets to share what jiu-jitsu has given him with the community he grew up in.
“Coach P” - Pascale Leonard
Pascale is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a true testament to the power and benefits of the sport. Her journey into the world of grappling arts started in 2019 when she attended her nephew's judo tournament and felt a pull towards combat sports. She quickly discovered a love for BJJ, finding it to be not only an excellent physical workout but also a mental challenge that taught her self-defense and confidence.
When she's not training on the mats, Pascale works as a project manager in large-scale construction projects. BJJ provides a welcome escape from the demands of her day job, allowing her to focus on solving the puzzles of a match and keep her busy mind engaged.
For Pascale, BJJ is also a form of meditation, helping her to be present in the moment and forget about life's little stresses. She finds nothing more satisfying than being able to use technique efficiently to defeat opponents who are bigger and stronger than her.
As a Coach for the Juniors program, Coach P is passionate about introducing the next generation to the sport she loves and helping them discover the same physical, mental and emotional benefits that she has experienced. She is a role model to the juniors, inspiring them to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives and showing them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Taz “Tazziboye” Hay
Meet Taz, the Texas Heeler who's taking over the BJJ world one butt wag at a time! This four-legged wonder is not only the resident emotional support animal, but he's also the unsung hero behind the scenes at Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu.
Taz may be small in size, but he's big in brains, and he's the mastermind behind Black Gold Jiu-Jitsu. He's always the first one to arrive in the morning, ready to tackle the day, and he's always the last one to leave at night, making sure everything is in order. He's got a keen eye for detail, and he's always checking the schedule, making sure that all the bills are paid on time, and ensuring that everything is running smoothly. From answering emails to keeping track of memberships, Taz is always on top of his game. But he's not just all work and no play - Taz is known for his playful nature and love of belly rubs.
Taz's real passion is in color coordination. He believes that he's the inspiration behind the gym's iconic black and gold color scheme. He spends hours each day carefully selecting the perfect shade of gold to match his fur, and he's always making sure that the black mats are just the right contrast.
Despite his busy schedule, Taz always makes time for the students at Black Gold BJJ. He's the first one to greet you at the door, and he'll be there to offer a paw of comfort after a tough workout. Whether he's providing emotional support or simply making everyone laugh, Taz is an integral part of the Black Gold BJJ community.
So, if you're ever in need of a break from the mat, be sure to stop by and say hello to Taz. Just be prepared to leave with a few extra dog hairs on your gi!