"There is no showboating in our Martial Arts classes, we come in to train, sweat, have fun and get everybody better. When you enter a Gracie Barra class, we all leave our egos at the door, including me. Gracie Barra is like a family, and families help each other reach their full potential" - Tim Shears

Tim Shears has been teaching in the Martial Arts for the past 14 years. Tim is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Gracie Jr. He is the only Canadian Representative to this World Class Organization. GracieBarra.com. Tim is also a Senior Instructor under Progressive Fighting Systems, Fighting.net. Tim is a student of Filipino Kali under Mark Mikita, Fightology.com

Tim is dedicated to researching and developing the most beneficial training concepts and principles in the martial arts as they pertain to actual performance and application. Whether you seek training for competition, are out to learn "self-defense", or perhaps looking for a fun way to release stress, you can be certain to be challenged in a safe, positive, and an athletic manner.

The atmosphere at Cocoon is much more like that of a boxing or wrestling gym than that of a Japanese "Dojo" or Chinese "Kwoon". There is no ceremonial allegiance to any "style", bowing to any person, counting in any foreign tongue, or exhibition of any belt rank or skill class. Our focus is instead on training, training, some more training and then even more training.