In the vibrant community of Gracie Barra Ottawa East, there is a resilient spirit who stands as a beacon of inspiration for many. Meet Derek, a martial arts enthusiast with a heart as big as his smile, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Nearing his purple belt in Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Derek’s journey in martial arts is not just about winning battles on the mat, but also about overcoming personal challenges.
“Martial arts feeds into everything I do,” Derek shares with an undeniable passion, “I played high school football as a martial artist.” Starting at the young age of four, his life was shaped by the values of martial arts, thanks to his father who introduced him to this path. Little did he know how much martial arts would come to mean to him.
Braving the storm of mental health struggles, Derek found solace in the discipline and camaraderie of martial arts. “There’s nothing in this world that has had the impact that martial arts has in my entire life,” he says. For Derek, every session is not just about strength or agility, but also about acceptance, resilience, and the power of community.
The philosophy of martial arts, according to Derek, is that of inclusivity. This belief resonates with his favorite quote at the gym: “Don’t be afraid to be a beginner.” He explains, “walking into a gym can be intimidating. And I wanted people to understand that it doesn’t matter if you’re ripped or if you’re pudgy, you’re welcome here.” Derek extends this welcoming spirit to everyone, from seasoned competitors to first-timers.
Beyond his personal achievements, Derek takes immense pride in the growth of his students. His ultimate joy? “To be able to sit back one day and just watch them run a class and enjoy that moment,” he shares with a twinkle in his eyes. Derek’s journey is a testament to the power of martial arts as a tool for transformation, fostering not just physical strength but also mental resilience and a sense of community.
Derek leaves us with a powerful reminder, “Being in this space, the positives far outweigh the negatives… I don’t want to do anything else with my life. This is where I want to be.” His story encourages us to face our fears, step onto the mat, and begin our own journey, regardless of where we are in life. After all, “Don’t be afraid to be a beginner!”
Derek Tomka
June 2023
ORIGIN STORY
In this section of our member stories, we ask the same four interview questions.
Every personal journey is different. We all move at different speeds. But, every single one of us was a beginner at one point in time.
The hardest part is starting.
Don’t be afraid to be a beginner.
Current Rank: Purple Belt (Blue Belt at time of writing)
“I’m a blue belt (with four stripes.) Tomorrow I to have the privilege to grade to purple.”
First Gracie Barra Orleans East Class: Oct 2021
“The first time we ever rolled wasn’t actually a class. We were so excited. There was no paint on the walls, no anything. The mats came in, we threw down about five or six of them, and then Dan and a couple of us others, we all just, no changing, we were just in our shorts and we started rolling. So that was fun. But our first class was November 15th, 2021, where we welcomed in our first kids. And yeah, it was special. It was a nice time. And seeing these kids grow up in these last two years has been amazing.”
First Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Class: 2018
“My first one was actually at the Barrhaven location, Nick and Mark’s first location at the time. I drove 45 minutes from Orleans to Barrhaven, and I did a private with a blue belt at the time. (Now he’s a champion brown belt and one of our best competitors in the city.) It was just a different application that I fell in love with. I fell in love with how Jiu-Jitsu can be applied in a physical manner while still keeping it playful. I love the grace and the beauty of BJJ and I believe a BJJ practitioner in this day and age has the best ability to protect himself or herself while still maintaining themselves in a safe, legal standing.”
Very First Martial Arts Class: 1986
“My dad was a partner in a karate school here in Orleans. I was knee high to nothing and my dad put me in a GI that was way too big. It was always going past my wrists and elbows. I couldn’t tie my belt.”
“My dad took me and I bowed into my first class. And I was in love with the sense of camaraderie and community that has been developed in those clubs and that everybody was my extended family. I’m still in contact with all those teachers. They’re still great people, and they’re still great influences in my life.”
“It’s like four years old. Four. That’s crazy. It was a beautiful thing and I’m so grateful for my dad for starting me on that journey. And I’m grateful to be able to pass down this.”