David Dash Martial Arts Instructor

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David Dash is the founder and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Zen Mixed Martial Arts in Ottawa, Canada, where he has been offering martial arts classes continuously since 2007. Zen MMA was established from the ground up after David transitioned from a successful career in telecommunications, opening the academy in Ottawa with a long-term vision of creating a high-level training environment focused on technical development, personal growth, and community engagement.

As a second-generation Carlson Gracie black belt and a first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Marcus Soares, one of Canada’s highest-ranking and most respected BJJ instructors, David has built a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has trained under Marcus Soares throughout his entire Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career, maintaining a direct lineage to the Carlson Gracie system. Additionally, David’s expertise also extends to martial arts classes beyond BJJ, influencing his role as a skilled Muay Thai instructor.

David began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2005 and has developed over two decades of continuous experience in grappling, striking, and mixed martial arts. Throughout his journey in martial arts, he has achieved the following belt ranks: Blue Belt on November 26, 2009; Purple Belt on September 21, 2013; Brown Belt on September 24, 2016; and Black Belt on December 27, 2021. He is anticipated to earn his First-Degree Black Belt by May 31, 2025. In addition to his accomplishments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, David has also trained as a Muay Thai instructor, contributing to his diverse background in martial arts classes offered in Ottawa.

Muay Thai Kru Certification – August 2020 (Santai Gym, Thailand – Kru Phon), with expertise as a Muay Thai Instructor. Additionally, I hold an SKF Karate Black Belt and I am recognized as a WAKO Certified Coach. I am also an IMMAF Certified Referee and Judge, bringing a wealth of knowledge to martial arts classes, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ottawa.

David, a skilled competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ottawa, has showcased his talent internationally across various organizations and rule sets in the martial arts community:

NAGA Germany Grappling Championship (2017)

1st Place – No-Gi Directors Expert

2nd Place – Gi Masters Brown Belt

IBJJF International Montreal Open (2013)

1st Place – Men’s Senior 3 Middle Heavyweight Purple Belt

1st Place – Men’s Senior 3 Open Weight Purple Belt

NAGA East Coast Championships Boston (2011)

2nd Place – Gi Directors Middleweight Blue Belt

NAGA World Cup Florida (2009)

1st Place – No-Gi Masters Light Heavyweight Beginner

2nd Place – No-Gi Directors Heavyweight Intermediate

2nd Place – No-Gi Masters Light Heavyweight Intermediate

In addition to his achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, David is also a dedicated martial arts instructor in various disciplines like Muay Thai, offering classes that emphasize skill and technique.

David has been a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and Muay Thai instructor in Ottawa since 2007, coaching both children and adults at all levels of experience. 

With nearly two decades of coaching under his belt, he has nurtured numerous students who have gone on to excel in regional and provincial-level competition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, including multiple champions in both youth and adult divisions.

Currently, he leads Zen MMA’s martial arts classes, focusing on structured development pathways that guide students from beginner fundamentals to competitive performance.

Zen Mixed Martial Arts was founded with the goal of creating a long-term training environment where students can develop skill, discipline, and confidence over time—not just train for short-term fitness or competition. Students at Zen can explore various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ottawa and Muay Thai classes, fostering a well-rounded martial arts education. David’s coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, progressive development, and consistency, with the belief that martial arts classes should build both physical capability and personal character.

David also developed ZENMMA’s online training platform for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ottawa, which features over 800 instructional videos categorized by position, technique, and training goal. This resource enables students to engage in structured learning outside of their martial arts classes, under the guidance of a qualified Muay Thai instructor.