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Co-Owner, Head Coach/Kru

Martello "M-16" Jones

Martello has been training (and competing) in Muay Thai and K1 style kickboxing since 2011. He has competed internationally and brings a plethora of knowledge, experience and unique approaches to instruction. [Read on...]

Martello Jones is a devoted family man, husband to Janeque Jones and father to two children, Jai-Kristoeff and Mjoer-Micah. In addition to his family responsibilities, he holds a significant professional role as the head coach and co-owner of Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. With a passion for martial arts and a dedication to sharing his expertise, Martello has been instrumental in shaping the academy into a center for learning and growth in the field. His leadership continues to drive the academy’s success, setting a strong example for both his family and students.

Martello has been training (and competing) in Muay Thai and K1 style kickboxing since 2011. He brings a plethora of knowledge, ring experience (33+ fights) and unique approaches to instruction. He is an 8 time champion and has fought around the world. He continues to use his ring experience as a vehicle to pass on the culture, skills and mindset to the next generation.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS / CERTIFICATIONS

  • World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai certified Ring Official
  • Muay Thai Ontario certified coach
  • WAKO Canada certified coach
  • 2024 Maximus Fight Promotions Muay Thai Cruiserweight Champion
  • 2024 Rise Of The Warrior Kickboxing Cruiserweight Champion
  • 2023 World Boxing Council (WBC) Amazing Muay Thai Festival Tournament Winner
  • 2022 TBA-SA Muay Thai Cruiserweight World Champion
  • 2022 TBA-SA Muay Thai World Expo Best Fighter Award Recipient
  • 2014 Muay Thai Ontario Heavyweight Provincial Champion
  • 2014 Quest For The Voyageur K1 Champion
  • 2013 USKA Cruiserweight Champion
  • 2012 TBA-SA Muay Thai Classic Light Cruiserweight North American Champion
  • 2011 Canadian Amateur Sport Kickboxing K1 National Champion
  • 2011 Canadian Amateur Sport Kickboxing K1 Provincial Champion
  • 2011 Throwdown In O-Town K1 Kickboxing Champion

Kru Martello (or Kru Tello as he is affectionately known), when not teaching classes is available for ‘Won On Oneconsultations and personal training sessions.

Co-Owner, #8TEAM Experience Manager

Janeque Jones

Janeque Jones, known affectionately as “Miss Janeque, " is the original "Muay Thai Momma" at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. She bears many roles, each executed with grace and proficiency. She is not [Read on...]

Janeque Jones, known affectionately as “Miss Janeque, ” is the original “Muay Thai Momma” at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. She bears many roles, each executed with grace and proficiency.  She is not only the wife of the esteemed martial artist Martello “M16” Jones but also the Co-Owner and #8TEAM Experience Manager of the Academy. In the latter capacity, she serves as the backbone of the institution, ensuring that both the operational and experiential aspects meet the highest standards. Her hands-on approach to customer experience ensures that every student feels welcomed, valued and empowered.

Certified as a WAKO Canada Coach and Official, Janeque possesses a keen understanding of the nuances of the sport. She actively supports the competitive and recreational endeavours of her family and students, offering both tactical and emotional support. As a plus sized coach, Janeque believes one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to BEST YOUR BEST!

Janeque’s influence at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy is pervasive. She is the ethical compass of the academy, setting the tone for the culture and values that the institution embodies. In essence, Janeque is a remarkable blend of dedication, expertise and compassion. She is a devoted wife, a loving mother and an exceptional manager. Her multifaceted contributions to the academy are immeasurable, and her influence is felt in every interaction, every lesson, and every corner of the institution.

She is a: wife/mother/coach/student/listening ear/friendly face with a welcoming smile… she is the embodiment of “OWN YOUR OUTCOME!”

Janeque offers personal training under our ‘Won On One’ model. Book a session with her and she will get you started feeling strong and confident in your body.

Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach

Robert "The Machine" Caswell

Robert Caswell is a seasoned practitioner in the realms of Muay Thai and Kickboxing, boasting a competitive history that includes over 12 fights. A husband and father of four, Rob continues to train daily to inspire and show his family the rewarding journey of hard work and perseverance. [Read on...]

Robert Caswell is a seasoned practitioner in the realms of Muay Thai and Kickboxing, boasting a competitive history that includes over 12 fights. A husband and father of four, Rob continues to train daily to show his family the rewarding journey of hard work and perseverance. His passion for the sport extends beyond the ring; he is deeply committed to physical fitness and enjoys crafting innovative workout sets that engage and challenge participants.

Serving as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rob leads the Body MechaniX sessions at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. These classes are designed to focus on biomechanics and functional movement, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to improve their athletic performance while reducing the risk of injuries.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Rob holds notable certifications that underscore his expertise and dedication. He is a Certified WAKO Canada Coach as well as a Certified Muay Thai Ontario Coach. These credentials reflect not only his proficiency in martial arts but also his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of instruction and safety.

Through a comprehensive approach to martial arts and fitness, Rob serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to elevate their physical well-being. His commitment to the development of his students is evident in every session he conducts, making him a reliable guide for those on their martial arts journey.

Coach Rob is available for personal training sessions to help propel you on your Muay Thai journey.

Junior Coach

Jai-Kristoeff Jones

Meet Jai-Kristoeff Jones, an extraordinary talent and Junior Coach at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. He is the first born son of owners, Janeque and Martello Jones. Jai-Kristoeff's expertise in martial arts [Read on...]

Meet Jai-Kristoeff Jones, an extraordinary talent and Junior Coach at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy. He is the first born son of owners, Janeque and Martello Jones. Jai-Kristoeff’s expertise in martial arts is backed by his remarkable achievements as a Provincial Champion for both WAKO Canada and Muay Thai Ontario. This is further cemented by his double certification as a WAKO Canada and MTO Coach.

As a Provincial Champion, Jai-Kristoeff embodies the qualities we value most at the academy: respect, discipline, resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His championship titles are not just personal accolades but a collective victory for our academy, reinforcing our reputation as a leading martial arts institution.

Jai-Kristoeff’s humility, despite his achievements, and his willingness to assist others in their martial arts journey make him a beloved figure at our academy. His teaching style seamlessly blends traditional techniques with modern training methods, catering to students of all levels. More than just an instructor, Jai-Kristoeff is a mentor and role model.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS / CERTIFICATIONS

  • 2023 Muay Thai Ontario Provincial Champion
  • 2023 World Boxing Council Amazing Muay Thai Festival tournament winner
  • 2022 WAKO National Silver medalist
  • 2022 WAKO Provincial Champion
  • 2022 WAKO Provincial Best Junior Athlete award
  • 2022 TBA-SA Muay Thai World Expo Silver medallist

Train with Jai-Kristoeff and experience the transformative power of martial arts at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy.

Lisa Diaz
Coach

Lisa Diaz

Lisa, the lady that does everything with a smile, began her Muay Thai journey in 2017. Through consistent training and commitment, Lisa has gained a solid understanding of the sport, laying the foundation for her growth and development. As her skills and knowledge continue to grow, Lisa has become more involved with welcoming and orienting new members to discover their own potential. [Read on...]

Lisa, the lady that does everything with a smile, began her Muay Thai journey in 2017. Through consistent training and commitment, Lisa has gained a solid understanding of the sport, laying the foundation for her growth and development. As her skills and knowledge continue to grow, Lisa has become more involved with welcoming and orienting new members to discover their own potential.

Coach Lisa is our second active female coach at Art Of 8. Her calm and welcoming demeanor has helped our new and existing members feel right at home. Lisa plays an active role in supporting the competitors and can be seen at almost every event cheering and bringing them good energy through that deep soul smile.

Lisa is a certified WAKO Canada Coach and absolutely enjoys helping others. Her approach to Muay Thai and Kickboxing is grounded in taking it a step at a time to build mental resilience and technical excellence.

In her spare time Lisa enjoys camping and being with family.

Coach

Emmanuel Diaz

Emmanuel was drawn to the discipline of martial arts at a young age. His parents enrolled him in Taekwondo classes at the age of six. It was here that Emmanuel first discovered his love for martial arts. He began training Muay Thai in 2017, immersing himself in its rich culture and rigorous training regimen. [Read on...]

Emmanuel was drawn to the discipline of martial arts at a young age. His parents enrolled him in Taekwondo classes at the age of six. It was here that Emmanuel first discovered his love for martial arts. He began training Muay Thai in 2017, immersing himself in its rich culture and rigorous training regimen. Under the guidance of his coaches, he honed his skills and put them to the test in the ring with a couple competitive bouts. Emmanuel has been a student at Art Of 8 since 2022. His journey here has led him to a new chapter as he joins our esteemed coaching team. Known for his patience and friendly demeanour, Emmanuel is eager to share the knowledge he continues to amass.

Certified as a WAKO Canada Coach, Emmanuel’s passion for learning and fitness is sure to inspire others to push their limits and strive for excellence. Emmanuel will bring to the team his methodological and meticulous approach to teaching and training.

Coach

Nathan Stevenson

Nathan has been around sports his entire life - what started from as early as elementary years has now evolved into a passion for martial arts. He was first introduced to MMA in his teenage years and has followed multiple combat sports since then. Nathan spent many years training with both professional and amateur Canadian boxing champions [Read on...]

Nathan has been around sports his entire life – what started from as early as elementary years has now evolved into a passion for martial arts. He was first introduced to MMA in his teenage years and has followed multiple combat sports since then. Nathan spent many years training with both professional and amateur Canadian boxing champions as well as a stint studying Karate.
Nathan began his Muay Thai and Kickboxing journey with Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy at the beginning of 2023. His knowledge and skills grew under the tutelage of Kru Martello, and Nathan uses every opportunity to pass this on to others. Nathan possesses a unique understanding of what it means to train, work and play harder in any given sport. This coupled with his patience, humble demeanour and passion for continuous learning has equipped him with the tools to excel in his new role of Coach.
Outside of training, Nathan is a husband and father of three. His two boys also train at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy making it truly a family affair. In his spare time, Nathan enjoys quality time with his family and cross training for Spartan Races. He is a certified WAKO Canada Coach and will be happy to help you as he continues his journey as father, student, coach and competitor.