LEGACY FIGHT CLUB COACHES & INSTRUCTORS

ABOUT US

At Legacy Fight Club, we are more than just a martial arts facility—we are a supportive community dedicated to empowering individuals through Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Situated in the heart of Barrie, our gym blends passion, dedication, and expertise to cultivate an atmosphere where growth and achievement flourish. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring martial arts or a seasoned athlete perfecting your techniques, we welcome everyone to join us.

Meet Our Instructors

At Legacy Fight Club, our instructors are the heart of our community. Each coach is highly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about their discipline. With years of training and competitive backgrounds, they are devoted to helping every student excel. Whether you're building basic skills or advancing to complex techniques, our instructors offer personalized coaching and support designed to meet your unique objectives.

Founder and Chief Legacy Director Bao Luu brings more than three decades of martial arts expertise, Coach Bao has competed extensively locally and abroad, including six professional Muay Thai bouts in Thailand. His BJJ experience include dozens of tournaments. He is a certified instructor with multiple recognized fight organizations, and has guided students to achieve provincial and national championships in various divisions. His mission is to inspire confidence, develop skills, and foster resilience in all his students. He currently leads the Fundamentals Muay Thai program, and is the head coach for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. You can read more about Coach Bao here.

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MMA and Kickboxing Coach

MMA Competition Team Coach

CHRIS VORANO

I am a coach and certified personal trainer with a passion for fitness and mixed martial arts.

I have 20 years of experience in the matial arts and fitness industry, helping students and clients of all fitness levels achieve their health and wellness goals. With a background in mixed martial arts, I bring a unique and dynamic approach to my training sessions that combine developing the principles of discipline, strength, endurance, power and agility.

Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, increase flexibility, or enhance your mixed martial arts skills, I am here to support and motivate each and every student every step of the way. When you train with me, expect a challenging yet enjoyable experience. I will push you beyond your limits, helping you achieve results you never thought possible.

ogether, we will conquer your fight and fitness goals, getting you on the path to a healthier, stronger, and more confident version of yourself.

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Muay Thai Youth Competition Team Coach

Muay Thai Competition Team Assistant Coach

MARLON & MYLES VALENZUELA

Alright, let’s do this one more time. My name is Marlon Valenzuela, your friendly neighbourhood Muay Thai coach. I was smitten by the action packed movie Bloodsport and since my 20s I’ve pursued a long life as a Muay Thai practitioner. You may know the rest but if you don’t.

I first joined the Twin Dragon Kung-Fu & Kick-Boxing club in Toronto studying under Martin McNamara. Martin’s drills and focus on the fundamentals and making students accountable for those fundamentals are still with me today. Soon after I began sparring, my hope of competing was dashed away as an eye condition wouldn’t allow me to see well enough to be medically cleared to compete. I didn’t let that news stop me though and I quickly shifted into becoming the best student I could be and a good sparring partner to my fellow competitors.

When I moved to Barrie, I found Mecca Muay Thai & Fitness. I began studying and transitioned from Kickboxing to Muay Thai under the tutelage of Kru Edward Anderson. Kru Edward’s hyper-focus on the fundamentals solidified my love and focus on Muay Thai. When I found Legacy Fight Club, I found my second home.

My coaching career began as an assistant to the Kid’s Program, overseeing students' first day at Legacy. When my son Myles joined the program, my focus, under the guidance of Bao, shifted to competitive coaching. I’ve been at the helm of the Kid’s competitive program since 2018, putting my best effort into helping each student reach their full potential.

You can still catch me taking part in classes and sparring with students so no matter how many hits I take, I always find a way to hit back. There’s only one friendly neighbourhood Muay Thai coach. And you’re looking at him.

🙏Sawasdee khap

Boxing Coach

ALLAN BLACKETT

My name is Allan, the Boxing Coach at Legacy Fight Club. I teach everyday people the sweet science of boxing. Having boxed and competed for over a decade, I vividly remember my first time stepping into a boxing gym—unsure what to expect but eager for something new. The moment I laced up my gloves and hit the focus mitts, I was instantly hooked. That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made.

I’d love to help you or your children discover that same passion for boxing, ensuring you find the right coach to show you how boxing can be more than just training—it’s about personal development, self-discipline, and building mental toughness.

I recognize that starting out in boxing can feel overwhelming. That's why guiding you to confidently step into the sport, focus on the basics, and gradually build your skills and resilience is my top priority.

All Women's Muay Thai Coach

SHELLEY NAKONECHNY

I stumbled hesitantly into Legacy Fight Club in the summer of 2015 not knowing what to expect. I was looking for a gym that provided not only a great workout but also gave me the tools and support needed to improve my limited boxing skills. I’d never even heard of Muay Thai before coming to this club, but I knew I needed something that not only challenged me physically but mentally as well. From day one I was welcomed into this unique family and have since reached goals I’d never even dreamed of having including coaching/cornering fighters, judging at local Muay Thai events and expanding my skillset by adding jiu jitsu to my training regime. I no longer know where my comfort zone is because I’m continuously challenged to go beyond it!

I’m very excited to be teaching the Women’s Only Muay Thai class, sharing my love of both Muay Thai and Fight Club.

Take it from me, in joining this class you will:

• Smile more

• Increase both your physical and mental strength

• Gain the confidence to start saying “Maybe one day”, and “Yes” instead of “No”
• Eventually find my warm up too easy!

Together we will train hard, laugh a lot and build each other up as we develop these skills.
See you at the club!

Muay Thai Adult Competition Head Coach

FRANCESCO CERVO

My name is Frank Cervo. My role is Legacy's Muay Thai Competition Head Coach. I come from an authentic traditional muay thai background and originally started my muay thai journey at the original Siam No. 1 under Ajahn Suchart. I have 20 years of training experience working with multiple muay thai champion coaches and alongside champion fighters. I also have been in active in the competitive muay thai scene since 2014 to 2022.

My mission is to teach proper muay thai technique, foundation, balance, ring control and how to generate true striking power. I strive to eleve my student's games and help them reach their fullest potential.

With my extensive competition experience, the support of my assistant coaches, and the encouragement of the greater team, we will make sure that any dream becomes a real possibility. Through hard work, dedication, love, and consistency, the sky is truly the limit.

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Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu Coach

BAO LUU

...my first fight class

How will I do? Will people laugh or judge me? Will I be accepted? These were some of the questions going through my head before my first class. I was pleased to find out soon after that it was in fact, all in my head. At first I only went a couple times a week, but it didn't take long before it became an addiction...the good kind of addiction that saw me attending classes almost everyday. You can read more about my first muay thai class here.

Since then, my journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai have forever changed my life. These two sports have helped me develop confidence and discipline. The gym provided me with a community of like-minded people striving to be better than their yesterday self, and it also a place where I could escape from the everyday stresses at work.

Let Legacy do the same for you; let us be your second home.

YOUR FIRST PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS ARE FREE WITH OUR LEVEL 1 COACHES

Hiring a personal coach at the beginning is an excellent way to get fit and master the fundamentals before joining regular classes. It can also quadruple your rate of progress and skill development.

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Our Mission

At Legacy Fight Club, our goal is to deliver exceptional martial arts training within a friendly and inclusive setting. We believe martial arts go beyond physical fitness—they cultivate mental resilience and personal development. Our programs are crafted to motivate and challenge, empowering students to build discipline, confidence, and a sense of achievement. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, compete at an elite level, or enhance your overall fitness, Legacy Fight Club is here to support your journey. Join us today and become part of Barrie's vibrant martial arts community.

LEGACY FIGHT CLUB COACHES & INSTRUCTORS

ABOUT US

Meet Our Instructors

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YOUR FIRST PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS ARE FREE WITH OUR LEVEL 1 COACHES

Our Mission

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