Our Coaches
Just Walk Through The Door
Our Coaches
Training programs designed to enhance your skills.
Joe Doherty
Head Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner since 2018, with experience coaching kids, teens, and adults. Former Program Director and Coach at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Ottawa. Competed in BJJ tournaments and amateur MMA before moving to Cape Breton to start Cheticamp Martial Arts.
Teaching Philosophy:
Joe believes martial arts can transform lives, both on and off the mats. His approach focuses on creating a safe and welcoming space where students of all ages can build confidence, discipline, and resilience while having fun. His goal is not just to teach techniques, but to help people grow into leaders in their community.
Fun Fact or Personal Detail:
Outside the gym, Joe serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community — helping others is at the core of who he is.
Crystal Doherty
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Crystal has been training in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the last three years and is a proud co-owner of the gym. With a lifelong love of sport, she has also coached volleyball and figure skating, experiences that deepened her passion for helping others learn and grow through movement. What started as a passion for staying active and challenging herself quickly grew into a love and appreciation for the discipline, technique, and community found on the mats.
Teaching Philosophy:
Crystal believes training is as much about mindset as it is about skill. She brings a people-first approach to coaching, encouraging students to push past comfort zones while supporting each individual’s goals. For her, martial arts is about building self-belief, grit, and integrity — qualities that extend far beyond the mats. She also believes that a positive outlook makes all the difference, and that having fun is just as important as working hard.
Personal Detail / Fun Fact:
Martial arts is truly a family affair for Crystal — her husband is the gym’s head coach, and both of her young sons also train. Sharing time on the mats has brought them closer together, showing her firsthand how martial arts can strengthen not only individuals but families too. Originally from Cheticamp, Crystal spent many years in Halifax completing her university studies before moving to Ottawa to build a career in recruitment and staffing. Last year, she and her family returned to her hometown, choosing to raise their children in the same beautiful, close-knit community that shaped her own upbringing. Off the mats, she loves baking with her boys and hunting for hidden gems while consignment shopping.
Adam MacDonald
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Adam MacDonald grew up in Southwest Margaree and began his martial arts journey at age 12 with Tae Kwon Do, before moving on to boxing at 15. While living in Calgary, he explored numerous martial arts, but it was at Mike Miles National Kickboxing Academy that he discovered his love for Muay Thai. In 2002, Adam tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at BDB Martial Arts and was immediately hooked.
After moving back to Cape Breton in 2007, opportunities to train BJJ were limited, so he trained sporadically in Halifax, Sydney, and at Oddity BJJ before joining the CMA family in October 2024. Today, Adam teaches Juniors and Adults BJJ as well as Junior Strikers. He’s also a proud father of two young martial artists, Ash and Alec, who train alongside him at CMA.
Teaching Philosophy:
Adam believes martial arts should build resilience, confidence, and discipline in every student. He brings energy, patience, and a love for both striking and grappling to every class, helping kids and adults grow both as martial artists and as people.
Fun Fact or Personal Detail:
In addition to coaching, Adam serves as a volunteer firefighter — another way he gives back to the community he calls home.
Emery Ferraro
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Emery began training Muay Thai in 2022 after “retiring” from a decade of ultrarunning. They moved to Cape Breton in 2024 and were thrilled to find a new training home at Cheticamp Martial Arts. Since then, Emery has been a fixture in the Muay Thai classes, eager to crack pads and share their enthusiasm for the art.
Teaching Philosophy:
Emery believes your relationship to your body is the most important lifelong partnership you will ever have. Martial arts should be a place where everyone feels safe and welcome and Emery works with each participant to support them on their journey, no matter where they are.
Fun Fact or Personal Detail:
When not on the mats, Emery can usually be found outside - biking, running, hiking, skiing, gardening, or enjoying a book in a hammock.
Rishi Chatterjee
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Rishi “Coach Rish” Chatterjee is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt with over five years of training experience under the Gracie Barra system. His love for the art is rooted in strong fundamentals and a passion for helping others grow on and off the mats.
Coaching Philosophy:
Rish believes the foundation of great Jiu-Jitsu lies in the basics. He focuses on principles rather than endless techniques, creating an environment where students can work hard, stay consistent, and still have fun while training.
Fun Fact:
In 2024, Rish moved to Cheticamp with his wife Jillian and their new baby, Ruby—quickly becoming part of both the local community and the CMA family.
Jackson Timmons
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Jackson Timmons is a passionate martial artist with a love for both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. After dedicating over a year to training in Muay Thai, his enthusiasm for the arts inspired him to step into a coaching role, where he now shares his knowledge and energy with others.
Coaching Philosophy:
Jackson believes training should be clear, fun, and motivating. He focuses on maintaining a positive attitude and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome—whether it’s their first day or their hundredth. He enjoys explaining techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, helping students build confidence and skill step by step.
Fun Fact:
Outside the gym, Jackson is an outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature as a way to recharge.
Travis MacIntosh
Assistant Instructor
Martial Arts Background:
Travis Macintosh began his martial arts journey in 2007 while living in Prince Edward Island, training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing while balancing school and competitive hockey. After returning home to fish lobster and crab, he continued to train whenever possible, keeping his passion for martial arts alive.
Coaching Focus:
With a lifelong love of sports and a strong commitment to community, Travis now dedicates his energy to coaching kids. He focuses on helping young athletes build confidence, discipline, and resilience—skills that serve them both on and off the mats. His goal is to give back through martial arts by creating a positive, supportive environment for the next generation.
Fun Fact:
Outside the gym, Travis works as a fisherman and also serves his community as the Deputy Fire Chief for his local department.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Commonly Questions
Do I need any prior experience to join?
Not at all! Our programs are designed for beginners and advanced students alike. Whether it’s your very first class or you’ve trained before, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you progress step by step.
What should I wear to my first classes?
For your free trial, just wear comfortable athletic clothing, no zippers as they rip the mats and no pockets so fingers and toes don't get caught (t-shirt and shorts or leggings). If you decide to join, we’ll help you get fitted up.
Is martial arts safe for kids?
Yes — safety is our top priority. Classes are structured, supervised, and age-appropriate, with a focus on respect, control, and discipline. Kids learn in a safe, positive environment designed to build confidence and focus.
How often should I train?
For beginners, 2–3 classes per week is ideal to build consistency and see results. Many students train more as they advance, but we always encourage a pace that fits your schedule and goals.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes! Every new student can try a class for free. It’s the best way to experience our community, meet the coaches, and see if martial arts is the right fit for you.
Are there any fitness requirements to get started?
You don’t need to be fit to start — training will help you get there. Our classes are beginner-friendly, and you’ll build strength, stamina, and confidence at your own pace. Many students come in with no athletic background and quickly discover how capable they really are.
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(902) 224-1199
13101 Cabot Trail Rd, St Joseph du Moine,
Nova Scotia
B0E 3A0