Firas Zahabi
Trainer
Firas Zahabi is in large part what makes Tristar Gym a special place. His approach, uncommon in a sport that is often rife with emotion and ingrained practices, is exceptionally analytical, in-depth and innovative.
As the head coach for UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre, Zahabi knows how to build an MMA champion.
“I always loved martial arts more than I loved fighting. I didn’t do martial arts because I wanted to be famous or because I wanted to win a tournament. I always did it because I was fascinated with the art.”
“People don’t know their history, Some people are born warriors. And those warriors, we need them. They have a place in our society. Let them play football, let them play basketball, let them box, let them do MMA. They’re born with that.”
Georges St-Pierre
Occasional Instructor
Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is recognized as one of the planet’s best pound-for-pound MMA fighter and all around athlete. He is known for his many fighting styles: Kyokushin karate (3rd dan black belt), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling.
AWARDS
Member of the UFC Hall of Fame
Canadian Athlete of the Year 2008, 2009, 2010 – Rogers Sportsnet.
2010-2011 No.2 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World – ESPN
Fighter of the Year 2009 – Sports Illustrated, World MMA Awards, MMAPayout, Inside MMA, MMAJunkie
Finalist – Best Fighter 2008, 2010, 2011, 2018 – ESPY Awards
Most Dangerous Man of the year 2010 – Spike Guys Choice Awards
2008 MMA Fighter of the Year – Black Belt Magazine
Conrad Pla
Trainer / Founder
Conrad Pla was a professional kick boxer who competed in the light heavyweight and super middleweight division. With 26 pro fights, he was ranked 3rd in the world, was the ISKA North American Champion as well as the WKA Intercontinental Champion. He fought Javier Mendez for the ISKA World title in Santa Cruz, California in 1995 but lost a close split decision.
Conrad opened the now world renowned Tristar Gym in 1991 and although he no longer owns it, he is still passionate about training and teaching fighters in both the amateur and professional ranks.
Conrad Pla fut un kick boxer ayant competitioné dans les divisions super mi-moyen et mi-lourd. Avec 26 combats professionnels, il était classé 3ieme mondialement et champion de la ISKA de l’Amérique du Nord ainsi que la WKA Intercontinental. Il a combattu pour le titre mondial de la ISKA contre Javier Méndez à Santa Cruz, Californie en 1995 mais à perdu une décision partagée serrée.
Conrad a ouvert le gym Tristar, renommé internationalement, en 1991. Le gym ne lui appartient plus mais il reste tout de même passionné par le combat et l’entraînement. Il continue à enseigner des combattants amateurs et professionnels.
Donald Marcelin
Trainer
Donald Marcelin
Currently a purple belt under Firas Zahabi. Active competitor in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene in Montreal and internationally, not only on the submission only scene but also under Ibjjf rule sets.
I always try to put on a great class not only for the active competitors and fighters but also for those who come in and do it recreationally.
Pejman “PJ” Hedayati
Trainer
I started with boxing with Pro fighter Jacques Lemaire in the year 2004. Then joined Tristar gym in 2005 and started learning kickboxing from Conrad Pla who taught me the proper way of teaching the fundamentals.
Since, i’ve been coached and trained by Ajarn Peter Sisomphou, Kru Yodkunsup Por Pongsawang (Yod master), Kru Philippe Allaire Landreville and many other great coaches under the supervision of Coach Firas Zahabi.
I’ve had few amateur fights and still active in the amateur circuit.
Pierre-Olivier Leclerc
BJJ Trainer
– Started Training BJJ at Tristar in july of 2014.
– Purple belt under Firas Zahabi
– EBI Trials semi finalist
– Finishers 2 170lbs semi finalist
– Multiple Grappling industries weight and open gold medalist
– MTL invitational 2x superfight winner
– Submission arts united -170 nogi advanced gold medalist.
Rob Rivest
Trainer
Rob Rivest,
As of 2017 Rob has been training & competing in martial arts for well over a decade. Holding many amateur mma and Muay Thai championships.
Now retired from fighting, he has switched his focus to coaching & guiding the next generation of ninja’s to greatness.
Grappling, striking or strength and conditioning, Rob can help you achieve the goals you have in mind.
Ian Perron
Trainer
Ian Perron has practiced and competed in the art of Muay Thai and MMA since 2007.
Ian has amassed 34 fights in both disciplines along with boxing, trained with and served as sparring partners for world class fighters in the last two decades.
Now retired from fighting, he has transitioned to coaching since 2017 with a passion for sharing all the knowledge he’s learned over the years.
Whether it be for competing, learning self defence or just getting into shape, he will help you achieve your goals.
- Traditional Muay Thai
- Boxing
- Jiu-Jitsu
Anatolie Caraterzi
Trainer
Originating from a wrestling-focused family in Moldova, Anatolie embraced wrestling at 10, making it a lifelong pursuit. A former member of the Moldovan National Wrestling Team, he also earned certification as a Wrestling Coach and Sport Manager in Moldova and upheld his official coaching title upon arriving in Canada.
Following his competition years, Anatolie has coached numerous students in Eastern Europe and later on the American continent. Relocating to Montreal in 2016, he joined Tristar Gym in December 2022, fully committed to elevating the Canadian wrestling scene.
Anatolie emphasizes confidence, respect, and work ethic in his athletes. He is devoted to creating a positive and educational environment, aspiring for his students to achieve peak success in the sport.
Saad Benchalal
Trainer BJJ Basics
Saad Benchalal is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach with a strong teaching background. With a pedagogical approach, he creates engaging and enjoyable lessons for his students. Saad is committed to following Coach Firas’ advanced basics curriculum, ensuring his students achieve high levels of proficiency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling.
