Henry (Hank) Panek

Member Bio

𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗬 (𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞) 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗞 — is a third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, founder, and head instructor of South Island Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Training under Grandmaster Marcus Soares since 1999, Hank earned his black belt in 2014, continuing the respected Carlson Gracie lineage. In 2008, he introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Cowichan Valley, establishing an academy that has expanded throughout southern Vancouver Island. With over 40 years of experience in the fitness industry and a brown belt in Judo, Hank combines technical grappling, physical conditioning, and practical self-defence in his teaching. An accomplished Masters competitor and dedicated instructor, Hank continues to share his experience with students of all ages, fostering discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of community.

Competition History

𝗜𝗕𝗝𝗝𝗙 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗧 𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 - 2019 — Phoenix International Open: Gold Medal, Master 5, Medium Heavyweight. - 2019 — IBJJF World Master Championship: Bronze Medal, Master 5, Medium Heavyweight. - 2026 — IBJJF World Master Championship: Competed in the black belt Masters division, including a documented semifinal match against Paul Joseph Moriarty. 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 Hank has competed internationally in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, representing South Island BJJ at prestigious IBJJF tournaments. His achievements include a Phoenix International Open championship and a podium finish at the IBJJF World Master Championship. He continues to participate in Masters competition, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Martial Arts Background

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗶𝘂-𝗝𝗶𝘁𝘀𝘂 - Began training — 1999 - Third-Degree Black Belt - Black Belt awarded — June 2014 - Instructor — Grandmaster Marcus Soares - Carlson Gracie Sr. lineage - 16th Canadian student promoted to black belt under Marcus Soares 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗼 - Brown Belt - Incorporates Judo techniques into BJJ instruction 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗶𝘂-𝗝𝗶𝘁𝘀𝘂 - Founder — 2008 - Head Instructor - Established BJJ training in the Cowichan Valley - Expanded instruction across southern Vancouver Island - Children's, youth, and adult coaching 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - Over 40 years in the fitness industry - Extensive experience in physical conditioning and self-defence instruction

Friends & Messages

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