Connect, Learn, Grow Together

Hiroki Takaya

Founder & Owner

Hiroki is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor based in Vancouver, Canada. He leads both on and off the mats — as a BJJ instructor, software developer, ESL coach for Japanese students, and meetup community organizer.

Having traveled to 4 English-speaking countries to train at international BJJ camps, Hiroki is a truly passionate educator at heart. In Japan, he used his English teaching credential (Middle & High School, grades 7–12) to provide compassionate support for students who felt estranged and outcast from Japanese society.

Following his dream of educating from the human spirit, Hiroki came to Vancouver, where he tackled a Post-Degree programming and design program at a local public college. But as a student, his days were consumed by studying — no time to earn money, savings shrinking day by day. He felt isolated.

That experience sparked a realization: studying hard was absolutely essential — but it wasn't enough on its own. He also needed community. A place to practice languages, share cultures, and support one another — without it costing a thing. That's exactly why Chit-Chat Canada is free for students.

Today, Hiroki instructs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Vancouver, guiding students of all levels while building software and running community meetups. Whether he's teaching a technique on the mats or organizing a language exchange event, his driving philosophy remains the same: growth through genuine human connection.