Gregory Hiltz-Truskoski began his martial arts journey in 2002, discovering early that training provided more than physical skill — it became a foundation for personal growth, resilience, and overcoming adversity. What started as a passion for martial arts evolved into a lifelong pursuit of functional combatives, coaching, and performance-based training. Today, Greg is recognized as an instructor, veteran, and founder dedicated to developing capable, confident individuals through practical martial arts and strength training.

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Greg’s foundational training in Hapkido and Kyusho Jitsu was under Art Mason at The Peaceful Warriors’ Martial Arts Institute in Windsor, Ontario. As a young student he quickly moved into assistant instruction while actively competing in sport karate tournaments. He earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kyusho Jitsu in 2011 and his 5th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido in 2015. In 2019, under the mentorship of Craig Mason, Greg expanded into Modern Arnis through the World Modern Arnis Alliance. The system’s non-linear curriculum, flow drills, and practical armed and unarmed applications aligned closely with his focus on real-world combatives. Since 2022 he has participated in multiple Canadian Open Dog Brothers Gatherings and currently holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis.

 

Greg served eleven years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including six years as an infantryman with 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR) and five years as an Intelligence Operator. During deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 with Task Force 1-10 Battle Group, he was wounded, resulting in a partial amputation of his left foot. He continued serving afterward in heavy weapons and reconnaissance roles before occupational transfer to intelligence with 12 ASIC, ultimately receiving a medical release in late 2018. During his service he was also certified as a St. John Ambulance First Aid Instructor Trainer, delivering both First Aid and Instructor courses at CFB Petawawa.

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Following his transition to civilian life, Greg worked with Mercury Strength & Conditioning in Kingston, Ontario, where he coached athletes and expanded his education in strength & conditioning and performance-based nutrition. Strength training remains central to his philosophy, supporting longevity, injury resilience, and performance across martial arts, combat arms professions, and general fitness.

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In 2014, Greg founded Hiltz Hapkido in Deep River, Ontario. Beginning with backyard training sessions, the club steadily grew before incorporating as Hiltz Hapkido Ontario Inc. in 2019 and moving into its current downtown facility. The academy emphasizes functional martial arts, pressure testing, and personal development over aesthetics or sport alone. Alongside regular instruction, Greg trains and supports students competing in sport karate tournaments while also competing, officiating, and helping introduce Filipino Martial Arts divisions to expand participation within the competitive community.

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An active lifelong student, Coach Greg continues to train across multiple organizations, attending seminars and collaborating with other instructors while developing students through disciplined, practical training. His work reflects a core belief: adversity, properly faced, becomes a catalyst for strength, leadership, and long-term growth.