About The Leading Edge GYM
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Leading Edge GYM is Northwestern Ontario’s premier combat sports facility — and home to a thriving community of athletes, from first-time beginners to seasoned competitors.
Whether you’re here to get fit, build confidence, learn self-defense, or chase championship dreams, we’ve got the team, the training, and the atmosphere to help you succeed.
Our experienced, championship-winning coaches are here to guide you every step of the way — no experience necessary. We’ll help you go from your very first class to contending with some of the best in the world.
Explore a wide range of programs, including:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | MMA | Boxing | Wrestling | Fitness | Self Defense
At Leading Edge, every class is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and empowering. We believe self-defense and combat sports are for everyone, and we’re proud to support students of all backgrounds and goals.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program has produced over 7 black belts and multiple experienced brown and purple belt coaches.
Our MMA program is led by active professional fighters chasing high-level success.
We are an official Boxing Ontario-certified gym, offering elite coaching and competition opportunities at the highest levels.
No matter your goal — fitness, confidence, competition, or community — we’re here to help you become the best version of yourself.
Your journey starts here.
SEE YOU ON THE MAT
Matt Richer
Owner & Head Coach
Matt Richer is a lifelong martial artist with over 47 years of training across multiple disciplines. A holder of five black belts, Matt brings unmatched experience and passion to every class he leads.
He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Dan Moroney, a Boxing Ontario Certified Coach, and a respected instructor in Muay Thai, BJJ, and Mixed Martial Arts. As the founder of one of the longest-running MMA and BJJ programs in Canada, Matt has helped shape generations of fighters and martial artists.
Matt strongly believes in the power of martial arts to build stronger, safer communities. He is the founder of community-based programs like She Is Strong and Warrior’s Path, which use combat sports to empower youth, foster resilience, and support healing and personal growth — especially within Indigenous communities.
Beyond the gym, Matt is a dedicated educator in Modern Combatives and Personal Safety, delivering self-defense workshops across Thunder Bay and throughout Ontario. His approach blends real-world effectiveness with a deep commitment to empowering others — whether you're stepping into the cage or onto the mats for the first time.
Coach Matt believes martial arts can change lives — and he's here to help you unlock your potential.
