Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and MMA Training in Thunder Bay
Leading Edge MMA is a martial arts gym in Thunder Bay, Ontario offering training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), No-Gi submission grappling, boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. Established in 2001, we operate one of the longest-running BJJ and MMA programs in Northwestern Ontario, helping beginners, recreational students, and competitive athletes develop real martial art skills.
About The Leading Edge GYM
Leading Edge MMA is a martial arts gym in Thunder Bay, Ontario offering training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi submission grappling, boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and practical self-defense. Our programs are designed for beginners, recreational athletes, and competitors who want to develop real skills, improve fitness, and train in a positive, disciplined environment.
As one of the longest-running and most established martial arts gyms in Northwestern Ontario, Leading Edge has built a reputation for producing skilled athletes and providing high-quality coaching. Over the years, our team has helped develop successful competitors across multiple combat sports while continuing to welcome new students looking to begin their martial arts journey.
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 | No-gi | Submission Grappling
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.
A Legacy of Martial Arts in Thunder Bay – Since 2001
Leading Edge MMA has been serving the Thunder Bay martial arts community since 2001.For over more than two decades we have developed one of the longest-running Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts programs in Ontario. Our gym has produce successful competitors in MMA, boxing, Thai boxing and grappling while continuing to welcome beginners who simply want to train, improve their fitness and , and learn martial arts in a supportive environment.
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.
Martial Arts Classes in Thunder Bay
Leading Edge MMA proudly offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi submission grappling, boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, and self-defense classes in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Our programs serve students from across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, including beginners, recreational athletes, and competitive fighters.
If you’re searching for BJJ in Thunder Bay, boxing classes in Thunder Bay, or MMA training near you, Leading Edge MMA provides experienced coaching, a supportive team environment, and one of the longest-running combat sports programs in the region.