COACHES

Head Coach & Owner

Matt Richer

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 3rd degree Black Belt under 5th degree Black Belt Daniel 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 Ontario, 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.

Boxing coach Matt Richer

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

  • Group of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in gi uniforms. Leading Edge MMA BJJ students in Thunder Bay.
  • BJJ Black Belt
  • BJJ coach in Thunder Bay
  • No-gi BJJ black belt coach in Thunder Bay.
  • No-gi/ submission grappling coach Thunder Bay
  • Women's trauma Informed BJJ instructor.
  • BJJ / No-gi/ Sub Grappling

Boxing/Kickboxing/MMA

  • Devon Lozej, Pro MMA fighter , coach, LFA Vetern

    Devon "The Dream" Lozej

    Pro MMA Athlete
    Kickboxing and MMA

  • Boxing coach and competitor.

    Brit Silgren

    Gym Mom
    Fitness and Boxing

  • Former pro boxer, coach and competitor. Boxing Thunder Bay.

    Tracey Barrett

    Boxing and Youth

  • Boxing Coach Thunder Bay

    Thomas Choong

    Boxing

  • Boxing coach at Leading Edge boxing

    Karl Dahl

    Boxing

  • Kelton Sneve Pro MMA Fighter.

    Kelton Sneve MMA

    MMA coach

  • Head coach at Leading Edge MMA ? Leading Edge Gym, Boxing , MMA, BJJ 3rd Dan

    Head Coach

    Matt Richer