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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes In Thunder Bay
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Thunder Bay focus on developing strong fundamentals, effective technique, and real grappling skill in a structured and supportive environment. Students learn the core elements of BJJ including positional control, escapes, guard work, sweeps, and submissions while building confidence, fitness, and problem-solving ability on the mats.
Leading Edge MMA offers both GI Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and No-Gi submission grappling classes, allowing students to develop a well-rounded grappling game. Training includes technical instruction, drilling, positional training, and live rolling so students can apply techniques against resisting partners and steadily improve their skills.
Established in 2001, Leading Edge MMA operates the longest-running Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Over the years the program has helped develop beginners, recreational practitioners, and successful competitors while maintaining a welcoming environment for anyone interested in learning BJJ.
Our classes are open to beginners, hobbyists, and competitive athletes. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, or competition, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program provides high-quality instruction and a supportive training community right here in Thunder Bay.
Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel intimidating, but our beginner-friendly BJJ classes are designed to help new students learn at a comfortable pace. Beginners are introduced to the essential positions and movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including escapes, guard control, sweeps, and basic submissions. The focus is on building strong fundamentals, learning proper technique, and developing confidence on the mats.
Many students in Thunder Bay start BJJ with no martial arts experience. Our instructors guide new students step-by-step so they can safely learn the principles of grappling and begin progressing in the art.
No-Gi Grappling & Submission Wrestling
In addition to traditional gi training, Leading Edge MMA offers No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling classes in Thunder Bay. No-Gi training focuses on wrestling, clinch work, takedowns, positional control, and modern submission systems. Without the traditional gi uniform, students rely more on body positioning, control, and timing.
Training in both gi and No-Gi grappling helps students develop a more complete skill set that translates well to submission grappling competition, MMA, and real-world self-defense situations.
A Championship Culture — Open to Everyone
At Leading Edge, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is at the core of what we do. Our BJJ program is one of the strongest and most active in the region, with a high-level competition team that consistently dominates at tournaments — locally, nationally, and beyond.
But you don’t need to compete to be part of the team.
We offer a full schedule of both Gi and No-Gi classes, with training options for all levels — from first-day beginners to seasoned black belts. Whether you're here to compete, learn practical self-defense, build fitness, or train recreationally, you’ll find your space on our mats.
Our program also includes wrestling for BJJ and MMA, helping you sharpen your takedown game and transition smoothly between grappling styles. We create a high-paced, technical training environment that builds real-world skills, confidence, and grit.
No matter your goal — standing on the podium or showing up for yourself — we’ll help you get there.
Train hard. Train smart. Train together.
Boxing Classes in Thunder Bay
Leading Edge MMA offers boxing classes in Thunder Bay for beginners, recreational athletes, and competitive fighters looking to develop real boxing skill and conditioning. Our program focuses on proper technique, strong fundamentals, and progressive training that helps students improve their fitness, confidence, and ring awareness.
As proud members of Boxing Ontario, Leading Edge MMA is home to the largest and most active amateur boxing team in Northwestern Ontario, with athletes regularly competing at tournaments throughout Ontario and beyond. For those interested in competition, our coaches provide structured training and preparation for amateur bouts.
Boxing classes include instruction in footwork, defensive movement, combinations, pad work, heavy bag drills, and controlled sparring (optional). Training also emphasizes conditioning, coordination, and the mental discipline required to improve in the sport.
Our boxing program is open to all experience levels. Some students train to compete, while others join to build fitness, relieve stress, and learn authentic boxing skills in a motivating environment.
Led by experienced coaches with decades of involvement in the sport, Leading Edge MMA has developed a strong boxing community where students train hard, support one another, and continue improving each time they step into the gym. Whether your goal is to compete in the ring or simply experience a challenging and rewarding workout, our boxing classes provide the structure and coaching to help you get there.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training in Thunder Bay
Leading Edge MMA offers Mixed Martial Arts training in Thunder Bay for athletes who want to develop a complete set of combat sport skills. Our MMA program combines striking, grappling, and conditioning to help students build well-rounded ability in the cage while improving fitness, discipline, and mental toughness.
MMA training at Leading Edge includes instruction in boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (gi and no-gi), wrestling, and MMA-specific techniques. Students learn how to blend striking, clinch work, takedowns, submissions, and cage control into a complete fighting system. Classes focus on technical development, situational drilling, conditioning, and controlled sparring to help athletes steadily improve their skills.
Our MMA program welcomes beginners, recreational martial artists, and competitive fighters. Some students train for fitness and self-improvement, while others pursue amateur or professional competition. Our coaching team works with athletes at every stage, helping them develop strong fundamentals and the fight IQ needed to succeed in mixed martial arts.
Established in 2001, Leading Edge MMA is one of the longest-running combat sports gyms in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, with a history of developing successful amateur and professional fighters. Our training environment emphasizes hard work, discipline, and teamwork while maintaining a supportive community for everyone who steps on the mats.
Whether your goal is to compete in MMA, improve your striking and grappling skills, or simply challenge yourself through martial arts training, Leading Edge MMA provides a structured and professional environment to help you progress.
Kids/Youth Programs
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Classes in Thunder Bay
Building Strong, Resilient Kids — On and Off the Mats
Leading Edge MMA offers Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and self-defense classes in Thunder Bay designed to help young people develop confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the mats. Our program introduces children to the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including balance, control, escapes, and basic submissions, while teaching practical self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Through structured drills, partner exercises, and age-appropriate games, students build coordination, focus, and teamwork while learning how to manage challenges calmly and confidently. Our approach emphasizes confidence, awareness, and problem-solving, helping kids develop the ability to protect themselves without relying on aggression.
Established in 2001, Leading Edge MMA operates one of the longest-running Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Over the years our youth program has helped hundreds of children build confidence, improve fitness, and develop strong character through martial arts training.
For students who want to take their training further, Leading Edge also supports a competitive kids BJJ team, offering coaching and preparation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and grappling competitions. These opportunities help young athletes develop sportsmanship, perseverance, and pride in their progress.
Our experienced instructors provide structured classes with individual attention, ensuring each child learns at a comfortable pace while continuing to grow in skill and confidence.
At Leading Edge MMA, our goal is simple: help kids in Thunder Bay become stronger, more confident, and more resilient — both on the mats and in everyday life.
Women’s Only Programs
Women’s Programs
Empowerment. Skill. Confidence. Community.
At Leading Edge, we’re proud to offer programming designed specifically for women — whether you’re brand new to martial arts or ready to take your training to the next level.
NEW: Women’s-Only BJJ (Launching Fall 2025)
Starting Fall 2025, we’re excited to launch a women’s-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class every Sunday morning. This class offers a welcoming space to build skills, strength, and confidence while learning both sport and real-world self-defense applications — all with the support of experienced female coaches and a strong sisterhood on the mats.
She Is Strong Program
Our She Is Strong program is a unique, culturally grounded initiative that combines boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and self-defense with confidence-building, leadership, and wellness. Created to uplift and empower Indigenous women and girls, this program fosters inner strength, healing, and community — while teaching real skills that keep you safe and strong.
Monthly Women’s Self-Defense Workshops
We host monthly self-defense workshops for women, open to all experience levels. These hands-on sessions focus on practical tools to stay safe and feel empowered in everyday situations.
Course Outline Includes:
Trusting your intuition & reading situations
Situational awareness and boundary setting
Verbal de-escalation strategies
Defensive posture and positioning
Basic striking techniques
Escapes from grabs, holds, and pins
Understanding fight, flight, or freeze responses
Ground defense and survival skills
NEXT WORKSHOP
📅 Follow us on social media for upcoming dates and registration info!
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Self Defence
If your main goal of training is self defense then Leading Edge Gym has you covered. Our programs of boxing, mixed martial arts and brazilian jiu-jitsu offer students practical skills that can be used to protect oneself if the need should arise. Even more importantly the discipline, respect, focus and determination gained from training in these functional martial arts will help you lead a life of inner peace and mastery.
Leading Edge Gym also offers monthly self defense courses on a variety of topics. Courses typically cover:
How to increase situational awareness
Defusing and de-escalation skills
Practical physical tools
The psychology of defending yourself and how to develop the street safe mindset
Defending yourself in close quarters and when on the ground
Escapes from common attacks
NEXT WORKSHOP
Check in with our social media to find the next workshop or email Matt: at streetsafenwo@gmail.com