Martial Arts and Health Expo

Martial Arts and Health Expo

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International Event inspiring movement, community and health. Seminars, banquet and belt testing Expand your learning beyond your own dojo!

Thunder Bay is hosting a Martial Arts and Health Expo on May 20-22, 2022. In the spirit of Shimabuku Sensei, martial artists from various lineages, backgrounds, styles are gathering for learning, camaraderie and fun! Thunder Bay is home to 7 active Isshinryu karate clubs and dozens of other martial arts which makes it truly the martial arts capital of Canada. See www.thunderbaymartialarts.com

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07/04/2026

The journey to the Martial Arts & Health Expo 2027 begins now.

๐Ÿ“ Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
๐Ÿ“… May 21-23, 2027

Join us for a weekend where martial arts, wellness, culture, and community come together.

Learn from exceptional presenters, discover new ideas, and train alongside passionate martial artists from across Canada and around the world.

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another unforgettable weekend, we'd be honoured to welcome you.

Mark your calendar, share the news, and stay tuned-we're excited to reveal what's in store for Expo 2027.

The countdown begins. See you in Thunder Bay. ๐Ÿฅ‹

07/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who helped make Martial Arts and Health Expo 2026 possible.

Your support made a lasting impact on our event, our participants, and our community. We appreciate every one of you. โค๏ธ

Photos from Martial Arts and Health Expo's post 06/05/2026

New Expo presenter. Big impact. ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Former UFC fighter Jesse Bongfeldt had participants engaged from start to finish at the Martial Arts & Health Expo. His ability to break down drills, explain the details, and make everything practical was a huge hit.

Want another chance to train with Jesse?

Heโ€™s back in Thunder Bay on June 14 for a seminar at Sensei Susan's dojo.

๐ŸฅŠ All levels welcome.
๐Ÿ“ฉ DM to register.

Photos from Martial Arts and Health Expo's post 06/03/2026

๐ŸŽฅ๐Ÿฅ‹ Another great seminar from Expo weekend!

Lake of the Woods Karate Dojo's Steve Davis, police officer and Isshinryu Sensei from Kenora, shared practical self-defence concepts drawn from both his law enforcement experience and years of martial arts training.

And judging by the smiles, Heather was having a great time applying a chokehold to her spouse - and Sensei! ๐Ÿ˜„

Real-world insights, practical skills, and plenty of hands-on learning. Thanks, Steve, for bringing your experience, knowledge, and perspective to the Expo community. ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿฅ‹

Photos from Martial Arts and Health Expo's post 05/29/2026

โœจ Wellness at the Expo โœจ

A big thank you to Julie Laurendeau for sharing her Access Barsยฎ workshop at the Martial Arts and Health Expo.

Using a gentle, hands-on approach focused on specific points on the head, participants explored a process designed to help release stress, quiet mental chatter, and create space for greater calm and clarity.

The feedback was wonderful - people left feeling more relaxed, present, and grounded.

Thank you, Julie, for bringing another dimension of wellness to the Expo experience. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ™

05/28/2026

Why do we test? ๐Ÿฅ‹

To adapt under pressure. To work through fatigue. To trust the training. To keep showing up, even when it gets hard. ๐Ÿ”ฅ

At the Martial Arts and Health Expo candidates moved through basics, kata, kobudo, bunkai, kumite, and intense two-on-one fights under the direction of Hanshi Albert Mady. Through it all was a supportive community pushing each other forward, encouraging growth, and demanding the best from one another. ๐Ÿ‘Š

Congrats to all who tested, along with the international testing board and dedicated ukes.

Gokyu: Jackie Chan
Sankyu: William Pettigrew
Ikkyu:Evelyn McMahan
Nidan: Marvin Shell, Aric Dobres, Duncan Stewart
Godan: Jeff Long, Mark Ceasar

05/25/2026

A monumental moment in Isshinryu history in Canada. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿฅ‹

After 50 years as a Black Belt in Isshinryu, Hanshi Albert Mady has been awarded the rank of 10th Dan and recognized by major organizations across North America. The first Canadian inducted into the The Isshinryu Hall of Fame, with 21 affiliate dojos across Canada and affiliates in 7 countries.

Integrity. Leadership. Humility. He walks the talk. Still training hard. Still hitting the pads daily. Still in warrior mode. ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ”ฅ

We are incredibly proud to witness this historic moment as Hanshi Mady becomes the first 10th Dan in Isshinryu in Canada and IKI history.

Special thanks to Master Don Nash from New Jersey for the meaningful and emotional presentation of this rank. A moment we will never forget.

CAN I SURVIVE KARATE TRAINING?? 05/24/2026

Excited to share this epic YouTube feature on the 2026 Martial Arts and Health Expo by Mike Sheare, Lorenzo, Jordan and Johannes! ๐ŸŽฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅ‹

They jumped right into the actionโ€ฆtraining in sword, Tai Chi, Sai, Bo, Tactical Self-Defence and more, while also capturing interviews, demos, banquet moments, and the incredible energy of our international crew. ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ‘Š

So grateful for their coverage, enthusiasm, and fun vibe all weekend long. Be sure to give them a follow and subscribe to their channel! ๐ŸŽฌโœจ Theyโ€™ve also been sharing some awesome Expo shorts.

CAN I SURVIVE KARATE TRAINING?? SUBSCRIBE - https://bit.ly/SUB2MIKESHEARE *FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL M...

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Location

Address


Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B5E1