Red Road Ogichidaa Martial Arts opens its doors this September

Red Road Ogichidaa Martial Arts has gone from a dream long
envisioned to a reality set to open its doors this September in
the Polo Park area.

In Ojibway, Ogichidaa means, “a person of big heart”.

The goal of Martial Arts is developing trained warriors. However
like all properly trained police officers and soldiers, a true
Ogichidaa is dedicated to protection of a peaceful society.
RROMA’s vision is to produce more than warriors trained in
combat skill, a true Ogichidaa must be spiritually based.

Ogichidaa men and women must be fiercely independent. The goal
is to produce skilled workers and successful entrepreneurs with
good financial skills. Home and business ownership is a goal.
Developing leadership skills, installing self confidence and
identity goes beyond just combat skills. RROMA will be private
gym that will initially focus on a group of young men, aged 14-
 20 years old who are committed to scheduled training five days a
week for one year. It is absolutely required that the trainees
refrain from the use of drugs and alcohol.

The gym will focus on self defense and learning a progressive
jiu jitsu system. Boxing, kickboxing, and
conditioning exercises will also be part of the schedule. Youth
will be introduced to culture, ceremony and language. All
commands and instructions will be done in Ojibway. Special
training programs will teach our history and the nature of treaties.

This one year program is put together by Chief Terrance Nelson
with lead instructor/manager Jason Bone. Other trainers and
helpers will be assisting as the program develops. As manager, I
am very excited to be a part of the plans. This is a great
opportunity and dream come true to run a gym tailored to the
needs of First Nation youth. What is more important is that this
is not a government financed enterprise, it is a private gym
dedicated to developing strong individuals.I think the best way
to describe this program is to liken it to the concept of a
hockey team. Martial arts will be used as a vehicle to get to
the Ogichidaa way of living. Chief Nelson has been very clear
with me, that his involvement is conditional on not developing
gangs or goons, it must be a program dedicated to developing a
fully trained individual, one who is spiritual, physical and
mentally conditioned to be self-reliant and being a role model
for other youth. If you think this is for you or someone you
know, email Jason Bone at, rroma2011@live.ca for location and
more information.