GORE BAY— It would be a huge understatement to say there has been community interest shown in The Manitoulin School of Martial Arts expansion into Gore Bay.
“There has been overwhelming interest,” said Dan Fletcher, head instructor of the martial arts school, just prior to the first class taking place this past Monday at the Gore Bay community hall.
No less than 33 students were on hand for the opening night, including participants of all age groups. There were many, many youngsters, teenagers and adults all taking part.
“We are here to stay in Gore Bay,” Mr. Fletcher told the students while introducing his assistants to the class.
Mr. Fletcher began his involvement in martial arts when he was nine years old and started teaching martial arts at the age of 12. The Manitoulin School of Martial Arts has been operating in Little Current for the past nine years (and is continuing of course) with around 90 students. The school expanded into Gore Bay this year.
As has been previously reported, Mr. Fletcher said that he has had requests from almost every town and community on Manitoulin about holding the martial arts program there. About a year ago one of his students in Gore Bay said he should look into opening a class in Gore Bay. Anya Wright, who works at the Canada Post Office in Gore Bay, has been training with him for seven years and recently obtained her first degree black belt and has trained in Judo. Ms. Wright is helping him with the class in Gore Bay.
The classes in Gore Bay began this past Monday and will be held in the town’s community hall on Meredith Street. The classes will take place on Mondays from 6:30 to 8 pm until June.
“It’s exciting and interesting to expand our school into Gore Bay,” added Mr. Fletcher.
