Established in 1997 by Kyoshi James Fries, Heritage Martial Arts & Fitness Centre has become a unilateral training facility. Housing traditional martial arts, fitness, self defense and personal training.

About Us

Established in 1997 by Kyoshi James Fries, Heritage Martial Arts & Fitness Centre has become a unilateral training facility within the Kitchener/Waterloo community. Housing traditional martial arts, fitness, self defense, private instruction, and personal training.

The goal of our karate classes is to teach the traditional martial art of Goju-Ryu using moinstruction,,ts in a practical manner so that it can be applied today. Our programs are designed for children and adults, from beginners to advanced. Karate training improves physical strength and stamina, increases self-confidence and self-esteem, and teaches self-control, self-awareness, and respect for others. It also reduces stress and helps promote a healthy lifestyle.

Heritage Martial Arts & Fitness Centre is a unilateral training facility housing martial arts, fitness classes, personal training, a full-scale gym facility, private instruction.

The goal of our karate classes is to teach a traditional martial art using modern concepts in a practical manner so that it can be applied today.

Heritage Martial Arts teaches traditional Goju Ryu Karate, a system which was founded by Chojun Miyagi in Okinawa, Japan. Karate training improves physical strength and stamina, increases self-confidence and self-esteem, and teaches self-control, self-awareness, and respect for others. It also reduces stress and helps promote a healthy lifestyle.

Our fitness classes combine cardio kickboxing with body weight exercises and equipment such as dumbbells, kettle bells, TRX, battle ropes and many others to give you a full-body workout. Looking for something more private? We also offer personal training both one-on-one and small group training. There really is SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Contact us today to book a tour of the facility and see how our family can help you reach your training goals and have some FUN!

Kyoshi James Fries

Founder of Heritage Martial Arts

Meet Our Team

Kyoshi James Fries

Founder Of Heritage Martial Arts, Corefit Conditioning And Full Spectrum Defense

Kyoshi Fries has been training in the martial arts for over 30 years. He began training and studying Goju Ryu karate at the age of sixteen in Waterloo. Kyoshi Fries is currently ranked as a 7th degree black belt in Goju Ryu karate under Hanshi Carlos Montalvo 10° of the Ronin Goju-Ryu Kai and continues to study and train in the Goju Ryu style karate extensively. The Goju-Ryu system focuses on proper muscle function and movement which can be applied to self defense. James believes mental focus and overall ability will improve greatly with the proper training, conditioning and fitness. The body only becomes strong when the mind, body and spirit work together. Through the years, Kyoshi Fries has had the privilege to train with some of the world's most recognized instructors such as Sifu Larry Hartsell, and Master Tom Patire. Kyoshi Fries currently is training in White Crane Under Hanshi Gary Legacy and has achieved a 7th degree black belt in White Crane.

Heritage Martial Arts and Fitness Centre created Full Spectrum Defense under the guidance and teaching from Master Tom Patire, Hanshi Carlos Montalvo and training experience in his years of training. Kyoshi Fries is a recognized CDT, LRT and ITC Bodyguard under Tom Patire's CDT system.

Kyoshi Fries has a deep commitment and dedication to the martial arts and has an open mind toward all different styles of the martial arts and martial arts concepts. He strives to learn new ideas, techniques, and training methods to expand his own knowledge and to help his students grow and improve.

Brody Powis

Instructor

Brody started training in Goju ryu karate at Heritage martial arts in 1999. Training under Kyoshi Fries and after years of hard work he achieved his Shodan (1st degree) in 2016. He also studies the art of White Crane under Hanshi Gary Legacy and in 2018 was promoted to 2nd degree black belt. Brody enjoys teaching kata and seeking out weapon katas to expand his knowledge of the Okinawan weapons. In 2023 Brody became a certified FSD instructor under the FSD system and continues to grow and teach to expand his training knowledge for both martial arts and teaching.

Sensei Kiri Olekas

Instructor

Sensei Olekas started training at Heritage Martial Arts in 2002 in Goju Ryu Karate under Kyoshi James Fries. She achieved the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 2010 and currently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt), achieved in 2016. She also trains in White Crane under Hanshi Gary Legacy and achieved the rank of Shodan in 2016. Kiri enjoys teaching karate, especially the technical aspects of basics and kata, and finds teaching a great way to improve her own technique and knowledge of martial arts.

Rachael Somers

Instructor

Rachael has been involved in athletics for most of her life. It was through playing basketball at high school and college that she discovered her love for fitness. Over the years she has been involved in coaching youth basketball, managing a fitness club, personal training, and fitness coaching online. She now enjoys teaching Corefit classes and is ISSA certified as a personal trainer.

Sam Morris

Instructor

Samantha's martial arts journey began with us in 2013. She has been a great supporter of all Heritage Martial Arts events and has been assisting and teaching classes since 2019. In 2022 Samantha received her Shodan in Goju-Ryu karate. Samantha continues to teach and train in classes regularly.

Mellissa Verette

Fitness Trainer

Mellissa has been part of Heritage Martial Arts for over 15 years. She is active in classes and has become one of our fitness trainers since 2020 as ISSA certified trainer. Mellissa is conscious of how important fitness and a healthy lifestyle and continually pushes for better results. Her classes are fun, interactive, energized and challenging.

Marissa Crocker

Trainer

Marissa is one of our newest trainers and teaches some of our Cardio Kickboxing classes. Marissa is dedicated to training and expanding her knowledge of fitness. She became a trainer with us in 2023 and offers up some interactive and challenging training in her classes.