In 1958, Ronald Forrester transferred from Frank Hatashita’s Judo class to Henk Jansen’s Jiu Jitsu class.

In 1962, he formulated the Canadian Jiu Jitsu System, changing Jiu Jitsu from solely a grappling martial art to a comprehensive martial art, encompassing all combative techniques with emphasis on striking techniques.

To increase the technical efficiency of the newly formed system and to make it the best it possibly could be, professional world champions and world renowned instructors were brought to Canada to infuse their knowledge and skills into the system – names like Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Dan Inosanto, Prof. Wally Jay, Richard Kim, Jim Arvanitis, and police instructor George Sylvain were but some of these masters.

In 1963, assisted by Frank Hatashita, Hal Batke and Bruce Stanton, he founded the Canadian Jiu Jitsu Association, holding the positions of president and chief instructor until he resigned in 1994. He then founder the Canadian Ju Jitsu Council to carry on his ideals.

In 1984, as a result of his proposal, the first World Jiu Jitsu Championships were held at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, and the World Council of Jiu Jitsu Organizations was formed where he was unanimously elected the first Chairman.

Grand Master Ron Forrester is, without a doubt, one of our greatest martial arts pioneers and his contribution to Canadian Martial Arts is unprecedented. We all appreciate his undaunting efforts to develop martial arts in Canada.