Philip “Sled Dog” Gelinas

Philip (Sled Dog) Gelinas / Special Event Reunion and Celebration We are excited to host a very special event for the community centered around an important figure in Canadian martial arts, Philip Gelinas. Philip has been a trailblazing martial arts teacher and a warm, supportive host for students, teachers, and fighters from many styles and organizations across Canada. This event is open to who has ever had the blessing of working with this teacher. We hope people from all over the Greater Toronto Area will come to honour Phil and share their energy through training and sparring. There will be four days of activities to choose from, all low-cost, as our goal is simply to entertain and lift Phil’s spirits. His family has noticed that doing what he loves most — martial arts — truly helps him and brings him happiness. To me, Philip has been a mentor and guide since before I became an instructor. Like many of us, he’s been someone I could turn to for advice on how to grow in this industry and develop myself and my school. Once I learned about his current situation, it became clear that I had to do everything I could to make this event happen for all of us. His wife Ruth recently called me after I sent my condolences on the passing of GT Leo Gaje Jr. During that call, I learned that Philip’s recent retirement from martial arts is due to a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia. He has good days and bad days, but it’s become clear that he’s at his best when he’s in a martial arts setting, surrounded by activity and community. Right away, we shifted our focus to creating this event. Our initial idea was to bring Philip to Toronto for a few days to visit my school, watch the training and to make time to visit with old friends. We thought about how many people he’s influenced and how many in Toronto he would love to see training. As his son Ryan pointed out, he comes alive, and is so engaged when he sees his community training. As we planned the date, it became obvious we should do much more. With Ruth’s support, here’s what we’re now planning: --- Friday October 23 2026 Fight Night! This is a weekly event at FAC college st location beginning at 6pm, where fighters from many different schools come together to collaborate on training techniques followed by light sparring in a controlled and highly respectful, growth oriented environment. This night is generally lead by Dan Fox who has been with us the past two years quietly building this community. On this evening we will be mixing Dan Fox’s MMA experience with some basic Stick Fighting offered up by Shawn Zirger, training and then opening the floor to light sparring for Philips Entertainment. We usually charge our full drop in rate for this event, but this night we will try to make it as accessible as possible charging half that rate $20.00/participant or spectator. 60% of proceeds goto Philip and Ruth. Space is limited please RSVP using the following link. --- Saturday October 24 2026 Kalis Ilustrisimo Seminar 12 - 5 pm This seminar will take place at FAC college st location beginning at 10:30 am. This will be the first time that Shawn Zirger will be teaching this art openly in Canada. I have put a great deal of time, effort ( as well as fingernails and skin), into this training and I will be sharing it with whomever attends in its most clear and simplified form. The 5 hour seminar will begin with foot work, move into techniques and then into drills and finally focused light sparring. Participants may operate at their own comfort levels with the equipment of their choosing. This is a sword art intended to be practiced with steel, and as such, we tend to utilize fencing equipment including HEMA style gloves, forearm / elbow protection and mask. Participants may use aluminum, nylon or rattan as they see fit and should bring appropriate safety equipment. Our teaching team will do everything we can to modify our approach to suit the needs of our guests. Again, this event is mainly an opportunity for Philip to enjoy the energy and the camaraderie of training and sharing knowledge. Please come and enjoy the content, but definitely take the opportunity to sit with and exchange with our teacher and mentor at every opportunity. The fee for this seminar with be 50.00 for the day. 60% of proceeds goto Philip and Ruth. Space is limited please RSVP using the following link. Sunday October 25 2026 Philip will be spending time with close friends and family. --- Monday Oct 26 2026 Weapons Class Featuring; Pekiti Tersia, Inosanto Academy Kali, Kalis Ilustrisimo and Sparing 6 - 9 pm This is a regular class at FAC oakwood ave location, but on this occasion we are opening it to anyone who wishes to come and train in the presence of our mentor and friend Philip Gelinas. The class will be led by Shawn Zirger and will involve the contrasting of many arts and approaches to developing competency with weapons. This class generally culminates with an opportunity to spar, with the intention of accessing the lessons of the day. Drop in rate will be reduced for accessibility to 20.00 / participant. Space is extremely limited please RSVP using the following link.