Samson Martial Arts and Fitness was founded in January 2024 by Kealan Samson, a lifelong martial artist from D’Escousse, a small village on Isle Madame in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After years of training and coaching at Fitplus MMA in Dartmouth, Kealan returned home with one goal: to share the life-changing benefits of martial arts with the community that raised him.
That goal became reality with the creation of Samson Martial Arts and Fitness — the only martial arts gym in Richmond County offering both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Located in Richmond County, and just a short drive from Port Hawkesbury, we proudly serve students from across Cape Breton who are looking for a welcoming, high-quality place to train.
At Samson Martial Arts, we believe martial arts is for everyone — not just fighters or athletes. Our programs are designed for beginners, seasoned competitors, and everyone in between, with a focus on building confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills in a respectful, inclusive environment.
We offer a variety of programs, including:
- Kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai – Age-specific classes that help children build focus, respect, and coordination in a fun, structured environment.
- Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Gi and no-gi classes focused on technique, leverage, and practical application for both self-defense and sport.
- Muay Thai and Kickboxing – Striking classes that improve power, conditioning, and precision — great for fitness or competitive goals.
- Wrestling – Integrated into our grappling program to provide strong takedown fundamentals and positional control.
- Women’s-Only Kickboxing – A supportive, empowering space for women to train in kickboxing while building fitness, confidence, and self-defense skills.
- MMA Foundations & Amateur Prep – For students interested in Mixed Martial Arts, we offer a well-rounded approach that combines striking and grappling skills. Our coaches support those training for fitness, cross-training, or amateur competition.
Our coaching team brings together technical experience, teaching skill, and real-life perspective. Many of our coaches are parents, and we pride ourselves on creating a safe, respectful space for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for competition, you’ll be guided by instructors who care about your progress and want to see you succeed.
At Samson Martial Arts and Fitness, we’re more than just a gym — we’re a growing community. We believe in leading with respect, supporting one another, and helping every student reach their full potential.
Join us today and see why we’re Cape Breton’s home for authentic martial arts training — and Richmond County’s only destination for Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA foundations.