Kitchener-Waterloo, ON — On September 20, 2025, Return of the Dragon Martial Arts (located in Kitchener at 900 Guelph Street) marked a major milestone: 9 years of community, growth, and martial arts excellence. What better way to celebrate than with a BBQ party, games, live demos, VR simulations, and fundraising for a cause very dear to the school.
From early afternoon through sunset, students, families, instructors, alumni, and supporters gathered to commemorate this special occasion. Here’s a look back on the highlights, the spirit, and the impact of “9 Years Strong.”
The Festivities: Food, Fun & Fire
The grounds were alive with laughter, friendly competition, and joyful reunions. Families enjoyed bouncing in the inflatable castle, diving into VR simulations, and playing games for prizes.
And of course, no celebration is complete without great food — the BBQ grill was fired up, serving up delicious burgers and popcorn throughout the day. Games and challenges were interwoven throughout the event, giving participants chances to win awesome door prizes and gifts. The energy was contagious the kind of atmosphere that only a tight-knit martial arts family can generate.
Fundraising & Impact: $7,000 Raised for “No Child Left Behind”
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the celebration: together, the community raised $7,000 for the studio’s No Child Left Behind program. These funds will help remove financial barriers for students who want to train but face constraints on gear, membership, or other necessities.
“Because of your generosity, we raised over $7,000 to support the No Child Left Behind program—helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to train, grow, and succeed through martial arts…”
Special recognition went to Liv & Jack, who led in door prize ticket sales and earned a punching dummy donated by Hatashita International. Their dedication made a notable difference in the success of the fundraiser.
And congratulations to the raffle winner Jen White, who took home a $500 gift card to stock up on premium meats ensuring many more strong training days ahead
Martial Arts in Motion: Demonstrations & Showdowns
True to form, the anniversary wasn’t just about fun and food — it was a showcase of discipline, skill, and passion. Students of all levels stepped onto the mat to demonstrate forms, sparring, and advanced techniques. Watching beginners and advanced practitioners perform side by side was a powerful reminder: this is a space for everyone to grow.
The performances underscored the core values of Return of the Dragon focus, respect, perseverance, and community.
Gratitude to Volunteers & Supporters
Behind every event of this scale is a legion of hands working tirelessly. From setup to teardown, from running games to coordinating logistics volunteers brought heart, creativity, and grit. This celebration would not have been possible without them.
“You showed up with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. THANK YOU to every single one of you who gave your time, energy, and love to help make this 9th birthday party legendary.”
To the families, students, alumni, sponsors, and supporters your presence, energy, and belief in the vision behind Return of the Dragon turned this day into something unforgettable.
Looking Ahead: The Dragon’s Next Chapter
Nine years is a testament — not just to endurance, but to evolving, adapting, and growing stronger. Under the leadership of Sifu Zack and the team, Return of the Dragon has become a pillar of martial arts in Kitchener-Waterloo, offering Kung Fu, kickboxing, BJJ, self-defense, and more.
