Chesterville · North Dundas · Est. 2024Modern Budo, carried forward under Sōke Robert Panneton. Meet our lineage ↗

Train for
what matters.

Practical self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu for kids ages 6–9, teens ages 10–14, adults ages 15+, and adult first responders.

New student offerTry your first 7 days free.Take a full week to experience Vanguard. If you enrol, your first month of membership is free.

No experience needed. Try the full week before deciding.

Explore Jiu-Jitsu programs
3 age groups3× weekly classesEnglish + French instruction

Building leaders, inspiring confidence

Training that travels with you. Build calm, capable habits for the mat, home, and real-world moments.

Bilingual instruction. We instruct in French whenever a student needs it.

20+years of experience
24five-star reviews
4bilingual instructors
3weekly class windows
Programs for every protector

A strong start.
A steady practice.

Every class is structured around technique, respect, and individual progress. Choose the room that fits your stage of life.

Two youth students in blue gis practicing a standing self-defense grip drill in the Vanguard dojo
Kids · ages 6–9

Kids

Focus, respect, and simple safety skills adapted to each student’s age and experience.

See kids training
Older youth in blue Vanguard gis and protective gear gathering for a teen class drill
Teens · ages 10–14

Teens

Situational awareness, leadership, and calm confidence adapted to each student’s age and experience.

See teen training
Two adult women in blue gis practicing a controlled rear-control technique in the Vanguard dojo
Adults · ages 15+

Adults

Reality-based self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu, functional fitness, and stress resilience adapted to each student’s age and experience.

See adult training
What our community says

Google Reviews

Real words from the families and students who train at Vanguard.

GoogleGoogle
5.0· 24 five-star reviews on Google
★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Nicole Lewandowski

“Our son has been part of the dojo for about a year now, and we have nothing but positive things to say. The instructors are encouraging and patient, and the focus on structure and discipline has been so beneficial for our son. They foster a sense of community and give the kids a real sense of belonging. They meet the kids where they are at but empower, support and encourage them to work hard, push past their limits and keep practicing to advance, all in a safe space. We would recommend this dojo any day of the week!”

★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Michael Cross

“We have three kids training here! My wife, three kids and I all love it. It's a family atmosphere but disciplined at the same time. They do a great job of balancing fun with development. We have a son with an intellectual disability and the leadership team has adapted to support him while all the students have embraced him as one of their own. We are very grateful for this extended family that we have gained.”

★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Keith Valad

“My son (9) has enjoyed his time with Vanguard over the last year. JP really cares about his students, and I personally love that his dojo is not just a 'belt factory'. If you don't show up and train, you don't get a belt. It demonstrates the importance of hard work, effort and that things in life are earned and not given. That said, he also incorporates fun and play time when the kids need it. We have been happy to be part of his growth, as the class sizes and the curriculum are growing with it. As a parent, I truly appreciate him checking in with me from time to time to see how things are going outside of the dojo too. This was especially helpful when there was a little bit of trouble at school. JP had our back, and used the jujitsu teaching of respect and honour to help us through the situation. On another note, I feel it's important to mention that his establishment is spotless and well cared for. His mats are cleaned every single day.”

★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Agathe Gramet-Kedzior

“Excellent dojo! Bilingual instruction, strong sense of community, and instilling the values of discipline and commitment in our children. We’ve been here since opening day in 2024 and this high standard has never wavered. JP is a dedicated sensei; he leads by example and truly values his students and their families.”

★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Jessica Langlois

“My son discovered a new level of confidence and focus at Vanguard. The instructors are patient, professional, and always make safety a priority.”

★★★★★Parent · Google Review

Elizabeth Renwick

“Couldn’t ask for a better place to be! Clean and relaxing environment. I drive my son 45 minutes just to be a part of JP’s dojo and wouldn’t change it for the world! JP knows how to make the weight of the world feel as if it were nothing.”

★★★★★Adult Student

Mark D.

“I was incredibly nervous starting as a beginner adult, but the environment here is so welcoming. After just a few months, I feel more confident and safe in my daily life. The instructors truly care about your individual progress. It's been the best decision I've made for my fitness and safety.”

Read all our reviews on Google
Kids in Vanguard gis building confidence together inside the dojo
Kids & teens

Confidence, awareness, and practical safety skills that travel from the mat into everyday life. Explore anti-bullying classes.

Chesterville class schedule

Find your
training window.

Age-appropriate classes for kids, teens, and adults, with French instruction whenever a student needs it.

Kids · ages 6–9

Little Protectors

Tuesday & Thursday
Saturday
Teens · ages 10–14

Teen Protectors

Tuesday & Thursday
Saturday
Adults · ages 15+

Adult Jiu-Jitsu

Tuesday & Thursday
Saturday
NEW · STARTING JANUARY 2027 · MONDAYS

Sport MMA

Kids & Teens: 6:45–7:45 PM
Adults: 7:45–9:00 PM

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY

Fight Night

Sport MMA · 7:00–8:15 PM

TUESDAY & THURSDAY · 6:00–9:00 PM

Alternating weekly

Sport MMA and Self-Defense Techniques rotate. Check the calendar for this week’s class.

Simple membership

Train together.
Stay consistent.

Keep the focus on showing up, learning, and becoming more capable.

NEW RATES START JANUARY 1, 2027

Lock in today’s rate.

Join by December 31, 2026 to keep today’s rate. Already a member? Your current rate is protected.

Start your 7-day free trial
From January 1

Warrior Path · $139.99/month

Train Together · $319.99/month
Unlimited age-appropriate classes for each member. Up to four household members, with the fourth training free.

The $115/month + HST hero rate is unchanged.

Current membership rates · through December 31, 2026

Individual

The Warrior Path

$129.99 / month

Unlimited access to age-appropriate classes for one person. No long-term contract.

Community heroes

Those Who Serve

$115 / month + HST

First responders, military, nurses, and corrections professionals receive our hero rate.

OJI membership: $20 annually. Members receive a personal passport.

Group of first responders standing together after tactical training at Vanguard

HERO DISCOUNT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS & MILITARY

PoliceFireEMS / ParamedicsMilitary & VeteransCorrectional & SecurityDispatchers / 911
See first-responder training
The Senshōgo-Ryū method

The three pillars
of protection.

Our curriculum gives every age group a shared language for readiness, leadership, and shielding.

01

Sen · Readiness

Kids: Notice, listen, and recognize safe choices.
Teens: Read pressure, distance, and changing situations.
Adults & first responders: Prepare the body and mind before a moment becomes urgent.

02

Shō · Guardian-Lead

Kids: Use respectful voices and ask for help.
Teens: Lead with responsibility, not aggression.
Adults & first responders: Make calm decisions that protect people around you.

03

Gō · Shielding

Kids: Build boundaries and simple responses.
Teens: Apply control under pressure.
Adults & first responders: Protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Senshōgo-Ryū is a contemporary, reality-based system of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu evolved from traditional Budo Ryu principles — literally translated as ‘The School of Stepping Forward to Protect.’

It moves the focus away from point-based sports competition toward practical, real-world self-protection and survival.

Training prioritises managing force efficiently under pressure — standing defences against sudden attacks, joint controls and escapes that use leverage rather than strength, and pressure-tested mechanics that hold up when adrenaline is high and conditions are unpredictable.

The people behind the practice

Full instructor
lineup.

Experienced, bilingual instructors who care about how students learn—not just what they can do.

Renshi JP Perron in his grey Vanguard Jiu-Jitsu gi at the Chesterville dojo
Founder · Senshōgo-Ryū architect

Renshi JP Perron

20+ years training and teaching, active police officer, and bilingual English/French instructor. JP’s classes connect calm decision-making to skills that work under pressure.

20+ yearsActive police officerEnglish + French
Trusted beyond the dojoTwo active-duty police officers on the team · military training foundation · training for local police departments and By-Law enforcement
Shihan Chris Neves in the Vanguard dojo
5th Dan · 17+ years

Shihan Chris Neves

Senior instructor helping students connect precise technique to confident application.

English + French instruction
Renshi Justin Lamadeleine in the Vanguard dojo
4th Dan · experienced instructor

Renshi Justin Lamadeleine

Karate and Jiu-Jitsu roots, with a focus on precise, practical fundamentals and thoughtful progressions.

English + French support
Renshi Vincent Courchaine in the Vanguard dojo
3rd Dan · 18+ years

Renshi Vincent Courchaine

Renshi Vincent is a senior instructor and a cornerstone of Vanguard’s teaching team—instrumental to how the dojo runs and how students progress. He carries both the traditional and modern sides of the curriculum, teaching with patience and clarity while meeting students where they are and building them up step by step.

Bilingual English + French
Renshi JP Perron standing beside Sōke Robert Panneton in white Vanguard gis
A living lineage

Under Sōke
Robert Panneton.

Vanguard Self-Defense Academy operates under Sōke Robert Panneton, 10th Dan Grandmaster and founder of Organisation Jiu-Jitsu International. Meet our lineage.

Vanguard on the go

Take Vanguard with you

Built for our students — book classes, check the schedule and stay on top of everything from your phone.

Your next step

Book your 7-day free trial.

Meet the instructor, see the Chesterville dojo, and use your first week to try the training. No experience or pressure required.

First month free. After you enrol · New students only.

Book Your Free Intro Session

Questions? Call 343-309-9224Text 343-309-9224

Have a question?

Ask JP directly.

Tell us what you are looking for. We will help you choose a starting point, schedule, or family option.