Michel Leblanc’s martial arts journey began in 1969 when he enrolled in Chito-Ryu. His first instructor was Michel Desjardins - who not only instructed, but also inspired Michel in his path in the martial arts. However, after years of diligent study, Michel sensed that something was missing. So in 1972, he began studying Kawaishi-style Judo under Raymond Mercier.

His serious study of the combat arts started in 1974 when he joined Denis St. Jean's Ninja Jiu-Jitsu Dojo (school). It was there that he met several experienced practitioners who exposed him to a variety of advanced topics: soft-style Jiu-Jitsu (Jules Ladouceur); advanced grappling (Gerry Marshall); weapons (Ray Zwicker).

Around 1982, Michel’s study of the use of weapons under Ray Zwicker, became more in-depth. Ray had studied (and was certified) under luminaries such as Tom Bisio, Leo Gaje Jr. and Dan Inosanto, and Ray helped Michel get deeper into the Filipino Kali aspect.

During the same time frame (late 70’s early 80’s), Michel

• co-founded and helped run the Ottawa Jiu-Jitsu-Kai Dojo (’78 – ’85)
• trained in boxing at the Maumarc Boxing Club in Hull, Quebec (’79)
• trained in kickboxing at the Black Panther Kick-Boxing Club (’81)
• began teaching privately (’85 onwards)

Since then, Michel has been teaching, conducting seminars, and has continued training in Jiu-Jitsu and in Kali. In 2002 he received his instructor's credentials in Kali-Jitsu - an advanced Black Belt system combining close quarter weapons with Jiu-Jitsu, and in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.

He is currently Vice-Chairman of the Canadian Ninja Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Fellowship Board of Directors. In his many years of teaching, Michel Leblanc has acquired vast experience instructing a wide variety of students from children to military personnel and continues to do so at his private school.