An MMA champion and Olympian has taken a stand against hate and racism following a CBC News investigation that revealed the presence of certain martial arts gym owners, coaches, and trainers at a clandestine neo-Nazi conference in Vancouver during the summer. Arjan Singh Bhullar, a former heavyweight champion in mixed martial arts (MMA) based in Richmond and a representative of Canada at the 2012 London Olympic Games, expressed shock and disgust upon learning about the involvement of some members of the martial arts community in white supremacist activities.
In an interview with CBC’s “On the Coast,” Bhullar emphasized the importance of combating hate with unity rather than retaliation, stating that such ideologies have no place in society and particularly not in sports, especially martial arts. Concerns about the infiltration of the martial arts community by neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements have been raised by researchers for some time. After the CBC News report identified individuals within the MMA community who attended the neo-Nazi gathering, Bhullar swiftly defended the sport, highlighting its role in fostering inclusivity and unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
Bhullar, who operates a foundation for youth, emphasized that martial arts should promote values such as respect, discipline, and community. He underscored that the extreme physical and mental challenges of the sport do not translate to an endorsement of extreme ideologies. In response to the revelations, the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) also issued a statement distancing itself from the individuals named in the CBC News story, affirming that they are not affiliated with the organization and will not be permitted to join in the future.
The FIC, which counts several prominent gym chains among its members, announced plans to enhance inclusivity within the industry. These initiatives include revising the membership vetting process to prevent individuals with extremist affiliations from accessing resources or events. The council further outlined its commitment to developing a national code of conduct to empower gyms, studios, and trainers in identifying and addressing hate-based recruitment and activities. Zach Weston, the executive director of FIC, emphasized the industry’s dedication to uplifting Canadians in body, mind, and spirit, condemning any dissemination of extremist ideologies as contradictory to their core beliefs.