The Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre was founded in 1976 to assist the various ethnic groups in the City of Welland and surrounding areas of Port Colborne, Pelham, Wainfleet, and Fort Erie.
The non-profit charitable, service organization helps immigrants to overcome barriers to integration, and develop skills to work and live in Canada.
Services provided include: English as a Second Language services, Computer Training & Access, Employment Services, Increasing Prosperity for Niagara’s Women Business owners and Emergency Shelter to those in need.
As the number of immigrants that needed their expertise grew they opened the Multicultural Network of Niagara Falls in 1995. Their satellite office in Niagara Falls (at Niagara Falls Public Library) offers the same services as the Welland office to serve the local immigrant population.
Along with providing servicesto newcomers they also organize and host many community events.
The Welland Martial Arts Centre is a non-profit dojo offering excellent instruction in Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Iai-do and Recreational Kickboxing.
All instructors are volunteers who have proven experience in their arts. They teach because they love the art, not because they’re looking for any financial reward.
Classes are available for students of all ages. Whether you’re 7 or 77, it’s never too early (or late!) to begin training in the martial arts. Children and youth in particular benefit from having fun in a structured environment that teaches discipline and respect and improves their physical fitness.
Wado-Kai Karate
Wado-Kai is a Japanese karate style founded in 1934 by Hironori Otsuka. Wado, meaning “way of harmony”, is one of the four major Japanese karate styles, and is perhaps the purest form of Karate-Do. It is steeped in classical bujutsu (Code of the Samurai) as Mr. Otsuka applied this outlook and experience to his teaching. He rejected hardening certain parts of the body, such as callusing the knuckles of the hand, believing it to be a useless preparation. The aim of Wado-Kai Karate is perfection of technique as well as development of a mind that is tranquil, yet alive. Also the aim is to develop the ability to react intuitively and without hesitation in any situation. The training and concentrated effort required in Wado-Kai helps the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character. Students also learn the virtues of self-control and true humility.
Karate-Do for Mr. Otsuka was primarily a spiritual discipline. In his own words: “Violent action may be understood as the martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way to peace and harmony”.
Wado-Kai Karate is ideal for all body types and age groups due to its versatility. The study of karate is a rewarding and enriching experience.
Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu is an ancient Japanese combat art including stand up and groundfighting techniques using the science of joint manipulation and body manipulation to overcome your opponent. Modern Jiu-Jitsu has taken many forms. At the Welland Martial Arts Centre, we concentrate on all aspects of the art including stand up fighting, throws and takedowns as well as groundfighting and submission techniques.
We study three levels of the use of force in situations so our students can understand the use of appropriate force in controlling a situation. There is not always the need to injure or hurt someone in defence. We learn how to take control with the minimum amount of force necessary. Through the study of a core system, students learn to adapt the art to their individual needs and how to develop fighting strategies and problem solve.
Kendo – The Way of The Sword
Kendo is a vigorous, full-contact Martial Art derived from the original sword training of the Japanese Samurai. Practiced by millions of men, women and children worldwide, Kendo is growing in popularity in North America.
The Niagara Kendo Club is run by Sensei Mark Kawabe, a 5th degree black belt who has trained extensively at various clubs in Canada and Japan.
Kendo training consists of drills which focus on improving co-ordination, strength, breath control and stamina. Beginning students spend their time honing basic strikes both with and without partners. Advanced students wear bogu (armour) and practice basic and advanced techniques with partners. There is always a session of keiko (free sparring) for advanced students.
The Niagara Kendo Club is affiliated with the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF), which oversees all approved Kendo clubs in Canada. Clubs that belong to the CKF are eligible to participate in tournaments, visit other CKF clubs (at no additional cost) and can participate in the only official Kendo gradings in Canada. The CKF also runs seminars and other special events open only to its member clubs.
All are welcome to try a class of Kendo. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to sweat. A bokuto (wooden sword) will be available for your use. To continue in Kendo, you will need to purchase a uniform and a shinai (bamboo sword) or two. Bogu (armour) is available for purchase or rent.
Iai-do
Iai-do is the art of drawing the Japanese sword.
Sound simple? Think again . . .
. . . think back to the days of the samurai. Two samurai are about to duel. Neither has drawn their sword. In a flash, blades are drawn, a cut is delivered and one samurai stands victorious.
To draw one’s blade and cut in a single motion requires intense training and focus. This was the beginning of Iai-do.
Today, Iai-do is practiced by men, women and children worldwide. It is a non-contact martial art, with all cuts being delivered to an imagined opponent.
Iai-do helps develop and maintain your mental focus, physical balance, strength and flexibility. As martial arts go, it is similar in many ways to Tai Chi and is performed at a slow, determined pace.
Beginners in Iai-do will be provided with a wooden sword to practice with, although if you want to train seriously, a specially-designed Iai-do sword and uniform will be in your future.
Iai-do is taught at the Welland Martial Arts Centre by Sensei Ron Mattie, 5th dan.
Recreational Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a great workout for the mind and body.
Classes are run by Sensei Ron Mattie, 7th degree black belt.
Expect a lot of vigorous punching and kicking drills which will get your heart pumping.
This isn’t your regular “cardio kickboxing” class where there’s no contact. Expect to be sparring each and every class. While there is contact during sparring, it’s light and all class members have protective gear for hands, feet and sometimes shins. Body protection is also available for those who feel it is necessary. You will have to purchase your own mouthguard.
Kickboxing classes are listed on the dojo schedule. They occasionally change, so please check the schedule as that’s where you’ll be sure to find the correct information.
Classes are open to men and women from age 16 and up.
The Loyal Order of Moose is a fraternal and service organization founded in 1888 with over 1,000,000 men in roughly 1,600 Lodges in 49 states and four Canadian provinces, plus Great Britain and Bermuda.
Along with other units of Moose International, the Loyal Order of Moose supports the operation of Mooseheart Child City & School , a 1,000-acre community for children and teens in need, located 40 miles west of Chicago; and Moosehaven , a 70-acre retirement community for its members near Jacksonville, FL. Additionally, Welland Moose Lodge 977 (Chapter 993) supports local Children’s charities and other charities in our community.
The Women of the Moose, founded in 1913, is a unit of Moose International with more than 500,000 women in approximately 1,600 chapters in 49 states and four Canadian provinces. Additionally, members of the Moose conduct approximately $70 million worth of community service (counting monetary donations and volunteer hours worked) annually.
The Loyal Order of Moose organizes and participates in numerous sports and recreational programs, in local Lodges and Family Centers in the majority of 44 State and Provincial Associations, and on a fraternity-wide basis. Lodges across the Fraternity are known for creating life-long bonds between members through activities and a shared concern for children in need, seniors and the communities in which they live
Chapter 977 of the Loyal Order of Moose / Chapter 993 of Women of the Moose is located in Welland, Ontario and supports its charitable work through special events and hall rentals.
Call us directly at 905-735-1333 for information on our hall rentals. There is someone at the Lodge every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evening.
The Loyal Order of Moose is a private organization. All activities and events referred to on this Website and in Moose newsletters are available to members in good standing and their qualified guests only. This website is for informational purposes with proprietary information intended for members only.
General information is available to the public at large, but should not be construed to be solicitation for membership. This website is an initiative of Welland Lodge #977 and Welland Chapter # 993, and is and is not sanctioned by the Loyal Order of the Moose, Moose International or any subsidiary thereof.
All logos, trademarks and service marks pertaining to the Loyal Order of Moose and /or its programs or degrees are copyrighted @ by Moose International, Inc, Mooseheart, Illinois.
Wellspring Niagara is a warm and welcoming centre that offers a variety of supportive care programs, at no cost, for cancer patients, their families and their caregivers. Wellspring Niagara first opened its doors in June 2001 with a mission to provide free social, emotional, psychological, informational and spiritual support to individuals living with cancer, their families and close supporters.
Centrally located to serve the Niagara region, Wellspring Niagara offers programs on both a drop-in and registered basis, for men, women and children with any type of cancer and at any stage in the cancer journey. We offer over 40 various types of programs and services ranging from one-on-one peer support, support groups, coping skills, expressive arts, financial programs, health restoring programs and educational workshops just to name a few.
Wellspring Niagara fulfills the dream of Aldo Mantini, who lost his life to cancer at age 31. Aldo had inspired many in his community to work together to bring the type of supportive care offered by Wellspring to Niagara.
Wellspring Niagara is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. Charitable Registration # 86414 6162 RR0001
No appointment or referral is necessary and peer support volunteers are available, Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm. Depending on our programming schedule, Wellspring Niagara is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and certain evenings from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Willodell Golf and Country Club was officially opened in the spring of 1964.
The traditions of Willodell Golf Club continue, as they originated them. That Willodell Golf Club of Niagara remains “a place to play and enjoy”, this game, we all love
Willodell Golf Club of Niagara is a premier golf course and club in Niagara Falls Ontario. A professional 18 hole golf course, practice facility and newly renovated golf club.
Willowbank National Historic Site is one of the undiscovered jewels of the Niagara Peninsula. Its curved entrance drive keeps it mostly hidden from the hundreds of thousands of people who pass by its gates every year – people using the Niagara Parkway to make the connection between Niagara Falls to the south and Niagara-on-the-Lake to the north. But for those who enter, it is a special world, a place where the many layers of its rich history seem tantalizingly present.
In pure physical terms, it is a very romantic site. The beautifully designed Greek Revival mansion is set within acres of lawns and mature trees. The interiors have the kind of decay that keeps revealing more and more of the past as present layers are peeled back. The ghosting of the original carriage drive up the hill from the east adds to the sense of a still-tangible mid-19th Century reality. And along the north side is the deep ravine, part of a First Nations portage route around Niagara Falls for thousands of years, and now a fragile ecosystem with its own sense of mystery.
The estate has been a designated National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Parks Canada. It is also one of the richest archaeological sites in southern Ontario. It is a perfect laboratory for the Willowbank’s students and faculty associates, whose task is not only to investigate and conserve its past but to give it an equally rich future. Part of that future is opening up the estate to more visitors, allowing more cultural events, private functions, and special occasions on the grounds and within the main house and the barn complex. A Saturday morning lecture and discussion, a weekday evening candlelit dinner with visitors in the Bright parlour, a seminar session or conservation workshop in Reif Hall, a jazz festival on the lawns – all of these allow the history of Willowbank as a place of human habitation and exploration to continue.
Willowbank is home to the School of Restoration Arts dedicated to the teaching of all arts and skills related to the conservation and restoration of historic properties. The school delivers heritage conservation programming through its Lecture Series, Audit Program and its unique three-year full-time program which accepts up to twelve students a year and offers an education program that balances theory with practical, hands-on experience.
Many subjects are studied with more than 50 faculty members from numerous disciplines within the heritage field including crafts-persons, historians, architects, heritage consultants, archaeologists, artisans and landscape architects. The Willowbank estate, with its complex layers of history and design, is both a teaching venue and a working laboratory for conservation activity.
TOURS and EVENT PLANNING
Public Tours: During the spring and summer months. Please contact us for current schedule.
School Facility Tours: Open Year Round by Appointment Only
Wado-Kai is a Japanese karate style founded in 1934 by Hironori Otsuka. Wado, meaning “way of harmony”, is one of the four major Japanese karate styles, and is perhaps the purest form of Karate-Do. It is steeped in classical bujutsu (Code of the Samurai) as Mr. Otsuka applied this outlook and experience to his teaching. He rejected hardening certain parts of the body, such as callusing the knuckles of the hand, believing it to be a useless preparation. The aim of Wado-Kai Karate is perfection of technique as well as development of a mind that is tranquil, yet alive. Also the aim is to develop the ability to react intuitively and without hesitation in any situation. The training and concentrated effort required in Wado-Kai helps the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character. Students also learn the virtues of self-control and true humility.
Jiu-Jitsu is an ancient Japanese combat art including stand up and groundfighting techniques using the science of joint manipulation and body manipulation to overcome your opponent. Modern Jiu-Jitsu has taken many forms. At the Welland Martial Arts Centre, we concentrate on all aspects of the art including stand up fighting, throws and takedowns as well as groundfighting and submission techniques.
Kendo is a vigorous, full-contact Martial Art derived from the original sword training of the Japanese Samurai. Practiced by millions of men, women and children worldwide, Kendo is growing in popularity in North America.
Iai-do is the art of drawing the Japanese sword.
Kickboxing is a great workout for the mind and body.
The Loyal Order of Moose is a fraternal and service organization founded in 1888 with over 1,000,000 men in roughly 1,600 Lodges in 49 states and four Canadian provinces, plus Great Britain and Bermuda.
