World Kobudo Federation

Who We Are

Alone I am Strong, Together we are Invincible

World Kobudo – One World, One Family

Our Mission

We are committed to preserving the traditions of martial arts while embracing modern innovation. Through world-class training, leadership development, and international events, we empower martial artists to reach their highest potential and foster a culture of respect, discipline, and lifelong learning.

John Therien – President & Co-Founder

9th Dan Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu | A Legacy of Excellence in Martial Arts

Hanshi John Therien stands as a towering figure in the martial arts world, renowned for his expertise, leadership, and global influence. As the founder of Therien Jiu-Jitsu & Kickboxing Dojo, established in 1968, he has built one of Canada's largest and most successful martial arts schools—a legacy that proudly celebrates years of unparalleled excellence. This milestone is a rare achievement, solidifying his dojo as a cornerstone of martial arts education and inspiration.

Over his illustrious career, Hanshi Therien has certified and graduated more than 1,000 black belts and currently leads over 3,000 active students in the Can-Ryu system. His impact extends far beyond his dojo walls, with approximately 200 schools worldwide connected to him or his lineage.

As the co-founder of the World Kobudo Federation (WKF), Hanshi Therien has fostered a non-political martial arts organization uniting affiliates around the world with thousands of members. He also serves as the Executive Director for the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame, furthering his mission to honor and preserve the martial arts legacy.

Hanshi Therien’s influence extends to large-scale events as well. In 1991, he founded Capital Conquest, one of the world’s premier martial arts training camps, with participants and masters from across the globe. This annual event is stronger than ever

World Kobudo Federation

Achievements That Define a Legend

With a career marked by innovation and leadership, Hanshi John Therien has earned hundreds of prestigious accolades, with the following highlights:

  • Hanshi Title: Leader of Leaders
  • 9th Degree Black Belt (2010): Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu
  • Man of the Decade (1980s): PKA (Professional Karate Association)
  • Promoter of the Year (1982): PKA
  • CJA Hall of Fame Inductee (1996)
  • Golden Belt Awards: Recognizing his pioneering work in Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing in Canada
  • Canadian Government Achievement Award: For contributions to Jiu-Jitsu
  • Ranked #1 Jiu-Jitsu Instructor in Canada by peers
  • Manager of Kickboxing Icon: 23-time World Champion Jean-Yves Thériault
  • Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame Honors: Including the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Humanitarian Award (2014)
  • Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
  • Musashi Legendary Martial Arts Society Award (2022)
  • Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame Honors:
    • Induction into CBBHOF (2010)
    • Pierre Elliott Trudeau Humanitarian Award (2014)
    • Masami Tsuruoka Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

A Visionary with Endless Drive

Hanshi Therien’s passion for martial arts remains as vibrant as ever. With boundless energy, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas, he continues to inspire and lead, showing no signs of slowing down. For Hanshi, martial arts is more than a career—it’s the lifeblood that fuels his relentless drive to teach, innovate, and connect the global martial arts community.

World Kobudo Federation

Alain Sailly, Ambassador & Co-Founder

WKF World Ambassador & Vice-President
9th Dan Goshindo

Born in 1958, Hanshi Alain Sailly began his martial arts journey at just five years old under the guidance of his father, training in judo. Even as a child, he was no stranger to rigorous practice, often training alongside adults. By his teenage years and early twenties, he was competing internationally in disciplines like judo, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, sambo, and full-contact jiu-jitsu.

Today, Alain Sailly is celebrated as a world-class martial artist whose unparalleled movement and mastery leave even seasoned practitioners in awe. As the founder of Goshindo—the "Way of Self-Defense"—he has seamlessly fused the best elements of aikido, karate, judo, grappling, and jiu-jitsu into a unique and dynamic system. His teaching improves not only strength, flexibility, and coordination but also mental clarity and flow.

A graduate of the prestigious Sport University in Vichy, Alain now resides in Carignan, near the Belgian border, where he recently established a new dojo. This dojo serves as the international headquarters for Goshindo, a martial art that continually evolves under his vision.

What Is Goshindo?

Goshindo, which translates to "The Way of Self-Defense," is an ever-evolving martial art created by Alain Sailly, a 9th Dan master. Drawing from traditional Japanese schools such as Hakko Ryu Ju Jitsu and Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu—foundations for modern judo, jiu-jitsu, and aikido—Sailly reimagined these techniques to enhance their practicality and effectiveness.

Through years of research and training with martial arts luminaries like Prof. Roland Maroteaux (Hakko Ryu, Aikido), Gozo Shioda (Aikido), Prof. Morris (modern jujitsu), and John Therien (pressure points), Sailly synthesized a system that blends striking, kicking, joint locks, throws, and grappling into explosive combinations.

Far from being locked into tradition, Goshindo reflects the universalization of martial arts, continually adapting to remain relevant in the modern world.

Explore Goshindo Online

Alain Sailly offers a treasure trove of resources for martial artists of all levels:

  • Unique Defense Techniques: Discover innovative defenses against chokes, wrist grabs, knife hand strikes, and punches.
  • Training Fundamentals: Improve your kicking, punching, grappling, throwing, and falling skills with step-by-step guidance.
  • Detailed Instruction: Gain insights through slow-motion videos, close-ups, and in-depth explanations directly from Kyoshi Sailly.
  • Instructor Resources: Explore creative drills designed to teach and refine skill sets.

Global Ambassador of Martial Arts

As the International Ambassador of the World Kobudo Federation (WKF), Hanshi Alain Sailly travels to over 50 countries, sharing the art and philosophy of Goshindo while promoting the mission of the WKF.

For inquiries or to connect with Hanshi Sailly:

📧 [email protected]
🌐 Facebook: Alain Sailly