Some of the athletes that participated in Team Canada tryouts in North Battleford with coach Stuart Fontaine (middle). (Image Credit: Stuart Fontaine)

By Alyssa Rudolph

MUAY THAI

From North Battleford to Thailand: athletes fight for Team Canada

Feb 11, 2026 | 3:29 PM

Over the weekend, Saskatchewan Muay Thai athletes put their skills to the test in an attempt to make Team Canada for the World Boxing Council in Thailand.  

This year, tryouts were held at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts Academy in North Battleford. It was the first time Saskatchewan tryouts have been held in the province.  

Stuart Fontaine, owner of the academy, said he was chosen to be a coach for Team Canada, that’s why he held the Saskatchewan branch tryouts. 

“It’s an honour to be selected to be one of the coaches for Team Canada. I’ve been in this sport for 20 some years now. We’re building our own up and coming competitors in martial arts,” he said.  

Partner drills during Team Canada tryouts in North Battleford. (Image Credit: Cody’s Captures)

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During tryouts, Fontaine assessed each athlete on technique through partner drills, pad work and sparring. 

“Everybody that showed up were all very talented athletes. It was pretty amazing to see our group of students, our homegrown students, standing out. It was good for them to see where they are at in their level,” he said.  

Once the selected athletes arrive in Thailand for the WBC Muay Thai World Festival in June, they will participate in opening ceremonies and meet fellow Team Canada representatives. Throughout the week they will then compete in hopes of bringing home a win.  

Drills during Team Canada tryouts in North Battleford. (Image Credit: Cody’s Captures)

Fontaine highlighted the increased number of Indigenous athletes making the team. 

“Me being a coach and being Indigenous myself, you know, kind of motivate all these guys to try out.” 

“It’s pretty rewarding, especially getting a lot of the guys from scratch and building them up in a short amount of time,” he said.  

Of the 23 athletes selected from Saskatchewan, many currently train at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts Academy in North Battleford including: 

• Cory Crowe from Birch Narrows Dene Nation 

• Sean Dumont, Jerome Littlespruce, and Kaleece Kytwayhat from Makwa Sagihchan First Nation 

• Russ Paskemin, Aiden Fox, and Keetan Antoine from Sweet Grass First Nation 

• Braant Ford from Saskatoon  

• Christian Pete from Little Pine First Nation 

• Harrison Diebel and TJ Hoogsteen from North Battleford 

—

Alyssa.Rudolph@pattisonmedia.com