Secret Neo-Nazi Conference in Vancouver Unveils Coordinated Extremist Network, Alarming Links to Martial Arts Community
Vancouver, BC – A clandestine gathering of some of Canada’s most prominent white supremacist groups took place in Vancouver this summer, raising serious concerns about the escalating threat of far-right extremism. The event, organized by the group Exiles of the Golden Age and held at the Scottish Cultural Center, brought together leaders and members of various neo-Nazi organizations, including a significant number of martial arts gym owners, coaches, and trainers. This breaking news, investigated by CBC News and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN), paints a disturbing picture of a movement gaining traction and employing a unified strategy.
The ‘Men’s League’ and a Unified Strategy for White Nationalism
The conference focused on building what participants termed a “Men’s League” – disciplined groups intended to “rebuild our world amidst the damage to come,” according to social media posts from the group. What’s particularly alarming, according to Evan Balgord, director of CAHN, is the level of coordination. “The white nationalist movement was once very fragmented and plagued by much infighting,” Balgord explained. “Now, they’ve managed to put in place a unified and coherent strategy, and are successfully recruiting large numbers of people to implement it.” This isn’t simply a collection of isolated hate groups; it’s a concerted effort to organize and expand their influence.
Martial Arts as a Recruitment Ground and Training Hub
The presence of martial arts professionals at the conference is a key element of this story. Researchers have long warned about the infiltration of the martial arts community by neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements. Attendees included Lane Pommer, a British Columbia boxing trainer, and Ron Pearce, owner of Foundry Combat Sports. Karl Storness-Bliss, co-owner of Brokkr Strength Systems, was also identified, with photos confirming his attendance despite initial denials. These individuals weren’t simply attending as observers; they were actively involved in discussions about ethnically exclusive ideologies and the importance of physical training.
This trend isn’t new. CBC News has previously reported on “active clubs” – groups that organize combat training, often in public parks and private gyms – as a recruitment and radicalization tool. Karim Zidan, founder of Sports Politics, notes that mixed martial arts appear to be a common denominator, providing a space for these groups to connect and train. The implications are chilling, suggesting a deliberate strategy to build physical strength and potentially prepare for violence.
Symbols of Hate and International Connections
The conference wasn’t shy about displaying its ideology. Telegram channels associated with Exiles of the Golden Age featured photos of a ceremony including swastikas, a clear indication of the group’s Nazi sympathies. As Catherine Tebaldi, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Luxembourg, succinctly put it, “If you see a swastika in the middle of a picture, at that point it’s Nazism.”
The event also had international connections. Speakers were expected from abroad, including Swedish YouTuber Marcus Follin, who was detained by Canadian border authorities and subsequently turned back. Paul Waggener, co-founder of Wolves of Vinland, participated virtually. Robertson of Chazal and Josh Bruce, co-owners of the white supremacist clothing brand Vinland Battlewear, were also in attendance, with many attendees sporting the brand’s clothing, some of which featured disturbing neo-Nazi imagery.
Local Response and Ongoing Investigation
Vancouver City Councilor Rebecca Bligh condemned the event, stating, “Any group [whose] fundamental principle is violence against others based on race or ethnicity is not welcome in Vancouver.” The Scottish Cultural Center, unaware of the true nature of the event, believed it was a book launch and is now reviewing its reservation policies.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) declined to comment, citing the need to protect ongoing criminal investigations. However, the evidence gathered by CBC News and CAHN paints a clear picture of a growing threat that demands attention.
This conference isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a larger, more organized, and increasingly dangerous white nationalist movement in Canada. The focus on physical training, the recruitment within the martial arts community, and the coordinated strategy all point to a group that is not only spreading hate but actively preparing for a future based on extremist ideologies. Staying informed, supporting organizations like CAHN, and holding those who promote hate accountable are crucial steps in countering this rising tide of extremism. For more in-depth reporting on this and other critical issues, continue to explore the investigative journalism at archyde.com.
