Chief Master Instructor George Lepine has over 45 years of martial arts and fitness training experience. Not only has he structured and methodized Okichitaw, but has also achieved high ranks in several other martial arts as well.
At an early age he learned historical games, hunting, trapping, tactics and other traditional practices of his Indigenous heritage and culture (Plains-Cree-Michif). Instructor George Lepine is a direct descendant of Ambroise-Didyme Lepine who was the Adjutant-General to Louis Riel and played a prominent role in the Red River Resistance (Treaty 1 - known now as Manitoba).
Throughout his martial arts and indigenous knowledge journeys, Chief George has been actively researching Indigenous tactical applications, warfare and combat practices, as well as the unique physical training approaches that were practiced in his traditional territory long ago.
Through extensive research, interviewing Elders, Teachers and Keepers of Traditional Knowledge, and his personal experiences, Chief Instructor Lepine has established the only structured Indigenous martial/combat arts system in Canada.
Okichitaw is specifically based and structured on the Northern Indigenous Plains combat principles and methods.
Throughout his life, Chief George Lepine has contributed significantly to assisting others, his Indigenous Community and the Government of Canada. He's been awarded several medals of commendation, other awards and endorsements as a result of his contributions to the Indigenous Community and to society.
As well, through his cultural work and dedication to the history and art of Okichitaw, he has been instrumental in the process of having Okichitaw being officially recognized by UNESCO as a Tangible Cultural Asset.
Chief George continues his work for the greater good of the Indigenous Community and is supported and endorsed by Elders, Keepers of Traditional Knowledge as well as other Leaders throughout North America and Globally.
At an early age he learned historical games, hunting, trapping, tactics and other traditional practices of his Indigenous heritage and culture (Plains-Cree-Michif). Instructor George Lepine is a direct descendant of Ambroise-Didyme Lepine who was the Adjutant-General to Louis Riel and played a prominent role in the Red River Resistance (Treaty 1 - known now as Manitoba).
Throughout his martial arts and indigenous knowledge journeys, Chief George has been actively researching Indigenous tactical applications, warfare and combat practices, as well as the unique physical training approaches that were practiced in his traditional territory long ago.
Through extensive research, interviewing Elders, Teachers and Keepers of Traditional Knowledge, and his personal experiences, Chief Instructor Lepine has established the only structured Indigenous martial/combat arts system in Canada.
Okichitaw is specifically based and structured on the Northern Indigenous Plains combat principles and methods.
Throughout his life, Chief George Lepine has contributed significantly to assisting others, his Indigenous Community and the Government of Canada. He's been awarded several medals of commendation, other awards and endorsements as a result of his contributions to the Indigenous Community and to society.
As well, through his cultural work and dedication to the history and art of Okichitaw, he has been instrumental in the process of having Okichitaw being officially recognized by UNESCO as a Tangible Cultural Asset.
Chief George continues his work for the greater good of the Indigenous Community and is supported and endorsed by Elders, Keepers of Traditional Knowledge as well as other Leaders throughout North America and Globally.