This week’s playlist is a special one, inspired by a very special person in my life—my son. He has been going through an incredibly tough time, facing a medical nightmare that has kept him in the hospital for nearly two months. Through it all, he has had to find his own inner strength, fighting battles no one should have to endure.
During one of our many walks around the hospital ward, we got to talking about the playlists I work on and the different themes I use. Out of the blue, he suggested I do one on martial arts. I’m not sure exactly why this came to his mind—maybe it was the idea of fighting through challenges, or maybe he just thought it would be a cool theme—but I knew right away that I had to make it happen.
This playlist is for him. A tribute to his courage, his resilience, and his inner ninja.
The Challenge: Finding Martial Arts-Themed Canadian Music
Creating this playlist was an adventure in itself. Unlike some themes that have an obvious collection of songs to draw from, martial arts required a deeper dive. I started with a few must-have tracks, like Classified’s “Inner Ninja”—which is practically an anthem of resilience—and Chad VanGaalen’s “Samurai Sword”, an indie-folk gem with its own quirky take on the theme.
From there, I expanded the concept. While I couldn’t track down a Canadian cover of *Kung Fu Fighting* (though that would have been a fun addition!), I found other creative ways to fill out the playlist. Songs about weapons that are sometimes used in martial arts? Check. Tracks that focus on the mental aspects of training—like self-control, respect, and inner strength? Absolutely. And of course, songs that explore the act of fighting itself, whether metaphorical or literal, had to make the cut.
The Sound of Strength
The final playlist is a blend of genres, from hip-hop and electronic beats to folk and rock anthems, all capturing the energy and philosophy of martial arts in one way or another.
More Than Just Kicks and Punches
Martial arts isn’t just about the physical. It’s about mindset, strategy, and personal growth—which makes it a surprisingly rich theme to explore through music. Whether you’re training, walking, or just vibing, this playlist aims to bring that fighting spirit to life through the power of Canadian indie music.
But most importantly, this playlist is a dedication to my son—who is in the fight of his life and showing more strength than I ever thought possible. Healing is a battle, and every day he finds his own way to keep fighting. He is the real warrior, and I couldn’t be prouder.
So, lace up your gloves, bow to your sensei, and press play. 
For my son—stay strong, keep fighting, and never forget your inner ninja. 
