Young Alumni Award 2025
Nathan Skoufis: Champion, Mentor and Community Builder
The University of Guelph is proud to honour Nathan Skoufis (BA ’20) as the recipient of the 2025 Young Alumni Award. A 27-time world champion martial artist and a sixth-degree black belt, Nathan has earned national and international recognition not only for his excellence in sport but for his unwavering commitment to mentorship, community leadership and youth empowerment.
Nathan’s martial arts journey began when he was only four years old. Today, he is the owner and head instructor of Guelph Family Martial Arts (GFMA), a studio he founded as a first-year student, where he teaches students ranging in age from three to 75+. His community-focused approach to instruction welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, creating a transformative space where students build confidence both on and off the mats.
A proud lifelong resident of the Guelph area, Nathan recently represented Team Canada at the World Taekwondo Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, where he made history as the only adult male black belt from North America in the 18 to 40-year-old division to capture a gold medal. With more than 3,500 global competitors, this achievement marks a defining moment in Canadian martial arts. Nathan is also the only Canadian athlete to win multiple World Overall Grand Championships in fighting as both a Junior and Adult competitor, an inspiring milestone that underscores his sustained excellence across decades.
Nathan has earned international medals and world titles across major sanctioning bodies, including the WKC, NBL, WKU, NAKSA, IFMA, TAGB, NAFMA, The League, and World Taekwondo circuits. He is a 12-time consecutive Canadian Open Champion and has captured multiple World Tour Event Gold Medals, including one this past May. His leadership has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Canada Top Trainer Award, Young Innovator Award, Difference Maker of the Year Award, the Coaching Excellence Award, and the Inspirational Community Leader Award. Nathan has shared his insights on mental health, leadership, and overcoming adversity at events such as TEDx, the Canadian Business Summit and the Rotary Club’s 100th Anniversary.
Dedicated to giving back, Nathan actively supports dozens of charitable and civic initiatives across the region, including Relay for Life, Run for the Cure, the annual Guelph Christmas Parade and local youth sports teams. He serves as an ambassador for the Guelph General Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Foundation, and he regularly leads free self-defense and anti-bullying workshops for women and youth.
Nathan Skoufis lives out his mission to make martial arts a vehicle for personal growth and social good. His time at the University of Guelph helped shape this mission, and he remains a proud Gryphon, deeply connected to the values of leadership, community, and integrity.
Nathan’s story continues to inspire, and the University of Guelph is proud to celebrate his achievements, both on the world stage and here at home.