The 6 Best Martial Arts Gyms in Toronto [2022]

Martial arts have been practiced for centuries across the globe. The art of this combat provides you an excellent opportunity to get in shape, learn self-defence, discipline, and socialize by connecting with a community of like-minded people who share your interests.

Join the top finest martial arts clubs in Toronto near you if you want to train and grow to have the confidence and the skills to walk down the streets without fear. We put together the top best martial arts places located in Toronto so you can get the most out of what you’re looking for!

All of these places have their own unique set of values and customs in terms of lessons, benefits, and outcomes. The instructors have a lot of experience and they have high quality lessons on self awareness, situational awareness, tips and tricks for you to lead your life with a sense of confidence through mental and physical strength. 

Summary

How Much Do Martial Arts Classes Cost in Toronto?

The cost of martial arts training varies based on the company, but it often runs from $100 to $300 each month. 
However, the majority of martial arts establishments offer a free one-week to one-month trial for you to acquire a sense for the culture, courses, and instructors before officially signing up.

How do we choose the best Martial Art Gyms in Toronto?

  • Years of experience: The instructors are highly qualified and professionally trained individuals with over more than 10 years of experience.
  • Programs Offered: We ensure that the programs offer a variety of options that will be beneficial for you. We chose the companies that have core values that resonate with you.
  • Special Offers: We selected the martial arts classes based on the kind of promotions they provide such as free trials for new members and the variety of options they have for beginners.
  • Location: Each establishment is conveniently located in Toronto.

The Top Martial Arts Gyms in Toronto

1. Elite Martial Arts

Elite Martial Arts

Elite Martial Arts knows how to train you in the art of self-defence. Just ask head trainer and owner, Dan Novak, where he spent 15 years as a Peace Officer in the corrections system, working in some of the city’s toughest prisons before rising to the challenge and becoming a certified First Degree Black Belt instructor. 

This place is home to Torono’s top Krav Maga and Muay Thai training centre. It is a member of the Martial Arts International Union and is licensed by the Thai Sports Authority. They are thrilled to provide students with the most current, effective self-defence training program for real-world use. In fact, krav maga is the popular form of self-defence among the military, police enforcement, and citizens alike. 

Elite’s Muay Thai training caters to all experience levels, from total beginners to experienced fighters. They genuinely have something for everyone, full online classes, seminars or at home workouts in a professional, homely and supportive environment to enhance the best version of yourself. 

Business Information:

Address: 1 York St 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 0B6
Phone: (647)-919-5728
Website: emakravmaga.ca

Customer Review Highlight:

“When I say this is the best school to earn your martial arts education and training, I mean it. The environment is warm, exciting and most importantly, welcoming. This is all due to lead instructor Dan. His passion and love is felt through his leadership in each training session. Throughout the pandemic he went above and beyond to keep us students updated and inspired despite this global setback. He created ways for us to continue our learning at home and went above and beyond to accommodate our membership needs. If you are considering learning Krav Maga , let this be your school of training. With such a wonderful community and great instructors, you will not regret it.”
- Raevin Larue
“I have been a student of Elite for almost 2 years now. It has been a very rewarding experience. Mentally, the classes have helped my mind focus. Physically, I am sad that I lost my beer belly, but my fiance appreciates my new physique. I was hesitant to join at first, but glad a friend convinced me to try a trial class. If you want a good workout with varying degrees of intensity (don't worry, not everyone is a black belt or mister myagi), this is something you should try.”
- Michael Tang

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Private Training & Group Workshops Constant schedule updates (keep checking website to be informed about any changes)
Free trial class
Womens self defence 

2. Siam No. 1 Muay Thai

Siam No. 1 Muay Thai

Siam No 1 House of Muay Thai with their purpose and passion for love, respect and believe! Siam no 1 Muay Thai is the first and largest muay thai school in Canada which also marks the 30th anniversary in Toronto. 

Instructor Ajahn Suchart has taught over 50,000 people and assisted in the training of hundreds of paramedics, police officers, fire fighters, and security guards, teachers and many other professionals.  

They provide great in-person and online training, as well as a wide range of workshops for people of all ages and ability levels. They provide beginning, mixed, intermediate, and youth programmes, are open six days a week, and have three to four classes every day.

They have a uniform to convey a sense of belonging and respect for Thai culture. A uniform is not rare in respectable traditional martial arts establishments where it is usually a requirement. Not to mention, they have an amazing team of professional instructors who will be there to guide you!  

Business Information:

Address: 2100 Bloor St W, Toronto
Email: info@siamno1.com
Phone: (416)-781-3775
Website: siamno1.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“If you want to push yourself to your limits and work with others who will elevate you, then you have come to the right place.”
- Liam Morin

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Uniform Offered (yellow for beginners) Expensive ($150 monthly HST included)
Free Trial Class
Personal Training Available Upon Request

3. Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing

Evoke Martial Arts & Kickboxing

Evoke are members of international governing bodies for martial arts professionals part of a big family. In fact, one of them is the international Kyung Mu Hapkido federation, which has origins in Japan dating back to the 1940s and post-war Jiu Jitsu. 

They are very passionate about fueling positive change and inspiring people to better themselves through martial arts. Their purpose is to evoke the human spirit and unleash the courage to impact our world through martial arts. 

Evokes operational values that focus on personal development through fitness and mental strength. They create a community that will make you feel welcomed and safe like a family. 

Evoke martial arts is open to all ages, open 7 days a week and offers a number of membership choices to fit your schedule and budget. 

They have a team of coaches and instructors who are skilled martial artists, experts in their disciplines, enthusiastic about what they do, and are always available to assist you. 

All lessons are well structured, suitable for beginners, and gradually get more challenging. To supplement your training, they also provide a well structured virtual library of video courses, meal plans, and downable tools.

Business Information:

Address: 1669 Bayview Avenue #200 (Bayview, South of Eglinton)
Phone: (416)-440-2828
Website: evokeacademy.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“ I started a few weeks ago and I have enjoyed the classes and each class is different and challenges you. The instructors are professional and very good at what they do. They all know you by name and I would recommend this place to everyone.”
- Joel F.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Open all week No free trial (However, you can attend two Muay Thai, fitness kickboxing, martial arts trial classes for $29)
  • Includes a free pair of hand wraps each
Virtual library Resource Tools
Cost Effective within budget 
  • Free Lil’ Dragons Trial (Ages 4-7)
  • Free Kids Martial Arts Trial (Ages 8-12)
  • Free Teen Martial Arts Trial (Ages 13-16)

4. Rev MMA Mixed Martial Arts + Fitness

Rev MMA Mixed Martial Arts + Fitness

Revolution MMA and Fitness was Toronto’s first dedicated MMA and fitness facility, opened in 2006 by company owner and chief instructor Joel Gerson. His approach is built on his 30 years of experience in mixed martial arts and physical training for adults and children. 

In fact, Rev MMA has been one of Toronto’s leaders in mixed martial arts and fitness for 15 years. The classes are open to all ages and provide separate programs for teens, adults and kids. It is ideal for both new and seasoned athletes and you will surround yourself with positive minded people that will empower you for life.

Hard effort and respect are the foundations of Rev’s fundamental core values. They provide a healthy and safe atmosphere by encouraging their clients to assess personal responsibility for their outcomes. 

Rev’s mission is to deliver innovative, long term, and accessible martial arts and fitness programs that will challenge their students to attain their greatest potential. Their vision is to provide a secure and enjoyable environment for students to learn, grow, and excel both physically and cognitively in each lesson.

Rev MMA for adults include kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, Krav Maga, combat fitness, MMA, classes for men who are 38+ and women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). 

Business Information:

Address: 150 Lesmill Rd., North York, ON M3B 2T5
Email: infotoronto@revmma.com
Phone: (416)-847-1020
Website: revmma.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“Amazing place to train. The coaches are passionate, kind and motivating. Every day I can’t wait to come back to practice. Super accepting place with 0 judgement and 100% motivation.”
- Lera Kohar
“ Hands down, this is the best MMA gym facility in the GTA with amazing skilled coaches that are warm and patient when teaching and fair when assessing students skills. This is a place where you need to learn martial arts and prove it during classes in order to get your belt. My son was first in the junior MMA program and he is now in the advanced MMA program. He has classes 3 times per week and he loves it. During the lockdown, Joel continued the training on zoom with online classes, which was very helpful. Parents can also join different classes if they want to, so it is also a family oriented training facility. Highly recommended for all ages!”
- Marius Constantinescu

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Free Session Expensive
Personal training & private lessons
Separate group of training for adults, teens and kids
Open 7 days per week, free parking
Large, modern & clean location (12,000 sq.ft)
Daily beginner friendly classes
 

5. Primal MMA Academy

Primal MMA Academy

Primal MMA academy is one of the best in the city and the only martial arts gym of its sort in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood and recognized as a provincial athletic training facility. 

They teach BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), Muay Thai / Kickboxing, classical boxing, wrestling, and submission grappling among other things. They offer open gym memberships, bootcamp classes, and small group training. 

Egor Radzik, their Program Director and Black Belt in BJJ, is a long-time martial arts practitioner. One of the great things they offer are pre-recorded workouts and online classes with more than 4 classes a day. 

They even have an online accountability coaching where you’ll have someone to motivate you and keeping you responsible for your objectives can help you eventually achieve, even if you’re trapped at home!

Primal MMA academy gym hours on weekdays are from 7AM to 8PM and weekends are 9AM to 5PM, whereas on all statutory holidays the gym will be closed. Primal does not resemble your typical single-purpose machine shop. 

They have 2000 square feet of Martial Arts Mats, Heavy Bags, Thai Bags, a 16-foot Boxing Ring, Cage Walls, Squat Racks, Olympic Lifting Platforms, a full range of dumbbells, Medicine Balls, Slam Balls, Freemotion Cable Crosses, TRX Suspension Trainers, Undulation Ropes, Climbing Ropes, Gym Rings, Prowler Sleds, 400 square feet of Turf, and more.

Primal MMA Academy believes in Martial Arts variety, from traditional to modern. Some people choose to specialise in a single discipline, while others prefer to train in a variety of martial arts.

Primal MMA is the place to be whether you want to be in shape, learn self-defence, compete, or simply push yourself and have fun.

Business Information:

Address: 388 Carlaw Ave. Unit 16 M4M 2T4
Email: info@primalmma.ca
Phone: (647)-782-4555
Website: primalmma.ca

Customer Review Highlight:

“Great Facility , Josh was a stellar trainer to work with. He helped me focus on areas I wanted to improve on and within our 6 week program noticed a vast difference in my strength and conditioning. I will be using this space and personal training program again 100%.”
- Graham Hickson
“I have been a member with Primal now for 1.5 years. With the majority of my membership taking place during Covid, they have helped keep my mental and physical health in check, during this pandemic. The outdoor and online workouts they have adapted to are excellent and if you are looking to support local and work with an amazing team of coaches, sign up for their free 21 day trial. I was hooked after my free trial and there is no looking back. I'm in the best shape of my life, thanks to coaches Mike, Ryan, Kalon, Josh, John, Thomas and Justin.”
- Andrea Geddes

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Train free for 7 days/ 21 day free challenge trial No shows to in-person classes will be penalized with a $30+HST cancellation fee (the cost of a drop in_ due to low class capacity
  • Remember to cancel your spot at least 12 hours in advance if you think you won’t be able to make it.
Pre-recorded workouts and online accountability coaching 
Virtual training memberships 

6. Black Belt World

Black Belt World

Black Belt World is a world-class top Taekwondo and Martial Arts academy that focuses on creating Olympic-level athletes and stuntmen or women in the Hollywood blockbuster film business. 

Grandmaster Tommy Chang, the founder, is a world-renowned 8th Dan Hapkido and 7th Dan Taekwondo Master and the former Vice President of Sport (VP Sport) for the World Taekwondo Federation of Canada (Taekwondo Canada) as well as the Head of Team Canada. He was also the former first vice president of the Ontario Taekwondo Association (Taekwondo Ontario).

Black Belt World has built its name by delivering first-rate facilities, high-quality education from licensed instructors, and courteous customer service. 

Their world class team is unrivalled where they have Olympic-level athletes and coaches on hand to help you or your child reach new heights. With its headquarters in the heart of Downtown Toronto, Black Belt World has been teaching Tiny Tigers (Ages 3-5), Children (Ages 6-12), and Teens & Adults (Ages 13+) for over 27 years.

All of their employees are certified by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and have received First Aid and CPR training. World Taekwondo, Kukkiwon, Pan-Am Taekwondo Union, Taekwondo Canada, or Taekwondo Ontario certify and recognise the teachers. 

Black Belt World is the top martial arts academy, with sites around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Burlington/Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan (Woodbridge), and Toronto are all included. 

Black Belt World is proud to be one of the first Martial Arts Schools in the area.

Business Information:

Address: 974 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L6, Canada
Email: info@taekwondo.ca
Phone: (416)-533-7558
Website: taekwondo.ca

Customer Review Highlight:

“My son attends this school and he loves it. He can take a bit of time to warm up to new situations and sat down at the beginning of his first class. Furthermore, because the instructors teach respect, focus, courtesy, perseverance, and other values, we saw a change in his behaviour and motivation for the better. The entire staff there is super friendly and will go out of their way to make sure everyone is participating and learning. My son now really looks forward to attending his twice weekly classes.”
- Cheri Clark
“This place is absolutely amazing, the vibe is so motivating for every age and gender. They also encourage his strengths and make him feel awesome at the end of class. They are also very flexible at any request I have. I love the way class starts and ends with reciting 5 pillars of life. The place is clean, well equipped and has a welcoming environment. A simple business model becomes a family sustainable one as they all are very sincere about helping each other.”
- Tow Dotstar

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Free Trial lesson Can be expensive (Do the free trials to see its worth and it might turn into a worthwhile long term investment for yourself!) 
After school program and camps
4 weeks of online classes for only $99.95

FAQS About Martial Arts

Boxing may be a fairly inexpensive sport to learn, but Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA can be rather costly. The inexpensive martial arts are ones that don’t require a lot of apparel and equipment to participate in. Other costs include exam grading fees and membership dues (pay-per-class or monthly subscription).
You are never too old to learn anything, don’t let age stop you from doing something you’re interested in! In fact, for martial arts there are less physical restrictions and the lessons can help you develop and overcome certain apparent limitations imposed by your age or physical condition.
The question is whether you can do it successfully. Remember that just because you may begin training at home does not mean you should. You’ll make more progress if you learn from an expert who can give you feedback and help you correct the right fighting stance or formation to prevent injuries.
No age is too young to begin practicing fundamental fighting techniques. However, there are recommended restrictions where hitting a boxing bag necessitates a level of strength and coordination that isn’t attained until approximately the age of 7 years old.

Conclusion

There are many martial arts clubs in Toronto, not all of them are created equal. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 6 finest martial arts programs in the city for you, so you can be guaranteed knowing right away which martial art club is well suited for you.

These martial arts instructors have over 15 years of expertise and will lead and mentor you with guidance into becoming the ultimate version of yourself. 

If you ever find yourself in a tricky situation, you will know how to face it calmly with assertiveness and self-assurance. Choosing to be part of a member of one of the  top 6 martial arts clubs in Toronto will take care of everything for you!

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