I took lessons under Jack for nearly two years when I still lived in Toronto, and he's one of the…read morebest instructors I ever had. He's an expert on martial arts and knows many different forms and techniques for everyone to learn from. Whether you want to take martial arts to be in tournaments or as a way to lose weight, he'll get you to accomplish those goals with maximum results, and isn't afraid to make you push yourself harder to go beyond them. And even if you don't know a thing about karate or kick-boxing (like how I was when I met him), Jack will be sure to get you up to speed and you'll be throwing punches and kicks like a champ. Seriously, give him a try! I can't express enough how much of a great instructor he is, so it's good to see him out of retirement and teaching again.

I sign up my son with Jack for private self defence classes and I have really been impressed! Jack,…read moreexcept for being an excellent martial arts instructor, he has a unique way of communicating with teenagers and make the class educational and fun at the same time. My son has been bullied for years and his self confidence was badly shattered. Jack was able to start building his self esteem from the first lesson. His teaching is a combination of different martial arts blended with a non violence mentality, which really builds up character. He can teach you to defeat your perpetrator with a few moves. I strongly recommend him!

Great instructors and environment. Lots of fun for kids. Builds self confidence and focus.read more

I was born in Toronto but Raised in Japan, after my parents retired in Japan they moved back to…read moreToronto, after I finished with my University degree I decided to come back to Toronto as well, after I got settled I decided I needed to find my self a Dojo to train in, a friend recommend I come watch the DeSantos Black Belt Spectacular, I have to say in my 30 years of training I have never seen such a shame in all my life, these people make a complete mockery of what a black belt symbolizes and stands for. it's quite sicking the lack of humility that is prevalent at this business, I thought I was at a Anthony Robbins seminar at one point with all these motivational cheers and sayings, this business is a fare cry from a "Martial Arts school" and rather is a black eye and disgrace to the industry as a whole.

I will update my review after I've trained here longer, as I'm still a newbie, but I am so…read moreimpressed with Spar I had to jump right in on a review. (This review is only for the Brazilian JiuJitsu program.) I haven't trained in a few years, but between BJJ and karate I've trained in martial arts for at least a decade. Have trained at a few different area schools and done seminars all over the state. Professor Eduardo Barboza is the real deal. Not only is he an accomplished competitor and IBJJF ranked athlete, he's also genuine, kind, encouraging, humble and professional. He's also very thorough. I love that there are multiple classes offered each day, and several different types: basics, beginner and all levels. It's a great variety, and they are adding additional classes in no gi next month (July 2021.) The facility is always super clean, students and staff are friendly. Rates are very comparable to other schools, no contracts. I'm excited to be training here and honored to be able to train with Professor Barboza.

PROS: The Women's Self Defense Class... WOW!!! What a fun & empowering experience!! The…read moreinstructors, Jen & Robyn, are so knowledgeable! At first I was really intimidated, bc I could only see mostly just men grappling on the floor, but once I went upstairs to the private space where we trained, I totally relaxed. It truly is a women only class, which is so important when you're just getting involved in self-defense for the first time. Now I wish I could take the class more than just 2x a week- I love it so much!! Every time I walk out, I feel like a total badass, ready to right the world's injustices, one hammerfist at a time!! THANK YOU, JEN & ROBYN!!! CONS: The only thing I would change is for the class to be at an earlier time. It SUCKS to work all day & only be home for an hour and a half (just long enough to get cozy with the cat), before having to leave again for another couple hours... As much as I love this class, it is seriously hard to drag myself back out of the house once I finally get home. Even a 6:30pm class would be better than 7:30pm! UGH!

This is the best place to learn boxing, wrestling and self defence. Been coming here for a few…read moremonths and it's by far the best place I've ever been too. The instructors are top notch, zero attitude and very welcoming. Ron Beer is a legend in Martial Art circles in Canada. Those in the know will tell you about him.

From the owner: We are an MMA school. Music Martial Arts and Animation. Personal Quality Instruction since 1978…read more We are the home of Shoot Wrestling Canada ,created here in Markham. Classes for the whole family.

I'm current head coach of the Senior National Karate team and it is my pleasure to…read more write this letter of reference for Mr Don Ritter. I have known Don for the past 20 years. I first met him at the 1999 Canadian National Championships while we were both competing for a position on the National Karate team. His long standing competitive career was highlighted by 14 national gold medals (Karate Canada) representing Canada in 5 WKF World Championship as well as The Pan AM Games and numerous Pan-American Championships. Don Ritter retired from competition in 2005 and following his retirement he continued to support Karate Canada as an active Ontario Provincial Coach for a number of years. As coach he was well respected by all competitors and the coaching staff. As the head coach of Karate Canada, I had the pleasure of working with Don in 2014 where he was assistant coach while preparing our team to compete in Salzburg, Austria. He helped implement a preparatory training program for athletes pre-competition, during competition and post competition. His knowledge, patience and enthusiasm for karate and for coaching helped to create a positive atmosphere where athletes felt supported, well prepared and confident. As for Don's Character he is a generous individual, attentive to the needs of others and he has a strong sense of fairness and equality in dealing with people. I have no hesitation in recommending Don as an ideal candidate for any role in public and community youth athletic development. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. You can contact me via email at: nassim.varasteh@karatecanada.org Sincerely, Nassim Varasteh Karate Canada National Team Head Coach

I trained with Don Ritter back in 2011 while I lived in Toronto. Because of my work I have to move…read morearound quite a bit, so, I've trained with many coaches. I was a green belt; one night training Mr. Ritter observed me in kumite, he pulled me aside and something I will never forget. He said, " I think you can take the number 3 spot in Canada". That night I went home and while meditating, I broke out in tears out of happiness. In my life, I've never had someone believe in me. This motivated to be even better. I tell this story all the time, the power of someone believing you is very special. Even when I tell this story, I have to fight back my tears. Thank you Mr. Ritter, you truly are a great leader, coach and person. Though I only trained a very short time with you, I think of you often and want you to know that I learned a lot about leadership because of you. I am a better person because of you. One day when I'm back in Canada, I hope to find you again.

Just took the Full Spectrum Defence Women's Self Defence Class on Saturday Feb 2, 2019. It was…read moreamazing. It was worth every penny and exceeded my expectations. Through the summary of the class, I knew there would be practice sessions. But you were never pressured to participate in them if you were not comfortable. There is something that raises the bar when you are practicing what you are being taught. The shock, your reaction; they can not be predicted. So going full out on the movements elevated the learning. It takes the mystery out of the "what if's" The instructors were fully knowledgeable, and did not "fake" any of the moves. You truly received actual training. I highly recommend this training to EVERYONE. It should be mandatory training in the school curriculum.

From the owner: Full Spectrum Defense offers courses for women and men to learn how to defend themselves or family…read morea member(s). All courses are designed to keep you safe from potential dangers through awareness and hands-on skill sets. All courses can be customized for groups or individuals and are great for people who travel for personal or business.

I've been doing Krav Maga and fitness training at TFF for about a year and a half now, and I…read moreabsolutely love it!! I initially went to TFF because I was SO bored of the gym, and I am beyond happy that I made the switch. My favourite thing about TFF is the community. Rob, the owner, is so passionate about Krav Maga that it's impossible not to get excited about it, too! The other instructors are all fantastic as well - they know what they're doing, they care about their students, and they all have their own *special* ways to motivate you to push yourself to improve your techniques as well as your fitness level. My fellow students are also great - encouraging, patient, and hard-working. All in all, it's a very inspiring group of people :) Krav Maga is essentially a self-defense system that everyone can learn. And while you're learning it, you'll get into great shape. The classes are different each time, so it's easy for your mind and body to stay engaged. I'm not gonna lie, the classes can be very intense, but the stress training helps prepare you mentally and physically should you actually have to use Krav in a real life self-defense situation. The other bonus of Krav Maga at TFF is that you jump right in - during my very first class I learned how to defend against a choke from the front while being pushed up against a wall. Awesome. In addition to the regular classes (Krav Maga, Fitness, Yoga...), TFF offers intensive seminars focused on things like knife/stick defenses, gun defenses, and women's self-defense. I've attended both the knife/stick and gun seminars, and they were really interesting and a lot of fun! I could go on an on about how great TFF is, but it'd definitely be way more exciting to just take advantage of the free day pass and find out for yourself! Stay safe :)

This is the real thing…read more I've been to different martial arts studios/dojos of different styles and qualities, but this Krav Maga studio is *the best*. I've done Aiki Jiujitsu, Hapkido and some other stuff, but I was looking for something more practical and that would really get me in shape. I got more than what I expected! Going in, you get greeted by their great and extremely attentive staff. Seriously, the instructors are the best part. They're really welcoming, but know how to push you and are keen. They are quick to notice when your technique is off and will correct you. Obviously, you'd expect this to some degree at any school, but they are more on the ball about it than other schools, and it helps that they have multiple instructors on hand per class. The facility is very clean and is well equipped. They have weights, heavy bags, focus bags and other protective gear. All the gear is in great condition despite the punishment they get on a daily basis. Their classes are a great workout and are very practical. There are no fancy kicks or punches or anything like that, they're just simple moves devised to be effective. Their situational attacks and counterattacks are realistic and useful. The classes go at a great pace, and they have specialized classes to develop certain skills (fitness, combative striking, etc.). Let me tell you: Nothing could have prepared me for their Fitness class. That was the most intense fitness class I've ever taken in my life. It was gruelling, effective, and fun. Despite aching all over for the next few days, I still can't wait to go back :D They also have seminars, like women's self-defense (which was awesome), knife and gun seminars, etc. Be warned that it's not some laid-back place where you can get away doing half the work. You should be there because you want to train. That's the environment, and all other class members are diligent and work with you to improve. tl;dr: I've been to few schools before, and this has the best instructors, facility, environment and classes.

Our daughter is almost 8 and we have been taking her to Woods Premier Martial Arts for nearly 3…read moreyears now. In that time our daughter has grown tremendously. Her self confidence has gone through the roof. The instructors are great and all the kids seem to adore them. Once a month a kids party is hosted at the gym and our daughter hasn't missed a single one. As a father of two small girls, it helps me sleep a little better at night knowing that when they finally leave home they will have acquired the necessary skills to properly defend themselves if the need were to arise. I highly recommend Woods Premier Martial Arts for both the children and their adult self-defense classes.

From the owner: Wood's Premier Martial Arts is a locally owned and operated martial arts school specializing in…read morepractical self protection skills development (for kids and adults), fitness and conditioning classes (adults only) and a unique Kids Martial Arts program that helps children to develop Focus, Confidence and Respect along with up to date, modern self protection techniques! With over 35 years in the martial arts industry, Wood's PMA is one of the longest standing members of the Ancaster, Hamilton and Dundas business community and we are looking forward to helping you start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself possible!!

Exciting new chapter for the taekwondo academy. Lots of positive vibes to spread to the community…read more Tony is a fantastic leader, trainer and coach that will bring a wealth of experience to the academy.

From the owner: Specializing in WTF & Olympic style Taekwondo For children…read moreand adults We are also offering personal training 1:1 sessions!