I don't usually write reviews for anything but Leo Wongs Tae Kwon Do and Krav Maga is honestly the…read morebest martial arts/real-life self-defence school in Canada. I come from an immigration/security/law enforcement background and have lots of training in use of force as well as some martial arts. Before joining this gym I thought I had nothing to learn. Raymond showed me I know nothing. He has a no-nonsense way of training using real-life scenarios as well as demonstrates amazing skill and teaching ability. Even though it is a group class Raymond makes sure he spends time with each student working on his or her skillset. From day one they made us feel safe after we saw all the safety precautions in place for the safety of students. All equipment is clean and ready to use. The training facility is very clean and organized. There is lots of new equipment available for each student at no cost. I would recommend them to all my friends, male, female or even children. Each class is created for its intended, student. Last but on least I have lost 15 pounds in 2 months of training twice a week. Raymond motivates and inspires you to push yourself. Thank you for allowing me to take part in this amazing program

I have been taking the Krav Maga program for about a few years now and absolutely love it. Raymond…read moreis an excellent instructor who loves what he does. I love the camaraderie of the class very much as well. The level 1 classes are challenging and consist of a lot of cardio and self defense fundamentals. Level 2 and up is a whole new ballgame with intense drills, cardio and sparring. Raymonds classes offer a very positive and encouraging environment which keeps you coming back.

Mu Mon Kai Iaido dojo is the best place to learn Iaido in Toronto. It has the most high ranking…read moreinstructors in the whole of Canada. Ohmi Sensei (7th Dan Renshi Iaido, 6th Dan Kendo) is the head of the dojo. He is very well known in Iaido and Kendo circles in Canada, and often travels to other schools in Canada and the USA to teach. Carole Sensei runs the dojo. She is 6th Dan, and has had the privilege to train under Haruna Sensei, Kim Taylor and Ohmi Sensei. The school is affiliated to the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) and the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF.) Training follows guidelines from Japan, updated yearly by visits from top ranking Iaido officials from Japan. The style taught is Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Zen Ken Ren Iaido. Classes are held in the fantastic dojos provides by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre with the help of the Japanese Consulate. Highly recommended if you are interested in authentic, traditional Iaido.

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.

I have been training with sifu teacher kenny for 1 year now…read moreWing chun kung fu I feel very lucky to have found sifu kenny as a teacher He is very knowledgeable in wing chun kung fu and possibly others but wing chun is the focus He is patient and focused and knowledgeable and has a peaceful nature as martial arts is about protecting your self or others under your care only as a last resort it is to the point if used no jumping around and doing flowerly hands = movements that show off etc. Wing chun is direct and to the point with very little wasted movements or openings that is the goal avoid if you can or protect yourself if you got no choice I am in my 50s now and i trained other martial arts when i was younger and i took 20 years off i see the difference that wing chun offers. I like to learn private 1 on 1 or with another student on occasions with sifu kenny smaller classes gives me the opptunity to ask questions and see things more close up this is HUGE for me as most schools train in big classes and dont offer 1 on 1 teaching option this is harder to find but this takes learning to a different level i feel. Thank you sifu kenny i am honored to have met you and be taught by you and thank you for spending the time to teach this chinese martial art to others so that the spirit of wing chun stays with us and we rember the history and contributuons we learned from the chinese culture in regards to martial arts and inner peace.

Stayed in Toronto for a few days, and walked by this gym on Younge street…read more Stopped in, curious as to what they had to offer. I signed up for a class (first one is free), and took the wrestling class last night. The coach definitely knows his stuff. The class was decent size, and mixed men's and women's. He put us through proper warm ups, reviewed techniques previously taught, and introduced some new moves (with variations). Lots of drills and some live scenarios and matches at the end. I didn't have time afterwards to try the jujitsu classes, but now I know where I'll be training the next time I visit.

I trained at OpenMat for about 4 years and was an amazing experience. The people, coaches and the…read moreclasses are great. You learn so much, have fun and progress in the martial art and sport. Professor Elliott creates a positive learning environment and strong community with the gym. I'm purple belt now and just moved to Montreal, but I will come back to OpenMat whenever I am back in Toronto. I highly recommend coming out and trying a few classes. I am confident you will love the workout and atmosphere!

I joined this dojo just under three months ago and can honestly say it was one of the best…read moredecisions I've made. I was looking for a push (having become tired of my usual gym routine), was looking for something more stimulating (both physically and mentally), and was even hoping to make a few new friends. I found all three of those things at Sensei Verlaan's dojo. The staff, teachers, and students are all friendly, helpful, and serious about making everyone who comes looking to learn feel welcome.

If I could come to every class offered at York AMA, I would. I am enjoying the karate adult classes…read moreas well as Taichi, which sets a different pace and state of mind - a nice way to start my Saturdays. The instruction here is top-notch and meticulous. The curriculum covers the main components of karate (basics, kumite, kata, self-defense etc.) on weekly rotation. There are monthly newsletters with an event calendar and tips for taking care of the mind and body. Most importantly, it's clear that the instructors and staff care. I leave every class having challenged myself (physically, mentally) and having learned something new.

My husband and I have been coming to Fighting Arts Collective for a bit over a year now! We wanted…read moreto stay active but learn something practical, so we decided to try Wing Chun (with SiFu Ryan). And aside from Wing Chun, I also take their breakdancing class (with Jazzy J)! It's been pretty A W E S O M E if you ask me! Wing Chun @ Fighting Arts Collective - http://torontowingchun.com/classes Break Dancing @ Fighting Arts Collective - https://www.facebook.com/breakdanceFACT

What I love about this place is that it's a large, no frills, multipurpose space. The classes…read moretaught here range from the commonly accepted to the nearly unknown. They sponsor seminars from some of the best teachers in the world, at least in my opinion and their instructors are doing this because they love what they do, not because they want to sell belts. Classes and groups based at FAC: Wing Chun Systema Taijitsu Jeet Kune Do Toronto Kettlebell Club Blue Bird Osteopathy Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts Dog Brothers Aerial Program I've been attending the Dog Brothers' classes for a while now and I look forward to each class. I've been to a lot of gyms and trained in a good number of systems but have only felt at home in two. The first class was when I was 12 and the Dog Brothers class are the second. Long story short, if you're interested in getting in shape and training in practical self defense techniques then there is something at FAC for you. If you're interested in just getting in better condition and doing something fun, the kettlebell club and ariel programs will whip you into shape in no time.

It's hard to know where to begin with a place like this. It's so much more than the sum of its…read moreparts. The training space is alive with over 50 years of history. You can feel it when you practice. Everyone involved has their own unique approach to the source material, which is very authentic and old fashioned. The Kung Fu styles taught are Choi Lee Fut and Do Pi, both southern styles brought directly from China by the late founder. There are also classes to learn san shou if you're more interested in a modern fighting style. But this isn't a place to learn the most modern techniques and become a prize fighter. It's a place to connect to a community of fantastic people, and to be a part of the preservation of a rich and interesting history. The school is also not-for-profit, so your low monthly fees only go to keeping the place running, no one is paid for their services to the school. All the instructors teach because it is important to them, and you can tell when you're there. As someone with a background in another kind of martial art that's much more business oriented and profit driven, I want to say that it makes a huge difference when something is driven by real human passion rather than money. Joining this school has been one of the most enjoyable decisions I've ever made, and I intend to be a part of it for as long as it's around and I'm able.