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!

Classes are fine. There's usually only one instructor, which isn't enough for fuller classes…read more They'll get a more experienced student to help, but that's not really what you're paying for in these classes. You should think of it more as a fitness class (that's what roughly 40 min of each class is devoted to) that teaches some self-defense techniques rather than a martial arts class, especially since it's located in a gym. Super sketchy when it comes to money though. The instructors will use high pressure sales tactics to get you to buy all the equipment through Dan, the owner, even if you're only interested in classes that don't require/need boxing gloves, thigh guards, etc. Really long lead time to cancel recurring billing (over thirty days) and no flexibility from Dan either. For your money, if you're not in the downtown core (and even if you are and can afford a longer travel time) go somewhere else.

You should check Elite Martial Arts out. I went to their 1 York location for the women's self…read moredefense class - it was incredible. Dan, the owner, is a true passionate person for what he does. He offers his class for FREE and helps women to learn and save themselves in dangerous situations. He is attentive, he challenges me and I am impressed with his service. If you are looking to get fit and feel comfortable / strong in life - he's the guy. Thanks again Dan and I appreciate the free class, I will definitely check out the future classes.

If you know, you know. incredible school under master Dao. great for kids, adults or families…read more Supportive of you journey whether you are a beginner or advanced.

I love Dao and all of my kung-fu brothers and sisters. This…read moreplace is sacred. I recommended this school to my friend who wanted to learn wing-chun and she absolutely loves it as well.

The Space: Walking into Innercity MMA feels like getting…read moreinto a very special place: amazing fighting paintings from famous Toronto painters, interesting colours, and the amazing smiles of everybody in the dojo. Teaching level and atmosphere: If like me, you have been subjected to weird or crazy coaches (I have been training martial arts for 13 years), Professor Shah Franco is a total breath of fresh air: you can tell he knows his stuff inside out and yet, he does not take himself too seriously. In the last year, since I've joined, I got to learn and practice a variety of styles (different kinds of stand up, ground work, BJJ, wrestling, self-defence) while having a ton of fun. Training is intense, but the atmosphere is jovial and everyone works hard without any ego flaring. There is a wide range of people training there from professionals to recreational but levels remains fairly high. Instructor attention to class: I have been injured many times in the past because other people could not understand the principle of sparring, and would go full out. No such thing happens here because Prof. Shah monitors sparring sessions (and every class) at all times, and he even spars and rolls with us most of the time (which is pretty amazing, considering how coaches are usually too broken to do so). In one word, Innercity is a gem. If you want to train the real stuff, while having fun, it is the place for you.

InnerCity MMA is a fantastic place to learn and train in a variety of martial arts all at once but,…read moremore than that, it's an amazing place to grow - both as an athlete and as a person. Professor Shah Franco is an incredibly knowledgeable martial artist and he's simply one of the most patient, impassioned coaches I've ever had the pleasure to train under. He brings joy to his life's work and can effortlessly put a smile on our faces, regardless of how much sweat is happily pouring off of everyone (natural side note: the facility itself is kept super clean and is beautifully designed!). The gym has a great atmosphere to train in and all the students are wonderful at giving back. I learn a lot just by working through drills and techniques with my training partners, who double as role models and friends. They always take the time to slow things down and make helpful suggestions, which makes the culture at the gym one of giving...even when "giving" becomes "giving you the fight of your life", it's a ton of fun. With long hours at work, I always look forward to training to switch gears. The fact that the schedule is flexible allows me to do a quick weight workout myself when I can't stay for the next martial arts class. Overall, InnerCity MMA is a home away from home where I can stay fit with friends. My only complaint is that I can't fix the rest of my life to get more time at the gym! Knowledge. Fun. Challenges. This place is hard to beat.

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 don't know if it would be fair for me to review this place since I didn't take a class. But I did…read morewant to write a note about it. I went to the location near Yonge & Eglinton, expecting to see a dojo like in the pictures on their website (bright, airy, clean). I was disappointed to see that it was in a basement, the walls were dirty & had holes in them. The mats on the floor were also worn looking & dirty. We talked to Chris about classes, etc & he was very knowledgable, nice & friendly. But I was put off by the condition of the practise room. It was one room and a small room for doing martial arts. Which is probably why there are holes in the walls. We watched a class for about 30 minutes with about 8 guys in it. They seemed kind of cramped. I'm giving them a middle rating since I didn't actually take a class. But for the location I would give them less. They might want to invest in new mats or at least take some time to thoroughly clean them & repair the holes in the wall & repaint the walls. Seeing this place didn't make me want to take a class there. Sorry to say that but just my opinion.

Everyone should take these classes -women and men. As practical as you can get for self defence…read more Chris really makes the classes, he's very friendly, and good-natured. He teaches in a way that's really accessible to beginners, while giving options to those more advanced. It's a pretty small and humble space, but the quality of instruction is definitely there. It's a really great way to learn practical self-defense techniques and I definitely recommend trying it out. The classes I've been to have skewed more male, but there's aways at least a few ladies and I feel like it's a very welcoming environment.

Signed up for cardio kickboxing (heavy bag workout) through Class Pass. This was my first muay thai…read morestyle class and I have never done a kickboxing class in my life. Located on the third floor of a building on Bathurst and Queen, it's a short jaunt from the streetcar and bus stop. For warm up, we jump roped for 15 minutes before I learned some fundamental muay thai punches and kicks. The instructor was highly encouraging and offered great direction. The class was a lot of conditioning mixed in with cardio. I was legit, sweating and had a fantastic time. As it was my first time, I have never invested in boxing gloves. There are community boxing gloves available, but I would encourage you to bring your own if you have one, as I had to wash my hands with copious amounts of soap before I was able to get the smell of sweat off my hands. The fees I find are very reasonable. The first trial class being $10, and drop-ins are $25. The gym offers a variety of packages suited for each individual's needs.

Been doing private trainings with Candice! She's awesome! She knows what she's doing. She pushes…read moreyou hard to reach your goals. The best workout ever! I didn't know I was capable of the level of fitness she has gotten me to. Wish I lived in Toronto to keep training here!! Great facility. Highly recommend!!