Unfortunately, places like this are becoming more and more scarce, which is pretty ironic…read moreconsidering how many dudes are heading to bars to watch UFC in silly t-shirts that look like they've just had their asses whooped by an 8-year old girl armed with a bejeweller. For countless millennia, our species has survived in part because men have testosterone pumping through their collective veins, enabling them to be aggressive and violent, to hunt for food and to protect their families. Over the past 150 years these qualities have become woefully redundant. Sadly, anger management courses, some sensitivity training and a few yoga classes are a laughable effort towards finding a healthy outlet for these hormonal tendencies which have been hardwired into men for millennia as a means towards ensuring our collective existence. If for no other reason than for providing such an effective outlet for this hardwired aggression which has recently become a hindrance rather than a boon, Kel Lee's deserves 5 stars... ...But wait! There's more! Kel Lee's is one of the most inclusive, accepting, and respectful environments you're ever going to walk into. I have been to all kinds of gyms and fitness clubs and this, after one class of getting to know the people and the environment, is not at all intimidating. The culture is of people who are there to learn and train, no more, no less. Yes, it's mostly men, and they're mostly 24-35, but there is a liberal sprinkling of everyone else you could imagine as well, and everyone is both welcomed and accommodated. However, be warned: this is not a school for the weak, who will be generally culled. This is a competitive school which trains fighters. You will be put into full contact situations probably earlier than you think you will. You will experience pain, and you will receive (minor) injuries. While the doors are open to all, I can see a lot of people after one week or even one class saying, "This is just not for me." If you're looking to come once or twice a week for a little exercise and camaraderie, that's fantastic, but if you're really looking to push yourself, practice serious discipline, blow off a lot of steam, and learn a lot about martial arts and fighting in a safe, serious environment, then welcome.

KICK BUTT!! i have tried various kickboxing styles..formal…read moreand not so formal...i love a good ass whooping but without compromising technique and form... i found this place after countless google searches for a decent dojo that i didnt have to travel an hour to get to. i spoke to Liz on the phone, she set me up on a day that she taught so i could meet her, see the gym and get introduced to the class. all first timers get a complimentary class to try out! pretty sweet. after an hour and a half of intense punching, kicking and whatever form of sweat pouring torture she could emit, we were done.... wow! what a great workout! i was drenched, sore and felt GREAT afterwards! i signed up right after that class. they offer cardio kickboxing for the ones who want to just get a great workout and work a little bit on kickboxing combos and technique.. as well as the formal muay thai kickboxing, pankration and other MMA styles. they have adult classes, classes for beginners and kids too! because of my horrible erratic schedule, i would sometimes not be able to attend for months at a time, all i had to do was call Liz to tell her and she would just keep track of the times im gone for and when i get back, she extends my contract time....i dont have to pay a cent more for this fabulously considerate feature.

Great place for kids - my son and his friend (who's been going for years) are really enjoying it…read more Strong sense of Confucianism (respect for elders) and the young instructors are great with children. Like most TKD it's really geared towards kids - having gone through Judo, and Karate when I was young and then Wing Chun as a young man - the classes are fun, varied and well organized.

The place is big, always well cleaned and maintained, the students and professors always help each…read moreother. The senseis have each their own way to explain the movements and they are just great.

best jiu jitsu school of vancouver! The best people ever. They make you feel like home and accepted.read more

Amazing atmosphere. Clean, great staff, knowledgable, heart of downtown, high attention to health…read moreand safety. The personal trainers here are committed to your wellbeing as well as the martial arts teachers. They run great fitness bootcamps that have been featured in the Vancouver Sun and the Province, following the progress of groups of people losing weight and becoming more active. This place is perfect for a mid day workout, and to learn a few practical self defense skills. The teachers and trainers here are passionate and patient, and never ask you to do backflips during warmups, which I am truly grateful for. You feel more inclined to improve anyway since your always surrounded by likeminded and supportive students. It can be pricey to some but I definitely recommend it if your looking for a clean and safe environment to learn martial arts. **i have tried out all the classes they provided for at least 3 months and have based my opinion on those experiences**

The real problem this ppl have its the service! They only want to take your money! They charged me…read morefor 2 sessions and the instructor didn't show up and now for month and a half I can't get my money back! If you don't want to go trough such a drama as I have to just don't go there.

Hi, I started at Budo through the groupon. A 1 hour Muay…read moreThai session was the gnarliest workout ever for me. I then got the 6-weeks unlimited trial, where you can try Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kyokushin karate. If you want to shape up, this is the best deal. You can go everyday and get a round for your money ! Instructors are super friendly and passioned, they can teach you basics for a great work out or make you do some sparring if you look for some challenge. The atmosphere is super friendly, people are great there. Just take the groupon and see for yourself !

I got a groupon to try the drop in class…read more Not bad, very small and cozy gym area. I was abit confused when I walk in because the reception area and the gym area are neck to neck. It is extremely sweaty and hot in the gym if you don't mind. I went for Monday class, there is not really any structure on the fundamental teaching (although the class description says it is adult fundamental Muay Thai class). The fitness class is good, it is a circuit and plus the heat, you will sweat like a bucket, excellent warm up for the Muay Thai class. I have done Muay Thai before so I know the fundamentals but it might be confusing for someone who has never done it before. The students and the instructors are super nice and friendly. Overall it is very bang for the buck you paid for the groupon. I would go again just because I like the challenges.

This gym is great. Rey is a fantastic instructor (friendly and personable, very clear with…read moreinstructions and demonstrations and he really pushes us all to do our best) I love all the assistant coaches as well! There is a real feeling of community as we all work together to kick butt. :-) I love the intensity of the workout, the pacing of the class and this new location is a great space. From training here I am seeing positive changes in my strength, endurance and general fitness. My classmates are great, welcoming and fun to exercise with. This place has the right combo of hard work and fun. Three levels of classes are offered Monday through Thursday (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and on Fridays and Saturdays there are single multi level classes to practice skills. I like the frequency of that schedule, which allows me to go up to 6 times a week! :-) I would recommend westside kickboxing to anyone looking for a group of awesome people to train with, a chance to learn a new skill and an opportunity to push oneself to be physically fit.

During my last class, the instructor and owner spent a significant portion of class time discussing…read morehis personal life -- specifically, a family situation involving his goddaughter's relationship -- rather than focusing on instruction. At one point he physically hit me with frustration about it, which felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. At the end of class, he made a comment about Valentine's Day that included language stereotyping single women. I calmly suggested he consider different wording. His response was defensive and loud -- he raised his voice in front of other students, repeatedly told me not to "accuse" him, and pointed to a pride flag on the wall as evidence of his character. I stayed calm throughout and clarified I wasn't accusing him of anything. The interaction ended without resolution. I left feeling shaken. We crossed paths several times afterward and he never acknowledged what happened. I found the experience to be unprofessional and, frankly, distressing -- particularly because I had chosen this class as a safe, welcoming space.

Wow, where do I start..? I love this place! Awesome facility with wood trimmed walls, high…read moreceilings, and traditional tatami mats over a spring floor. The lounge area provides a nice environment for pre/post training discussions. You could spend all day here cause it doesn't feel like a gym. Central location and nearby free parking, which is always a plus. You get so much value as a member. The instruction is top notch. You quickly develop real practical skills and are challenged in the best of ways. The community is welcoming, supportive and fun to train with. I'd come everyday if I could. Highly recommend!

Don't let the unassuming frontage fool you. Once you enter, it's like Mr Miyagi's dojo inside!…read more The foyer is totally Eastern zen and the expansive dojo has real tatami floors. The owner and main instructor Jesse Blue is ask excellent teacher who instructs JKD, Kali Eskrima and has many male and female students. On Sundays, Adam Chan teaches practical Wing Chun and he is one of the best teachers of martial arts that I've ever met in 25 years. Vancouver is lucky to have such a beautiful martial arts school right in the center of the city!

Want to change your life for the better ? This is THE place to become physically, mentally and…read morespiritually more than you ever have been! The instructors , the facilities and the location are superb. Leading the way of your personal transformation Sensei Amber Murphy and sempai Isaac will guide you to a new and meaningful existence as I have personally experienced. Forget the workout with weights and the repetitive jogging - this is the real deal when it comes to self defence . Don Jitsu is practical ,applicable and is a mixed style martial art that combines karate, judo jiu Jitsu , striking and weapons! They also teach a kick boxing , and yoga instruction for all members of your family. I've tried many, many different kinds of sport , fitness and self defence , but this is a way of life! YOU WILL LOVE BEING PART OF SOMETHING GREAT

We have been involved with Purple Dragon Kitsilano martial arts studio for 10 years, since 2005,…read morewhen our oldest son began training. Our middle son now has his black belt, achieved when he was 13 years old and our 11 year old daughter is aiming to achieve her black belt in the summer of 2017. We are thrilled with the program offered by Purple Dragon Kitsilano. Not only is it a physical work out for the students; the core beliefs and values that we as parents talk about with our kids, are also reinforced. The life skills are tenfold on many levels. As part of our involvement as a family with Purple Dragon, we travelled to Trinidad this last summer for our middle son's black belt testing with a team from the studio. What an amazing opportunity to be involved with such a positive experience. The life lessons our son learned from that one experience, along with the lessons learned over the past 7 years while participating at the studio have been outstanding. If you are thinking of beginning martial arts, certainly consider this studio, we highly recommend Purple Dragon Kitsilano.