It may seem odd that a college has one of the most amazing gyms in the city, but I promise you if…read moreyou check out Algonquin's Fitness Zone, you will not be disappointed. I came here as a student, then as a staff member and still work out there as an alumnus. The front desk staff are always helpful, attentive and friendly and the change rooms are super clean and really spacious. And they have steam showers...NICE. The equipment and atmosphere is awesome. All of the cardio machines were changed out about 8 months ago so they're all in great shape and top of the line. For those of you who need to catch your shows but still want to work out - GOOD NEWS: each cardio machine has its own screen. Amazing.The strength training equipment is also quite good, and they have some cool machines like the rope pull and some super cool zero gravity thing (note my intense knowledge of the fitness industry...) and the staff are all super helpful and friendly. There are trainers on staff as well as group fitness classes that you can attend. Algonquin also has an add-on called the Impact Zone. The Impact Zone is right across the hall from the Fitness Zone and is a state of the art martial arts training facility. They specialize in Thai boxing, boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Krav Maga, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and every time I walk by it's always being used. In order to get access to the Impact Zone you have to add $50 to your membership...which is a bit pricey for my taste. The only reason I'm not giving this fantastic gym five stars is because of the aforementioned price. For a community member (yes, anyone can join - it's not just for college peeps) it's $65 a month or $10/visit. If you're an Algonquin student, alumni or staff you can only get a four month membership or a one year membership, which can be an issue for people that want to join a month-to-month gym. Students are looking at $130/4 months or $260 for the year. Alumni prices are $160/4 months or $350/year. Staff are charged $180/4 months or $380 for the year. Despite the seemingly expensive prices, the one awesome deal that I come back to every year is their $35/month during the summer. Remember, the summer goes from May-August in the post-secondary world so this can save you a ton.

This gym is for weight lifting, with a few cardio machines. they don't have any cross fit equipment…read moreand room for interval training. The staff are protein shake pushers and have no knowledge of fight training or diet. The staff has poor cardio and the actual MMA or boxing classes are not enough to get fit and not recommended for intermediate fighters. I do recommend this gym for beginner body lifters but nothing more.

I've been going to this gym for over two years now, when Arcana was still Fit MMA under Craig…read moreBrown. What started out as an "oh-let's-try-out-muay-thai" through a 20-class Groupon has since grown to become an irreplaceable part of my routine and lifestyle. Since my first muay thai class, I have made significant gains in technique and cardiovascular endurance, as well as in confidence-building and anger management (this is true!). Kru Jamie and Kru Sean have been very helpful in giving me instruction and advice in my progression and growth, advising me to take my blue shorts and even convincing me to do an exhibition match even when I did not think I was ready. In periods of stagnancy, they have not hesitated to push me to challenges that have not only helped me overcome the "rut", but have also taken me to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the muay thai art. I have also since started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is likewise an amazing program offered at this gym. Ron and Damien provide excellent instruction, with a dash of humor that helps keep the BJJ classes light in nature and quite enjoyable (but still a work out I assure you!). You seriously won't find a more stellar group of instructors and members anywhere else. From someone who doesn't have family in Ottawa, this gym has become somewhat of a second home to me. I could not be more grateful and I could not recommend it more!

Awesome work out and motivational instructors at Arcana. If you are looking for a work out and…read morelearn some kick ass ninja fighting skills, then look no further. I came here with the other yelpers and tried their introductory Mauy Thai class taught by Jamie. Special thanks for Jamie participating in the February Fit Club. The class was quite a work out. Jamie is a patient teacher and really helps his students understand the techniques that are shown. Not only does he demonstrate the techniques, he breaks them down and explains the importance of each movement. Arcana also has a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program taught by an incredible BJJ black belt, Damien. I've known Damien from another gym and he's the real deal. One of the best in the city. The matted area is quite spacious. The gym was clean and well kept.

This is the best martial arts you can find in Ottawa, and maybe in all of Canada. Yes, it takes…read morediscipline, so if you are not ready, don't waste the trainers time. However, if you are willing to learn, be disciplined and respect the teachers, then you will be a true warrior, not only on the outside but also on the inside!

Would give 0 star if I could I drove across Ottawa from…read moreOrleans to try out sambo class, after being invited for a trial by Tina over the phone, it was a quick pleasant conversation with Tina, all she told me was to come to try out class next week. Then I met with Sean at the office the following week, he asked some personal info and what program am I interested, then asked me how would I like to pay $49.99 right now, debt or credit. I was very shocked that I have to pay for the trial when it wasn't mentioned over the phone. He also insisted on letting me take Muay Thai courses and buy the gloves when I specifically mentioned I'm interested only in sambo. I didn't do the purchase, Sean then told me if I think it's expensive I just can't afford the program, I just can't afford martial art. which was very disrespectful and unprofessional. Sean appeared to me to be a very greedy person, all he asked for was money, he did not show me the facility, did not show me the coach, asked me money first before anything else.

My husband, son and I have recently started taking Jiu Jitsu at Therien Jiu Jitsu And Kickboxing…read more We just finished our first week and couldn't have asked for a better experience. Everyone there has been so helpful and knowledgeable!

This Thai-box (Muay-thai) gym is run by pros with professional, world class experience. This is an…read moreauthentic Thai-box gym in Ottawa, not a fitness studio. There are basically 2 levels here: beginners and intermediates and those who compete. The beginner classes focus on movement, endurance, striking and defence. The competitive class are amateur and professional athletes. They all help out and the atmosphere is very friendly. They also started to focus on youth development which makes Westside Muay Thai a great place for teenagers interested to learn this sport.

I've tried out most competitive kickboxing related gyms in Ottawa and love the martial arts…read morecommunity. I've been training at Westside Muaythai since 2015 and absolutely love it here. I've had previous experience in martial arts but never at a competition level. I now have pro fights in my experience and multiple amateur titles. I love the atmosphere and the dedication of everyone who works at and competes with the gym, but I also still enjoy the recreational/fundamentals classes to help me improve on my basics when I'm feeling burnt out and need a break from competition. I've seen a lot of people come in for a trial and then basically never miss a class. It's a great group of people and hands down the best instruction I've experienced throughout trying gyms in Ontario and North America. Definitely check it out! First week's free

I keep finding myself back at N1 throughout the years, The staff has always been great, the…read moreinstructors will go over the drills in detail and will go around the class to point out and go over the specifics of the drill with you. I love the set up there, they have heavy bags through out the gym, there's a section of the gym where you can lift weights and a BJJ room. Been going there for years and there's a reason. The staff is fantastic and I have learned a lot there, the staff has been supportive in helping me reach my goals.

I trained at N1 for nearly a year before having to stop and it was a great experience. I walked…read moreinto the facility with no background in Muay Thai, or any other martial art experience except for a few karate lessons as a kid. By the time I left I'd learned a lot, met some great people, and found a new sport I love. The building is located in Little Italy and parking is limited to street parking or a large private lot that is right next door. The private lot charges $3 while street parking is free after 5:30. I found if I'd get there early I could get a spot on the street the majority of the time. The facility itself is very nice with two large rooms for classes, male and female locker rooms, showers, and a full size ring. For beginners they provide all equipment you need including gloves and pads but it might be worth buying a pair of wrist wraps when you sign up. The sign up procedure is very straight forward. Your first lesson is $20 and includes 20-30 minute one-on-one period with an instructor so you know the basics and can follow along with other level 1 students. After your first class, if you enjoyed it, you can pay month to month, or sign a six to twelve month contract. The longer contracts are cheaper on a per month basis and you get an additional discount if you prepay 6-12 months upfront. Plan on spending between $75 - $150 a month for unlimited Muay Thai, Boxing and BJJ classes depending on your contract length and any promotions they might have going on. All new students (that haven't studied Muay Thai elsewhere) start in level 1 and remain there for about 2-3 months until they have the fundamentals down and pass a proficiency check with the owner of the school. The classes themselves follow a basic pattern. You start off by skipping rope and doing situps for about 5-10 minutes followed by 5 minutes of shadow boxing. You shadow box in both a western and thai boxing stance and the Kru (instructor) will go around making corrections to your stance, punches, kicks, knees etc during this time. After the warm up is finish you'll pair up and do some various drills. Different instructors like to focus on different aspects which works great since you get to work on a variety of things on different days of the week. You general work in pairs doing various drills with thai and focus pads for 30 minutes. After that for the remaining 15 minutes you either do conditioning drills or maybe touch sparring. By the time class is over you'll be dripping with sweat and have a smile on your face. Class size varies widely and I couldn't figure out why. Some nights there might be 6 people others there might be 16. The instructors do a good job of keeping an eye on everyone regardless of size and they make sure to check in with you on just about every drill. When you're done level 1 classes you move on two level 2. Level 2 starts off the same way, skipping rope and occasionally shadow boxing but after that things start to change up. You are more likely to rotate partners throughout class and spar, or do complex drills. Everyone is expected to have a mouth guard, shin pads, and groin protector on for class as there is more contact between students than in the level 1 classes. While the level 1 classes were fun and did a great job of teaching the basic it was level 2 that i really loved. All of the instructors and fellow students are very helpful. There are no attitudes and everyone really wants everyone else to succeed and have fun. The instructors were all very approachable and willing to stay with students after class if you have any questions or need some help. They also offer private training, something I wish I'd taken advantage of when I was there. They also have Brazilian Ju Jiujitsu classes (gi and nogi) and western boxing. The BJJ classes were really fun but my enjoyment was hindered by my lack of flexibility. I'm sure it would have gotten easier had i gone to more than 10 classes but I was enjoying Muay Thai so much I always want to do that instead. The instructor, Pat, was really helpful in explaining the basics and since I was the only one in class with no previous grappling experience would often partner with me to help explain things better. Each class would include warm up, drills, and sparring and were always a good workout. They also have "competitive" muay thai classes specifically for people who want to enter amateur fights around Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto etc. I never attended any but from talking to people who did they focus much more on ring technique, and what to do in a bout. Most people who attend these classes also go to the level 2 or level 3 Muay Thai classes. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at N1, the instructors and fellow students were awesome and the quality of instruction was great. If I wasn't in and out of town so often these days I'd still be a member.

How interesting... I never thought I would be the first person to write a review for a Martial Arts…read moreclass, but here I am! How amazing is that?! However, let me preface my review by saying the class I experienced is not the self defense style of Tai Chi, but the relaxation and stress buster version. In fact, I went into this not even knowing that Tai Chi is a form of Martial Arts. You learn something every day! (And that makes it a good day.) My job as a Public Servant does not really stress me out much (most of the time!) But like everyone else, I need a work / life balance. I heard about Tai Chi through a retirement course I took through work (I recommend THAT for everyone! Too bad they are so hard to find for the general public!! Can't say enough good things about retirement planning which you should start when you begin working.) In one segment of that retirement course, the presenter warned us of the dangers of becoming sedentary as we grow older. He suggested that we remember to stand up and move around in our jobs and even after. As an exersize, he asked us students to stand up, and he took us through a few easy paces of a Tai Chi warm up. It was AMAZING! That little bit of stretching did help me feel better, and I always remembered it. Fast forward to work, and I joined the committee to plan a unit event. Remembering that Tai Chi experience, I began looking for and asking around for a teacher who could present something at our event, and that's how I found Laird Trimble of Tai Chi Ottawa. He put together a package to present something to our group, and I found it to be reasonable. Although we did not decide to take advantage of his services at that time, I kept in touch with him via email. He responds to email in a very timely manner! I asked him when his classes were and he provided the details. Generally, he teaches Tai Chi in Westboro and in Barrhaven. And, he offered the first class free. Here is a link to the web page: http://www.taichiottawa.com/ I look forward to learning more Tai Chi. I find it very relaxing.

From the owner: Tai Chi Chuan is a system of exercises for health and relaxation that can be practiced at any age…read more It requires little to no equipment and our classes are both accessible and affordable. Tai Chi is also well known for its ability to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance coordination and balance. Tai Chi Ottawa provides classes in an inclusive environment for adults, seniors, and people with reduced mobility and special needs. Tai Chi Ottawa also offers on-site Corporate Instruction for businesses investing in the wellness (and productivity levels) of their employees. A non-profit, community-based centre, we are dedicated to helping Ottawa residents improve the quality of their lives through the practice of Tai Chi. Tai Chi Ottawa is built on tradition but meets the needs of today's fast-paced lifestyle. Find out more about becoming a part of our growing community.

OAMA abruptly cancelled the Taekwondo program at the beginning of June. They failed to let anyone…read moreknow that it was shut down and why. They are refusing to refunding the unused portion of the year long membership stating that they are losing money if they provide refunds (YES REALLY!). This is in violation of the Ontario Consumer Protection Act. If you do decide to sign up, do month to month, and make sure you get the cancellation policy in writing. I will never trust these guys. There are many in the same situation.

If you want to train in martial arts this is the place. They run it as a full-time business so…read morethere are classes as early at 7 AM to accommodate all sorts of schedules. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai are what you get. Instructors are top notch and they have a fighter in the UFC. Lots of opportunity to travel and compete in New York, Hollywood, Brazil to name a few. But if you're not interested in competing that's not a problem. They have kids classes and some for those who are just interested in getting in shape. Students are great and a very friendly atmosphere