I've been in martial arts most of my life, very extensively in the past 15 years. I've tried all…read moretypes of martial arts and I've now transitioned from being a student to being an instructor/coach. I've met Rafi years ago while looking for a Krav Maga school. Rafi is by far the best instructor, I've met. Not only does he have the necessary experience and background coming from the IDF (Isrealy Defense Force) but he cares about teaching his customers. He also has a heart of gold. He is great with kids and adults alike. If you sometimes feel scared walking down the street at night, Krav Maga is the martial art for you, if Krav Maga is the art for you then Rafi is the instructor to teach you.

I bought a Groupon for 5 classes for $15. Apparently, if you do back-to-back classes, it only…read morecounts as 1 class, so that's a super deal. Basically 10 hours of group exercise for $15. This place mostly focuses on Krav Maga and conditioning and honestly doesn't look like much from the outside. I hesitated a few times before taking a class a few months ago just because of how it looked. Signage is pretty dim and it's in an industrial building. The inside is ok, but it is lacking a true change room (i.e. no lockers) but they have a washroom. I ended up taking the Adult Foundation class and it was more of a boot camp/cross fit type class with some random punching and kicking in between. It was a great workout however, I wasn't a fan that they asked us to start kicking and punching bags without any proper technique. They might have gone over this in the next class, but I was way too tired to do a class afterwards. Verdict: From the one class I took, it was amazing conditioning, and the instructors and students are friendly. My only recommendation would be to make the class schedule more clear and let people know whether it is a conditioning or technique. I might try it again next year but I definitely would have preferred more focus on technique.

I'm very disappointed at the way they operate at this facility, when I signed up I purchased all…read morethe uniforms and without hesitation got the most complete membership they offer. Turns out the schedule they give you and the schedule posted online is barely followed. I was paying 68 biweekly to train alone basically expecting there would be a class but wasn't. Most ethical gyms understand when a member has to move 80kms away that they cannot train anymore and cancel their membership so long the member can provide proof that they moved. At matador they will send a collection agency that has lots of complaints for harassment after you with an inflated number and threats to take legal action. I am reviewing this matter and will figure out a way to settle this. But I will use every platform I can to share my experience. I should ask for my money back for having to workout alone because the scheduled given wasnt followed. The more the collection company harasses me the more I will expose it. Would never recommend this place, maybe the instructors but not the business itself.

Extremely friendly atmosphere and very welcoming to new students. You feel part of a family being…read moreat Matador. The schedule is very friendly for all different aspects of BJJ whether it's gi or no gi. The instructors here are top level. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.

Guys are friendly and helpful. However the lady was very pushy for coin. Wanted money now…read moreupfront????

Unfortunately, the owner of Huf Gym would not correct the billing mistake she made and does not…read moreeven return calls. Pathetic.

High Park Martial Arts is a child-friendly dojo located in the High Park Junction area. While much…read moreof the facility feels somewhat dated, the dojo itself (not photographed for privacy reasons) is a well-suited and functional space for classes. The main floor includes the reception area and the dojo, while the basement houses a small equipment area. The school offers a variety of classes, including karate, kobudo (weapons training), self-defence, and tai chi. Programs are available for children starting at age four, and classes are available for adults as well.

Really not sure why yelp only approves negative comments. Try reading the unconfirmed reviews that…read moreare all amazing. I've been training here for 7 years and find Sensei's approach respectful, professional and works very well. Students are pushed to work hard and everyone progresses at their own pace. The atmosphere is welcoming but there's no place here for fooling around. You come to train. This style of karate is Gojo Ryu and focuses on kata. Sparring is a part of it but not the prime focus. We all have to work tomorrow so no one here is out to hurt you while sparring (like other dojos) in the city. Karate is not about fighting. Kids are expected to participate and show respect to Sensei and the other senior belts - just like they should. It's hard for some kids because they're not expected to show respect at home or at school. Sensei is often heard asking parents to not tell their kids to have fun, but rather to work hard. That very succinctly sums it up. HPMA has been here for 26 years (I'm not aware of any dojo in the city that has been in one location for that long) and going strong so I think bad reviewers here on yelp aren't seeing the whole picture. If you're interested come and try a class for yourself.

Great place for no gi Jiu Jitsu. Chill atmosphere. Students and instructors very friendly…read more Emphasis on live rolling. Good mix of beginners and advanced students. Safety emphasized. Also have Muay Thai program where emphasis is a mix of getting in shape and learning techniques.

As far as BJJ goes, you will only get your moneys worth if you are already very advanced, as the…read morebeginner class lessons are delegated to being taught by a blue belt while the head coach lays on the couch not engaged in any way. If you are looking for a BJJ gym look elsewhere, ESPECIALLY if you are a beginner - this one is a money grab.

Mediocre at best. I be been training for 10 years, with the last 4 yrs training 3 days a week…read more(classes, 1 on 1 , and sparring ) and was in two for a day so i thought i would take there level 3 class. Definitely a great place for a beginner who is looking to shed some lbs and is bored of the traditional gym, but definitely not a fight gym. Or if it is a fight gym they need to re evaluate their levels for classes. Very little technique but more about warm up, and cheesey burn out at the end. If the 90 min class maybe 30 min was actual pad work and it was beginner stuff. 3 punch combo with push kick. Would have got a better work out on a heavy bag at a local YMCA.

I was here on Tuesday (Uptown location) for the 6:00 pm class…read more Pros: - Good place for starting off. -There are 3 locations, uptown being the largest. - Punching bags are off to the far side away from where classes take place which is nice. - Change room is clean and there were enough lockers for everyone. - Lot's of room. - At the Downtown location, I was immediately welcomed at the door. - The pace is good for those who are just starting to work out. Cons: - You really do need to buy gloves, even if it's a trial class because the equipment (spare gloves) smells really awful. And no, it's not the smell of sweat, it's a scent that's rather indescribable. - The claim for TKMT is that no one is judgemental however the instructor said I looked horrible. I don't think she meant it to be offensive, but I was embarrassed since the whole Level 1 class turned their heads to look at me. I think the word was just a negative connotation is all. I suggest you bring a friend for the first trial for a comfortable experience.

We joined the EMA family a little over a year ago. Both my hubby and daughter go here for their…read moretwice a week training and it has become a real bonding time for them. This is EMA's second location with the original location being near Port Union and Lawrence. We decided to come to this location because it offered the adult class and the junior class at the same time which meant that my hubby and daughter could go to class together. What I love the most about EMA is the positive energy you feel the moment you walk into the school. Everyone greets you by your first name (which I find is incredibly amazing with the number of people that go through this place) with a firm hand shake and a bow. Children are definitely the main focus here and they are treated with respect and honesty by the staff and the teachers alike. And I find it impressive that they do not shy away from teaching discipline to kids that can sometimes become disruptive and unruly. We've also hosted my daughter's birthday party here and they offer a full service birthday party for the little ones where all you have to do is show up with a birthday child and enjoy the party with them without busying around trying to make sure that your guests are all taken care of. I can't say enough good things about EMA and I hope to remain an EMA family for a long time to come.

My journey with Energy Martial Arts started in 2010. My 8 year old son had autism and was being…read morebullied at school. My 6 year old daughter was painfully shy. The guidance and compassion of the instructors helped my children to be more confident and assertive as well as improving their physical fitness and discipline. My children attended for 6 years before quitting to try other activities. I joined shortly after my children after watching them in class for a month. I was never physically active before and found my first class very challenging. But the instructors and my fellow students were so supportive. I continued even after my children quit and in November 2022 I got my black belt. Today, at the age of 55, I am in the best physical condition of my life, and it wouldn't have happened without EMA.

I've been training with David for a while now, and I honestly look forward to every class. He makes…read moretraining fun while still pushing everyone to improve and work hard. Even when something is difficult, he takes the time to explain it and makes sure everyone understands before moving on. You can tell he really cares about helping his students get better. I've become so much more confident since I started, and I've learned a lot because of his coaching. If you're thinking about trying Muay Thai, I definitely recommend taking one of David's classes.

My children love the academy.The instructors are hand on. it is a welcome experience for myself and…read moremy children