Faulks Jiu-Jitsu has phases 1 through 3. Where a phase is based on a combination of age, size,…read morematurity, ability, and ambition of the students. I have been training at Faulks Jiu-Jitsu since 2014. I joined to train with my son when he was ready to move to the "Phase 3" classes. He had been training for about 4 years prior under Sensei Darren and the previous owner (Sensei St. John) in the "kids" classes. I am a Sensei in the dojo and teach some Phase 3 classes. I also sometimes help with the earlier phase classes. That said, I am not an employee. I am a paying customer just like every other student. Faulks Jiu-Jitsu is an outstanding place to learn self defence. We are a mixed martial art style that is both practical and effective. We train our students to protect themselves and stay safe. Even though we teach self defence, which is violent in nature, our dojo is a place of kindness and community. If you take a look at the picture gallery on our website ( faulksjiujitsu.com/galle... ) you'll see a lot of violent techniques on display, but also a lot of smiles and camaraderie. Students at Faulks Jiu Jitsu practice not only solid self defence, but general fitness, and mutual respect. Finally, I feel the need to explicitly address comments made by the reviewer "Erika B". I cannot speak for this reviewer's experience, but I can speak for my own. My son (Sensei Ben) is transgender. You can find him on our team page: faulksjiujitsu.com/team (I'm Sensei Brent BTW). If Faulks Jiu Jitsu was not supportive of acceptance and diversity, neither my son nor I would be here.

Super disappointed at the lack of compassion and understanding of diversity in this place. I would…read morenot recommend this facility to people who are looking for a safe and all encompassing space for their child. In this day and age of inclusivity I expect MUCH better.

A friend brought me to this gym for a MMA cardio class about a week ago. Everyone was super…read morefriendly and helpful (you get a smile while you are getting your a** kicked into shape). The music was good, the instruction was easy to follow and the over all vibe is pretty cool. If you want quick results to get lean this is where you definitely should be working out. You get your first week free and then after they have unlimited plans . Think they also do private training as well as kids classes. The class that I tried was at 6pm but there are others, definitely will return and recommend this place to others.

This gym offers knowledgeable coaches, a variety of classes, and nice equipment. They welcome…read morefeedback and clearly work to create a respectful community vibe. I've tried out a few Muay Thai gyms in the area and trust, this is the one!

I have been to some of the more expensive gyms in town, and while towel service and mirrors are…read morenice, this place will get you in shape faster than anything else. If you have a sense of humour, you'll also have a good time. The most popular class is cardio kickboxing, which is a fitness class with a focus on core, legs, and pushups. In addition, there's some partner drills. Two things make it way better than the other boot camp style classes I have taken. First, George has spent years training as an Olympic swimmer and then kickboxer in Russia, and he brings these advanced techniques to the gym, so the workout is more efficient and more effective than the typical trainer who got a three month personal trainer certificate. Second, this is really functional: it's the drills you would do if you were planning on kickboxing. You will get a lean, toned kick boxer body very quickly. One girl who has never worked out started just after me, and in two weeks I could see the difference. My partner last week was a young looking fifty year old guy, who lost twenty pounds in six weeks doing this workout. The people in the class range from out of shape mom types, to SFU students, along with a few kickboxers who stay for the kickboxing as well. Mostly women in the class, but I can usually find a guy to partner with. The best deal is the monthly unlimited, and for an extra $20 or so, it lets you try all the classes. Just for fun, I have also tried the kickboxing class, which turned out to be great. I had taken a few martial arts (karate, judo) classes as a kid. These classes focus on the basics, and he teaches it so the techniques really make sense. He usually throws in a story about some guy getting hurt in the ring for doing the wrong technique, but it comes off funny, not scary. I don't plan on ever stepping into the ring, but it's very cool to finally learn the right way to throw a punch and a kick. The third option is the self defence class, which is very different. You won't sweat in this class, but you will learn practical moves, which appear to work. Again, I hope to never get in a fight, but it's fun to learn. I'm a firm believer that a good teacher makes all the difference. I really like George: he's highly qualified, he's definitely tough enough, but he's also very funny, in a very Eastern European way. Even if you don't live in the neighbourhood, it's worth a trip to check this place out.

I hate working out. I'm the one happily sitting in the pub scarfing back nachos and beer while…read morewaiting for my friends to finish their hot yoga/boot camp/crossfit classes. I reluctantly decided to start exercising, just to try to avoid all those yucky medical conditions that attack couch potatoes. A friend suggested kickboxing so we tried out Reality Martial Arts and... I can't believe how much I like it. It's a great workout that's also super fun, which I honestly believed to be impossible. It's nice to know that all the exercises we do are specific to kickboxing training, instead of the random moves you do in regular fitness classes. Don't expect the bells and whistles of a fancy gym - this is for 'real' training. The instructors are great and welcome guys and gals of all shapes, ages and fitness levels - no need to feel intimidated here. The schedule is very convenient, with loads of evening classes. For those who want to focus more on fitness than technique, they have cardio kickboxing too. Definitely the place to go to have fun, learn a new skill and get a complete workout in a friendly and supportive environment. Never thought I'd say this about a gym but I love this place!

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.

Westside's new location is even better than before. The new schedule has added classes to make it…read moreeasier to get great training sessions in. Super workout, awesome atmosphere and people. 5 stars for Westside Kickboxing!!!

All the staff are nice they help all the students to learn a good position to kick. The kids are…read morenow becoming more self discipline.

This place was home for me growing up. My mother, father and I received our black belts here and it…read moretaught me so many life altering lessons along my journey. TMD taught me discipline, dedication to my craft, work ethic, respect and so much more. The instructors at the dojo genuinely care and put in time to grow their students, especially Arneil. Grandmaster Jung and his wife are amazing people and I am fortunate to know them. If you are looking for a safe space to learn and grow in martial arts definitely give TMD a try. You won't regret it.

The quality of training at this martial arts school is second to none. Nothing compares to private,…read moreone-on-one lessons. They have group classes as well, so you can make new friends and practice techniques with other students. Highly recommended!

Excel Martial Arts has had a powerful positive impact on my son's life! 5yrs now and soon to be a…read moreblack belt! Highly recommend!

This is a very good martial arts experience for kids here. Autism friendly. Affordable. And they…read morepick up kids after school.

It's been an amazing journey for my eight year old at this gym. We have tried different BJJ gym…read morebut I was recommended to come see Marcus Soares for the best experience and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. We drive far each way to learn from this gym but we come three times a week and it's worth every minute. The growth my son have shown from the teachings here, both mentally and physically, is much greater than what I could have ever expected.