On Saturday, October 11, 2014, Gracie Barra Vancouver & Raz Chan Fitness presented Women's…read moreSelf-Defense Seminar as a fundraising event for Battered Women's Support Services. Seventeen women attended and it was excellent!! Much gratitude to Raz Chan, Anica Simon, Max Rathburn, Norm Leung, Andrea, Robert and Carla. It was excellent!!

Before coming to Gracie Barra, I had already been a hardcore MMA fan for years. That said, I'd…read morenever really trained in martial arts before and the few attempts were awful: I tried wrestling in college, but the program at my school consisted of doing around 600 crunches and countless push-ups while rarely actually receiving any instruction on techniques. The judo program I tried was filled with "alphas" who were more intent on putting new guys through the floor more than anything else. As such, you can understand my hesitation about joining a martial arts gym again. It was something I was naturally curious about but, given my prior experiences, extremely nervous. So after doing a LOT of research about all the various schools in the Vancouver and Richmond areas, I settled on Gracie Barra and now, a year later, I cannot imagine having chosen any other gym. One thing that really sets GB apart from other gyms is how beginner friendly their method of instruction is. New students are paired off with more experienced students who are more interested in helping and encouraging more than anything else. If you're not in the best physical shape or have never trained in a martial art, this is hugely beneficial. It'll encourage you to keep going and ensure that you keep getting better, learning all the time. GB emphasizes the "family" aspect, which means that all the students are there to help each other grow, not crush each other to satisfy their egos. Because of this, GB has a really, really positive atmosphere that makes it easy to learn and that'll keep you coming back until suddenly, you realize that you're not the new guy anymore. That's another thing too: Gracie Barra has fantastic people. Whether it's the instructors or your fellow students, these are all people that you'd genuinely want to hang out with. Even if it wasn't at all something you were expecting or looking for when you joined, you WILL end up making friends here, from all walks of life. I cannot overemphasize how huge a boon this is, especially for beginners. The bottom-line is this: if you're really interested in martial arts and want to get in shape, give this place a try. It doesn't matter if you're grossly out of shape or laughably uncoordinated and clumsy; GB WILL make you better without EVER annihilating you or making you feel badly about yourself. If you're nervous about trying a martial arts gym, there is nothing to fear about GB: just great people and great instructors. As for the technical aspects: Gracie Barra's bread and butter is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and there are students and instruction at all belt/skill-levels, with classes divided accordingly. There are also classes for muay thai, boxing, and conditioning. The average Gracie Barra class follows this structure: Warm-up (5-10 minutes genuinely geared to WARMING YOUUP, not making you puke) Technique 1 (usually a takedown, demonstrated, then drilled back and forth with a partner) Technique 2 (something on the ground, either a transition, escape, or submission) Technique 3 (again, something else on the ground, generally a natural extension of technique 2) Sparring So yeah, if you're at all interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or curious GO TO GRACIE BARRA! You will not regret it. There is no gym that is more supportive to your growth both as a person and as a martial artist.

PTT offers a great space with excellent instructors. This is definitely the place to train jiu…read morejitsu and muay thai in Abbotsford.

Beautiful gym, World class, and family friendly instructors…read more This gym has been built for the student, wether they be 4 or 40. The instructors here truly care that their students are having fun and enjoying themselves while they are learning. They have they biggest mats space in the lower mainland if not BC, and are kept super clean. I started jiu jitsu and fell in love with the sport, and wanted my young daughter (3 at the time, she's now 4 turning 5)to be able to join with me and have it something we can share. We had attempted to enroll her in another martial arts school in town, but the environment there was not nurturing to her and she hated it. (My worst fear) We switched to ptt Abby 3 weeks ago and I am overjoyed to report that she has a renewed passion and love for the sport, the coaches make her feel like family and keep things fun and light. Teaching her respect and discipline at the same time maintaining a caring demeanor. She went from barely being able to make it through a 30 min class at the other gym, to now she does 2 classes back to back for a total of 90min . She loves training with her friends and begs me after daycare to go to her class. The knowledge my daughter has learned in such little time has also helped her with dealing with a schoolyard bully by herself, and reinforcing her own self confidence. I can't say enough great thing about these guys. World Class instructors in a clean, friendly and welcoming environment. They are always available and having classes in the day and night really helps me maintain training consistently even though I'm a shift worker. Give these guys a trial and you will not be disappoint

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.

I was hesitant at first because I dislike drama, but I feel like this gym needs to be held…read moreaccountable, and this is the only way I can do it. I started bringing my 5- and 7-year-olds here for just under a year. They loved it; they made friends; my daughter competed in and won a huge tournament. I had truly thought I had found a treasure for my kids to grow in. My children are young, and the instructors here will encourage you, as a parent, to help your kids follow instructions and practice the techniques they are teaching. I had been doing this with my daughter and son every time we went; it was completely acceptable and encouraged. This is where everything went horribly wrong.....My daughter was practicing drills with a young boy I had known for quite some time. She was using the sweep technique incorrectly, so I quickly got on the floor with her and said, "Grab his collar or sleeves." Stop grabbing the back of his head. I got up and went back to my seat, as I had so many times before. I did not speak to this boy or even look at him; I only communicated with my daughter. For some reason, whatever I said to my daughter upset this boy; his mom became irate, and they stormed out of the gym. I got a call a few days later from 2 of the main coaches: "Jesse, we watched the video, and you did nothing wrong, but you can't come back to the gym. They also have cameras that prove everything I am saying. But because this boy is now disturbed by what I did and has a mother full of vitriol and hatred, their solution is to kick me out of the gym for doing exactly what they told me to do. I am the only one who can drive my kids to practice; they can no longer do jujitsu here. If you have kids and want to get them involved in Jujitsu, avoid this place at ALL COSTS. I imagine they will respond to this and try to defend themselves, but it's all bullshit, and I have proof. I will not forget this. And if the "mother" reads this, I hope you feel better about yourself. I hope hurting my children helps you and your child feel better, truly I do, at least you get something out of it, right? You should be so proud of yourself. What a great mother. Read less

Great gym. A great space to try out jiu-jitsu whether you're a seasoned veteran or a nervous…read morenewcomer.

My favorite place to train BJJ. The dojo is clean and very inviting. I enjoy training here…read morebecause the instruction is very technical and I feel safe sparing here. This is a Gracie Certified Training Centre which is very helpful because you get to follow a curriculum that is available online. Highly recommend.

What a slice of heaven! Great classes, wonderful people, and top notch all around.read more

Being a martial arts instructor and school owner myself, I can tell you there is a lot of value in…read morethe instruction at this dojo. If you're looking to learn joint locks, this is one of the best places to go in the area. Michael Seamark Kyoshi is one of the most proficient joint lock masters I've ever met in any style of Jujutsu. That being said, do not walk in there expecting to master this art in a few months. Joint locks are still a fine motor skill, and it takes a lot of training to be able to use them practically in self defense situations. Seamark Kyoshi does, however, have efficient teaching methods for imparting this knowledge and a friendly, welcoming training atmosphere. He also offers training in law enforcement oriented techniques, being an Advanced Security Training instructor with years of experience as a security professional. In addition to having some of the most painful joint locking techniques I've ever experienced, Seamark Kyoshi is also a skilled shiatsu practitioner, with training in the art a requirement at the higher levels of the style of KoKoDo Jujutsu. Under his skilled hands I have personally received treatment which accelerated the healing of a muscle pull I had. I have never tried the yoga at this school, taught by Diane Seamark, but I have heard good things about it.

This dojo is amazing! From the moment you walk in the door you are made to feel like family, very…read morewelcoming teachers and a group of students who are as dedicated to helping you grow as they are to their own learning. Under the guidance Michael Seamark Kyoshi this place offers practical martial arts in a safe environment free from ego and aggression, and allows people from all walks of life to walk the path of budo. I have practiced martial arts for 30 years or so and Michael Seamark Kyoshi is not only one of the most talented martial artists I have encountered but also has the ability and charisma to translate that talent to be an amazing teacher.

Best gym in BC! Clean appearance, friendly people, world…read moreclass great instruction. 3,000 square foot facility that includes a full boxing ring, state-of-the-arts mats, Octagon, bags, strength and conditioning weight room and more. Classes in Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing, Strength & Conditioning, Bootcamp

From the owner: At Mamba Martial Arts Academy (Mamba MMA) Abbotsford, we are a family friendly community-minded…read moremartial arts facility, open to everybody, that prides itself on providing a safe and positive environment that is disciplined and focused on morals, ethics and a martial way of life. Mamba MMA teaches beginner to advanced classes in Muay Thai/Kickboxing as well as Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for kids, teens & adults. -"Real Fighters, Real Training"

Great club! Great coaching! Clean new club. Hands on training with 4th degree black belt instructor…read moreEduardo Cadena. Strongly affiliated with several Infight Jiu-Jitsu clubs around the lower mainland and Brazil. Very positive training atmosphere. Club also has great cardio kickboxing classes, MMA classes and kids classes. There are a wide range of different types of students, some highly competitive tournament players, some just there for health and self defense. Everyone is welcomed. Really can't say enough about how great this club is.

Great cardio kickboxing classes in Burnaby! In the same location where Urban Fitness used to be…read more Classes run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays. Convenient location and great cardio and fitness work outs. Close to Starbucks!

very nice place they know what they do very friendly. Highly recommended. Everyone loves to go…read morethere. Hi recommended

From the owner: Learn. Apply. Survive…read more Urban Tactics Krav Maga is Metro Vancouver's top Krav Maga Self Defense school. We "Turn Lambs into Lions" on a daily basis. We also offer Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, fitness and programs for adults and kids. Learn confidence with practical skills while getting in shape in the process. Our ever-growing ensuite of offerings allows us to offer the overall best martial arts training to fit our students' unique needs and interests.