If you are young, talented, and interested in competing, this is a great school. There are lots of…read moreopportunities to compete and lots of extra training to make you top notch. If you are anyone else, i.e. not young, not interested in competing, this is a terrible school. You are treated like a cash cow for the competitors. I was a member for over a year, not ONCE did an instructor correct a technique, adjust a stance, or give individual advice. Classes are run like machines. Everyone does the same thing at the same time with the instructor barely looking at the students. When the class is finished, the next one comes in so there are no opportunities to ask questions. The classes are physically demanding so you definitely get a good workout but if you are interested in being a better martial artist, forget it. If all you want is a workout, you are better off joining their cardio kick boxing class (which is very good). I've been a student in martial arts classes in Toronto, Ottawa, London (England), and San Francisco. I had high hopes for Douvris since they have a great competing reputation. However, my competing days are behind me and I was disappointed that at Douvris, the instructors would not look twice at me, despite my obvious enthusiasm and passion for martial arts. If you are a student of the martial arts and over 30, this is not the school for you.

I have been going to Douvris since the beginning of February, 2016. I signed up for the Total Body…read moreTraining program. This allowed me to attend up to 10 classes per week. The classes range from Power (boxing gloves and punching bag), Precision (team up with someone and practice sparring with boxing gloves), and Strength (exercise with weights and cardio). Each class is led by an enthusiastic and friendly instructor who know their routines. They inspire and motivate us, along with the great music playing in the background. At first, I was attending three classes per week. But, after a few months, I upped that to four classes per week. I am feeling fantastic! I have lost at least 2 inches on my waist and have gained 5 pounds. No, that isn't fat. :) Tomorrow, I am moving to Orleans, so I won't be going here anymore. I will miss it greatly. I thoroughly recommend this location if you are wanting to get in shape in a fun and entertaining way.

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.

Excellent instructor with Years of experience. Fun filled classes with interesting lessons await…read moreyou at this convinient west end location. I highly recommend this Extremely Effective Self Defense System to anyone interested in learning personal safety principals that may very well save your life one day. No better workout for all types of fitness levels. Dont hesitate to try a free class just to see why so many are now learning this new style over other popular Martial Arts.

From the owner: We teach the most effective and practical self-defence system in the world known as Krav Maga. Our…read moreclasses are fun and focus only on your safety, we start day at giving you the tools and the skills you hopefully never need to use in a real street confrontation. Come and train with us

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.

The training I get at Fang Shen Do is outstanding. Their instructors are extremely knowledgeable…read moreand know how to convey that knowledge to their students. My martial arts training with Fang Shen Do has allowed me to gain tremendous confidence in myself and become super fit both physically and mentally. There's no other training like it ! ..I would definitely recommend this kind of training to my friends and family. Keith.L.

Equipment are old , facilities are clean , convenient location for me . Staff are polite buy not…read morevery helpful.

Overall, my experience here has been excellent. Honestly, the biggest problem is a subset of other…read morecustomers who disregard the guidelines in place to ensure everyone can succeed. Sigh. I go primarily for yoga three or four times a week. Teacher quality is high, the main studio is clean and pleasant. There are lots of time options from early morning to evening. It works! I have tried a few other classes, including antigravity, spin, and - the most fun - Belly Dancing. Such a whoot! I was at a dedicated yoga studio close to work, which I loved, but now, working at home, this location saves me on travel time, membership, and gives me options to try and do more things. There is a good booking app so you always know what classes are coming up, and availability, and if you wish it, paid options for one on one coaching. Hubs joined recently and is making great use of the gym equipment, and yoga. He's way more hardcore than I am. Lol