The Academy Toronto

Overall my experience was just fine. I did the trial but only made it to 1 Judo class due to scheduling conflicts. As a fellow Martial artist myself I felt kind of disrespected during the Judo class, more so by the female sensei who did not even introduce herself and just seemed uninterested in helping myself and another trial student out, she was also standoffish and just looked annoyed even when interacting with other students. The head sensei was very nice and introduced himself, shook hands. The female sensei just stood off to the side and just gave some of us dirty looks. As someone who is a Nidan in Goju-Ryu Karate ( I even told them ahead of time when asked if I had martial arts experience), it felt like I was disrespected in a way. It took myself and another new trial student to look over at the sensei to figure out what to do next. We then had a yellow belt come over to help us out, who might I add had some serious attitude. She claimed I was falling the wrong way (which I was doing how they wanted me too but I also break fall differently in Karate then that in Judo, but very similar), so I apologized and tried to fall how they wanted me to. I would have also liked to be paired up with a senior student who knew what to do and not another trial student because we both had no clue what to do. But it seemed none of the senior students wanted to help us out. I will say there were no egos from any BJJ or Judo students which is something I have dealt with in the past from BJJ trial classes. Location was way out of the way for me. I am closer to the Scarborough location. Price is fair if you get accepted and the manager is a nice guy.

Can't say enough positive things here! These guys are the best of the best at what they do. Their level of skill, knowledge, and dedication to Martial Arts is truly inspiring. They are the most authentic place I have found so far in Toronto and they even have a program for kids!As well, they are also located inside one of the coolest fitness facilities I have ever seen (Striation 6).The manager Dino went above and beyond to welcome me and get me started. From there I did Kickboxing with Sifu Justin and I have never been so challenged whilst still having a good time, and learning a great deal. Wins across the board :)Thanks guys!!! <3

My son's teacher told us he needed some Martial Arts to learn how to listen better. Both my boys have been going for a few months now and you can really start to see the results. The instructors are tough but you can tell they really care about their kids. The confidence level in my older son has increased as well. We are so happy with both their improvement so far and are looking forward to many more good days because of The Academy

I have only positive emotions about the Academy. I am with the club since 2019. Sensei Jose and Sensei Ana are very talented instructors. They will take you to the next level of understanding what Judo is all about.The management of the club is great.Happy training!

My four year old son and I both train at the Academy. I take the women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class three times a week. He just started the Children’s class. The quality of instruction at the Academy is incredibly high. Sensei’s Jose and Ana are remarkable teachers. Sensei Ana is equally effective and warm teaching four year olds as she is adults. The higher belts at the gym are all encouraging and friendly. I had wanted to try BJJ for years and I am so glad I lucked in to such a great gym almost by accident. 6/5 stars, love this place.

I started the kickboxing program at The Academy 2 months ago, and being new to martial arts was a bit wary, but the instructors were very welcoming and eager to teach us. Sifu Justin is well rounded in martial arts as well a world champion, cant beat that! I've also attended several jiu jitsu classes and am extremely impressed with their teaching process and patience. My overall experience here has been nothing but great!

My first time training and I was completely welcomed and felt safe to practice with everyone because of the level of respect and concern for each other the gym upholds. The academy feels more like a family they way they all communicate. The teachers have a great sense of humor- especially the manager Dino who was so welcoming that I even got to share this experience with my family on family day where we could all train and play games together. I wish I was still a kid so I could join the kids program here myself. I was scared at first about my body getting injured but with the teachers around always looking out for me and teaching me how to be safer and safer I see that maybe bjj is one of the martial arts I can practice.Great people, great vibes, family friendly, accessible this academy has taken great care of me. Thank you Ana Jose and Dino!(Also this gym has got a kickass friendly staff :)

The best Martial Arts school in the city (I have tried many). I am in the wrestling program myself and am really satisfied with the quality of the training, the experience and knowledge of the instructor, and overall my improvement in my wrestling game. Whether wrestling or another of the classes (kick-boxing, Judo, Jiu-jitsu) I definitely recommend the club to any one who is looking for a good way to have fun, socialize, be active and all the while learning self-defense skills!

I have been training at The Academy since January 2019. With no experience I began training in the women's only program. I expected to be physically and mentally challenged - and I was, and continue to be. However, I was not expecting the depth of love for the sport and for the community that has blossomed in me throughout 2019.Jiu-jitsu isn't only about shaping your physical ability on the mats, but it also ends up shaping your world off-the mats in positive ways. I feel this is , in large part, due to the inclusive, community spirit at The Academy. This is a gym that not only focuses on learning the techniques but also puts emphasis on being genuinely good people. The manager, Dino, is very forthright with the values of The Academy and keeps all the members and himself accountable to them. He has created a safe, encouraging and positive atmosphere in which to train.There are a lot of programs at The Academy, and every one of them is helmed by an experienced Sensei or coach. However, the women's program is truly unique. This is a sport that has dramatically less women than men but our women's only class is thriving.Sensei Ana is truly a talented instructor and she has become a mentor to the women in the program. She cares about every student's progress and will always take the time to answer questions, go-over techniques etc. She is invested in our goals and constantly empowers us to take the next step in the journey. In 10 months, I have learned more than I ever thought I was capable of learning - and this is because Sensei Ana knows how to structure a program that comprehensive and fluid. It is also important to note that Sensei Ana - and all Academy instructors - care deeply about safety. While BJJ is all about bringing the pressure

The Academy offers classes in various martial arts disciplines. I can only speak to the Jui Jitsu class, but I am astounded by the welcome I have enjoyed. Several beginners attend each class, and we are of widely varying ages, abilities, and levels of fitness. It doesn't matter. Participants are judged ONLY on their willingness to learn. If you can't do it, if you are exhausted, if you can't remember what they showed you 15 seconds ago (for the third time!)... you're fine. The Sensei (Instructor), the class leaders - in fact, every single person in the room - they love that you're trying. They want you to succeed, to come back, to love it as much as they do. It works.