5 Best Martial Arts Schools in Ottawa That Deliver More Than Just a Workout
You could throw a few kicks and punches in your living room, but let’s be honest—your couch doesn’t give feedback, and the cat will judge.
Martial arts schools in Ottawa give you mats, coaches, and a space designed for safe practice. Plus, it’s way more fun than trying to imitate a movie fight scene alone, right?
In this article, we dive into the best spots in the city where training goes beyond fitness!
How much does a martial arts class cost in Ottawa?
Martial arts classes in Ottawa typically cost around $14 for a drop-in session, while monthly memberships usually range from $150 to $200.
The exact price often depends on the school, program type (kids vs. adults), and training intensity.
Specialized programs like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tend to sit on the higher end of the spectrum.
1. Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts
Location: 1810 Carling Ave
Website: https://oama.ca/
Contact: +16137280880
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7AM – 9PM
- Friday: 11AM – 9PM
- Saturday: 10:15AM – 1:30PM
Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts is one of the city’s most established centers for combat sports and self-defense.
What stands out to me is the range of classes available, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai to structured lessons made just for children.
Tiny Tigers, for ages 3 to 6, is a favorite among families. Instead of boring drills, little ones play fun games that boost coordination, attention, and confidence.
Older kids move on to the Kids Program, which focuses more on personal protection and sharpening skills. Adults can join too, with BJJ or Muay Thai led by instructor Pat Cooligan—he’s actually Ottawa’s first BJJ black belt under Renzo Gracie.
Just a heads up: classes here can get crowded, and they’re a bit pricier compared to smaller local gyms.
Fees are clear and more than fair
“OAMA on Carling Ave is amazing!
Fees are clear & more than fair.
Workouts challenging & innovative.
Instructors are excellent.
They are really what keeps me coming back.
The instructors are top notch & inclusive regardless of your fitness level.”
– Kimberly Leclair, Google Review
The instructors are great at teaching various audiences
“I think the instructors are great at teaching to a varied audience (age, attention span, skill level). It’s nice to see class options that allow for more competitive spirits and ones that just come for the pleasure of it. It’s a friendly atmosphere and the staff are lovely and responsive to questions.”
– Michelle Robert, Google Review
2. Tina Takahashi Martial Arts
Location: #8, 1061 Merivale Rd
Website: https://tinatak.com/
Contact: +13438824655
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9AM – 9PM
This academy is led by legendary Canadian judoka Tina Takahashi, who brings over 40 years of experience. She guarantees expert guidance for anyone passionate about martial arts.
The instructors here aren’t just skilled—they’re world-class athletes who make each lesson challenging, engaging, and fun.
I really like how they have something for everyone: preschoolers enjoy a playful introduction to karate, while kids ages 6-12 gain confidence and master techniques through well-designed programs.
Adults aren’t left out either—they can pursue intensive training or simply focus on fitness and stress relief.
Schedules are structured but flexible enough, making it easy to fit sessions into a busy routine.
The only potential downside I noticed is the membership gym model; committing for several months may feel hefty if you’re just exploring your options.
Always pushing their students to become the best version of themselves
“Tina club has an amazing atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. The instructors are not only skilled, but caring and supportive, always pushing their students to become the best version of themselves. Thank you Tina”
– Moujib Bahri, Google Review
Great place, great people, top-notch instruction
“I quit martial arts 15 years ago and knew the family a bit. Signed up our daughter last year, and after watching her do it for a month, I thought, “Yeah, I could do this again,” and signed up myself. Great place, great people, top-notch instruction, would recommend for anyone interested in learning martial arts, it’s never too late to start! Now, if only these old bones could stop hurting…”
– Carl Lacelle, Google Review
3. Neak Ta Martial Arts
Location: 1181 Newmarket St
Website: http://www.neakta.com/
Contact: +16138596334
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4PM – 9PM
- Saturday: 11AM – 3:30PM
Neak Ta Martial Arts might be small compared to the big academies, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality.
They teach kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and even Pradal Serey, which is Cambodian kickboxing—so you get a mix of traditional and MMA-focused training.
I love that they help you track your progress with before-and-after photos and journals; it’s motivating to actually see your improvement.
What makes them even more commendable is that, despite being a competitive gym that produces fighters with amateur MMA records, their classes are surprisingly affordable.
If you’re curious, new students can jump in with a free trial to see if it clicks.
Such a great experience, and I couldn’t be happier
“Coach Sam welcomed me with open arms. It’s been such a great experience and I couldn’t be more happy. Taking the time to learn a new sport in the hopes one day to compete has been such a humbling experience and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time and effort everyone at the gym has shown me. Definitely a 10/10.”
– Jaden Taylor, Google Review
They don’t hold back on teaching techniques and advanced moves
“Awesome gym. Sam and Rodrigo are both great instructors with their interests entirely on the students. They do not hold back on teaching techniques and advanced moves (Like a certain other gym), Everybody is friendly and easygoing and the atmosphere is great and encouraging for all belt levels and skill levels.”
– Michael Sadaka, Google Review
4. Outlaw Martial Arts
Location: 207 Bayswater Ave
Website: http://www.outlawma.com/
Contact: +18199237575
Operating hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 5:30PM – 8:30PM
- Saturday: 8:30PM – 11:30AM
I think Outlaw Martial Arts is a solid pick if you want a school that feels homey but still pushes you to improve. The atmosphere is very family-friendly, which makes it less intimidating, especially for beginners.
Their programs are well-rounded. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu has a strong focus on self-defense and discipline, while Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taught under the lineage of Carlos Machado, meaning students can learn techniques tied to a respected BJJ system.
And if you want extra conditioning, the Bullkick and Bullfit sessions add a nice fitness boost.
That said, the schedule can be a limitation. Classes mostly happen on Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus Saturday mornings, so those looking for more flexible training times may find the options a bit tight.
My son has been attending Outlaw for 3 years, and it has done wonders for him
“My son has been attending Outlaw for three years and it has done wonders for him! The support and training he has received are helping him become a confident, caring young man and we are so proud of him. I would highly recommend Outlaw Martial Arts to anyone seeking to better themselves, get fit, and find a supportive family environment.”
– Liz Campbell-Bachand, Google Review
The teaching is always personalized to your level and goals
“Outlaw Martial Arts is more than just a martial arts school. I started training with them over 10 years ago with Sensei Mike, and it truly became a family. Everyone is welcomed, included, and respected, and the teaching is always personalized to your level and goals. It’s a place where you grow, learn, and push yourself.
I highly recommend it. 💯🥋”
– Samuel Leduc, Google Review
5. Gracie Barra Ottawa
Location: 250 City Centre Ave Unit 128
Website: http://gb-ottawa.com/
Contact: +16132324646
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2PM – 8:30PM
- Saturday: 9AM – 1PM
Gracie Barra Ottawa is part of the global Gracie Barra network. That means their class follows a clear system that makes learning the basics easier.
What I appreciate here is the variety of programs they offer. Kids work on self-defense while building discipline and confidence. Teens and adults, on the other hand, can train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or try Muay Thai kickboxing if they’re interested in striking.
The atmosphere is another plus. From what I’ve heard, it’s pretty welcoming—almost like a small community where people encourage each other during training.
They give new students a free trial as well, which helps if you want to check the vibe first before signing up.
However, a few locals did warn me about the extra costs along the way—like buying the gi, belt promotion fees, or joining tournaments. Evening sessions also draw big crowds, so the mat can feel packed during peak hours.
Safe rolls, good instruction, and a clean facility
“Visited this gym as I was visiting in Ottawa. I train at a gb in BC and this one was equally as friendly and hospitable. Safe rolls, good instruction and a clean facility.”
– Cory Schaeffer, Google Review
Everyone is down to help each other get better
“love training here. get to work with elite champion competitive fighters as well as amateur fitness enthusiasts. everyone is down to help each other get better. every coach is experienced and provides quality instruction”
– Akash Sinha, Google Review